Climbing + Bouldering

Learn the skills to climb more than one pitch of a climb with a partner. We will spend our time together working through the systems, techniques and considerations that enable you to climb past the first anchor to the summit and get back down.  There will be ample time for practice and feedback.  This clinic is designed for individuals with previous lead climbing experience who are looking to learn the skills and risk management practices that allow you to scale taller routes. Prerequisite: UMN Outdoor Program Lead Certification 

Dates:

• 3/1/2025

Price:

• Free for members

Register 

Are you ready to take on the challenge and responsibility of sport lead climbing?  This clinic will introduce you to the technical and mental tools necessary to climb on the sharp end of the rope. You will work with a knowledgeable instructor who will explain and demonstrate the key skills you need to know and will provide ample time for hands-on practice and individual coaching.  All climbing equipment is provided.  Please note that in order to obtain a lead belay qualification at the U of M Climbing Gym, all climbers must pass a practical lead belay test at a later date.  Attending this clinic does not automatically qualify you to lead belay, but will prepare you to be successful in the practical test.  Prerequisites:  Competence in top rope belay technique (i.e. Belay certified at a Climbing gym) and the ability to top-rope routes graded 5.8 or higher is required. 

Dates:
All Lead Belay Clinics will take place from 12:30pm-3pm.

• 2/1/2025
• 2/22/2025
• 3/29/2025
• 4/6/2025 - Lead Belay Clinic Community Climb *10:00am - 1:00pm
• 4/19/2025
   

Price:

• $15, students
• $25, faculty/staff

Register 

Refund-Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given in the event that the Outdoor Program cancels a trip or clinic due to lack of registration, weather, or other extenuating circumstances.  Canceled trips or clinics will not be rescheduled to an alternate date.  
Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or 7 days from the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips will not be refunded.
Cancellations prior to 7 days before the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips are eligible for a 50% refund.
Registrations canceled within 72 hours from the time of registration are eligible for a full refund provided the 72 hour period falls outside of 7 days prior to the scheduled trip departure or pre-trip meeting date.
Cancellation and refund requests should be directed to [email protected].

Climbing is a lifelong sport full of improvement, adventure, and trying new things! “How to Progress in Climbing” will supply you with the tools you need to become stronger both physically and mentally in the sport, allowing you to further your climbing adventure. From this clinic, you will have a good knowledge base to help you better navigate improving your climbing skill, technique, and strength. During the clinic, participants will learn how to set attainable goals in climbing as well as find training methods that work best to achieve these goals. Finally, participants will be able to get advice and ask questions of our clinic instructors as well as reflect on what “progress” means in climbing. 

Dates:

• 2/8/2025 

Price:

• $15, students
• $25, faculty/staff

Register 

Refund-Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given in the event that the Outdoor Program cancels a trip or clinic due to lack of registration, weather, or other extenuating circumstances.  Canceled trips or clinics will not be rescheduled to an alternate date.  
Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or 7 days from the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips will not be refunded.
Cancellations prior to 7 days before the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips are eligible for a 50% refund.
Registrations canceled within 72 hours from the time of registration are eligible for a full refund provided the 72 hour period falls outside of 7 days prior to the scheduled trip departure or pre-trip meeting date.
Cancellation and refund requests should be directed to [email protected].

If you like to climb and want to take the next step towards climbing independence, this clinic is for you.  The Top Rope Belay Clinic will cover everything you need to know to climb as safely as possible in a top-rope gym setting including harnesses, equipment, knots, climbing commands, and belay technique.  You will work with a knowledgeable instructor who will explain and demonstrate the key skills you need to know and will provide ample time for hands-on practice and individual coaching.  All climbing equipment is provided.  Please note that in order to obtain a belay qualification at the U of M Climbing Gym, all climbers must pass a practical belay test at a later date.  Attending this clinic does not automatically qualify you to belay, but will prepare you to be successful in the practical test.  

Dates:
All Top Rope Belay Clinics will take place from 10am-12pm.

• 2/1/2025
• 2/22/2025
• 3/2/2025 - Top Rope Belay Clinic Community Climb
• 3/29/2025
• 4/19/2025
   

Price:

• $10, students
• $20, faculty/staff

Register 

Refund-Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given in the event that the Outdoor Program cancels a trip or clinic due to lack of registration, weather, or other extenuating circumstances.  Canceled trips or clinics will not be rescheduled to an alternate date.  
Cancellations within 7 days of the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or 7 days from the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips will not be refunded.
Cancellations prior to 7 days before the scheduled trip departure date for day trips and clinics or the scheduled pre-trip meeting for multi-day trips are eligible for a 50% refund.
Registrations canceled within 72 hours from the time of registration are eligible for a full refund provided the 72 hour period falls outside of 7 days prior to the scheduled trip departure or pre-trip meeting date.
Cancellation and refund requests should be directed to [email protected].

If you want to improve your climbing skills, you need to know the fundamentals of climbing training.  Whether you are a newer climber looking to develop your abilities or an experienced climber looking to gain the edge you need to send a project, the underlying principles of climbing training are the same.  The knowledge you gain from this clinic will help you plan and implement a training program that works for you whether that involves a spreadsheet and a yearlong training macrocycle or simply setting small goals each time you climb to get the most out of a session.  Clinic participants will be provided with a number of worksheets, training documents, and resources they can use in the future.  The clinic will start with a goal setting exercise and individual assessment of climbing strengths and weaknesses.  From there, we will address the triangle of climbing skills:  technical skills, physical fitness, and the mental game.  This holistic approach will provide you with activities and drills to improve in each of these areas in alignment with your goals and personal strengths and weaknesses.  Additionally, the clinic will cover building out a structured training plan.  There is no one size fits all approach to climbing training - this clinic will empower you with the knowledge you need to create your own training plan, whether simple or complex, in a way that fits into your life and your goals. 

Dates:

• 4/5/2025
   

Price:

• Free for members 

Register