NSAC Trad Climbing Course Summer 2026: Registration opens on January 1, 2026.
In 2026, we are introducing a brand-new program: the Trad Climbing Course. This course is specifically designed for climbers who want to transition from bolted sport routes to using their own rack. It serves as the ideal preparation for the Adventure Climbing course or for anyone dreaming of climbing independently in areas where you must rely on your own gear and skills to reach the top.
During this week, we will visit various climbing areas (potentially featuring different rock types) to master the fundamentals of single-pitch trad climbing.
What will you learn?
As this is the inaugural year, we are currently finalizing the program. You can, at the very least, expect to cover the following topics:
- Gear Proficiency: How do cams and nuts work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
- Placement Techniques: How to find and assess the perfect placement for your gear.
- Anchor Building: Building safe anchors using exclusively mobile protection.
- Crack and Jamming Techniques: Learning the art of the jam.
- The Mental Aspect: How to build confidence in your own gear placements.
- Route Selection & Topo Reading: How to identify a line in the face that is suitable for trad gear.
- Safety: Physics of mobile protection (force distribution) and preventing “zippering.”
Location & Dates
Location: TBD (We are looking for areas with diverse rock types such as sandstone, granite, or limestone).
Date: Will be announced as soon as possible.
Price
The costs for this course will be communicated shortly. This will include instruction and accommodation, but excludes travel expenses and food.
Skill Requirements
- Active member of a SAC.
- Possession of an OVSP certificate (Outdoor Lead Climbing Single Pitch).
- Able to comfortably lead 5c outdoors (sport climbing).
- An eager-to-learn attitude and the ambition to progress toward Adventure Climbing or alpine tours.
Selection of Participants
Selection is based on the information provided in the registration form, focusing on your climbing experience and your motivation to learn trad climbing.
Registration
Registration opens on January 1, 2026.