Advanced Rock Climbing

Our Advanced Climbing Course is designed to help intermediate climbers continue progressing by developing the skills and knowledge needed to become safer, more self-sufficient climbers. While completing this course does not necessarily mean students are ready to climb independently, it provides a strong foundation to support future independent climbing adventures.

Students will spend the first day indoors, starting with belay tests to check off both top-rope and lead belaying. The remainder of the day will focus on mock leading and practicing advanced climbing movement techniques.

The next four days will take place at various outdoor climbing areas along the Front Range. On the second day, students will practice mock leads outdoors, and those who are ready may attempt real lead climbs under instructor supervision. On the third day, students will focus on outdoor bouldering, learning vital safety skills such as proper pad placement, spotting, and safe falling while testing their strength and technique on real outdoor boulders.

Thursday and Friday will introduce more technical topics. Students will learn about traditional climbing, including gear and anchor systems, and practice placing gear while completing mock leads. On the final day, students will review safe techniques for setting up and cleaning sport anchors and spend additional time practicing mock or real lead climbs, applying the skills they’ve developed throughout the week.

Our experienced instructors are excited to help budding climbers build independence, make safe decisions on and off the wall, and continue developing confidence, technical skills, and a love for climbing in a supportive and fun environment.

Participants of this course MUST have a minimum of a lead belay certification from a climbing gym OR have taken a CMC youth intermediate climbing class. It is expected that participants know all skills learned in the intermediate course and will be ready to jump into our advanced curriculum. If you are unsure if you qualify, or believe your camper is the right fit for this camp, please email youth@cmc.org with any questions. 

• Age: For youth going into grades 6-12. 
  • Dates: July 27-31, 2026
  • Location: This is a 5-day single-sport day camp. We will depart from CMC's Summer Basecamp in Golden, CO (Compass Montessori Golden). Transportation from the basecamp to and from outdoor climbing locations will be provided. 
  • • Cost: With CMC Family Membership - $658/week, Non-Members - $708week. CMC Members with a Family Membership receive $50 off. Learn about all the benefits of becoming a CMC member. 
    • Please note, if you have an individual membership and wish to sign up your child, you will need to create a separate guest account with a different email. You can also choose to upgrade your individual membership to a family membership to be able to register your child on your account and receive the discount.
    • Course fees include instruction, shared group gear (ex: ropes), harnesses, helmets, shoes, transportation from the basecamp to/from the trailheads, snacks, and backcountry permits.
    • AT CMC, WE BELIEVE THE OUTDOORS ARE FOR ALL. If you need financial assistance for our camps, click here to apply! If you would like to set up a payment plan to finance your next adventure, email us at youth@cmc.org
    • Refund/cancellation policy: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. At least a week prior to your camp you will receive another email with more details and information about the camp. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!