Light & Fast Alpinism (2-Day)
This 2-day alpinism course will practice mental and technical skills for alpine traverses in the Rocky Mountains and elsewhere. Time is of the essence with “ultra” style traverses and the use of ropes/protection is minimal, but essential in certain situations. Learning light and fast alpine climbing techniques can open up a new approach to common peaks or high alpine traverses where safety and timing are key.
Course Dates
- Jul 11-12, 2026 (Saturday-Sunday)
Are you interested in building alpinism skills to climb The Grand Traverse in the Tetons, The WURL (Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Link-up), Cirque Traverse in the Wind Rivers, Crestones, Blanca, Maroon Bells or any other light and fast alpine adventure? If so, this 2-day course is for you!
Light & Fast Alpinism Course Curriculum
Day 1: Mental & Technical Skills
- Prepare mentally and physically to become comfortable moving quickly on moderate terrain
- Learn best practices for minimizing the use of protection, ropes and fixed belays
- Climb and descend moderate pitches (up to 5.6)
- Use of running protection and terrain belays
- Discover the best light and fast gear
- Learn how to pack properly for your alpine traverses
Day 2: Short Alpine Traverse
- Take all your skills from day 1 for a spin
- Apply terrain belays where possible
- Practice down climbing moderate terrain
- Learn to spot followers vs. belaying
- Read terrain and understand how to recognize terrain features to lower and rappel off to save time and gear
- Practice lowering first climber and rappelling
Max Student : Instructor Ratio
3 : 1
Course dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- Experience hiking and introductory climbing skills are recommended.
Fitness & Skill Level
- You must be able to easily hike several miles on variable, uneven terrain (at 7,000′-10,000′ elevation).
- This is an intermediate course.
This 2-day course takes place in one of Salt Lake City’s local canyons (expect to be in the field for 8 hours). Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation.
SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION
The usual meeting time and place are 8 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to registered guests before the course date.
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you directly by email to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at [email protected]
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 3 participants register.
Light & Fast Alpinism COURSE EQUIPMENT LIST
- Comfortable and flexible pants and top
- Light puffy overcoat and or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
- Climbing / rappelling gloves (leather type)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 2 liters of water
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Day pack (25-45 liters)
- Belay device
- Harness
- Helmet
- Sticky rubber approach shoes, mountain running shoes or light hiking boots
Please see our Mountaineering Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Guidebooks
Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
How old do I need to be to climb?
Students must be at least 14 years of age to join a group course.
Should I wear pants or shorts?
Long pants will protect your legs from abrasive rock.
Where do I meet my guide?
The guide will arrange a specific meeting location and time with you. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.
