WELCOME
to the
Exkursion School of Mountaincraft

 

 
Under the direction of Fred Gunter, the Exkursion School of Mountaincraft, Inc. has been teaching and guiding successful students for over 30 years! With the most experienced staff in the Pittsburgh area, our rock climbing classes take you on your newest adventure!

 
Classes include:
Top-rope Workshop
Multi-pitch Workshop
Placing protection Workshop
 Private Guiding
Beginner/Intermediate Backpacking
Orienteering
To Register: Call (412) 372-7030

 

 
Top-Rope Workshop
 
Want to learn how to climb? Do you already climb indoors, but you want to learn how to climb safely outside? Our course is designed for you. We provide a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing; no previous experience is necessary. Topics covered in this class include: knot-tying, building anchors, belaying, rappelling, the proper use of equipment and the art of moving efficiently on rock. We provide all specialized equipment. Upon completion of our course, each student will have rigged a climb, set up a belay, and climbed a variety of routes on top rope. The class meets 3 times: 2 indoor workshop sessions and one full day out on the rocks.
 
The minimum age for class is 14. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 16.
 
ONCE YOU HAVE TAKEN OUR TOP-ROPE WORKSHOP, YOU MAY CLIMB AT NO CHARGE WITH ANY OF OUR SUBSEQUENT OUTDOOR SESSIONS!!!
 
COST: $95
 
Top-Rope Workshop - 2009 Dates
Class
#
 Indoor Sessions
 
7-9 PM Exkursion Monroeville		 Outdoor Sessions
 
All Day
1April 16 & 23 (Thurs)April 26 (Sun)
2May 6 & 13 (Wed)May 16 (Sat)
3May 28 & June 4 (Thurs)June 7 (Sun)
4June 15 & 22 (Mon)June 27 (Sat)
5July 2 & 9 (Thurs)July 11 (Sat)
6July 22 & 29 (Wed)Aug 2 (Sun)
7Aug 17 & 24 (Mon)Aug 29 (Sat)
8Sept 16 & 23 (Wed)Sept 27 (Sun)

 
 Multi-Pitch Workshop
 
Ready to climb beyond top-roping? Interested students must either have completed our Top-Rope Workshop or have demonstrated proficiency in the fundamental skills of belaying and rappelling. Students should also be able to climb a grade 5.5. Our class teaches techniques unique to a multi-pitch environment; each student receives a hands-on introduction to skills such as belaying a leader, rope management, assessing anchors and multi-pitch rappelling.
 
DATES: By Appointment
COST: $150 per day
Placing Pro Workshop
 
Considering lead climbing? Or do you already lead, but wish to improve the placement of your pro? This clinic is for you! Our one-day workshop will have students placing hundreds of pieces, each placement evaluated for its security with suggestions on how it may be improved. Cams, nuts, hexes--If you have them on your rack, we'll help you to use them more effectively. If you are new to "trad" climbing, we can provide the hardware.
 
DATES: By Appointment
COST: $65
Private Guiding
 
Looking to expand your climbing resume? Or do you need to augment your skills? We can craft a day on the rock to suit your individual climbing ambitions. One on one--at your own pace!
 
DATES: By Appointment
COST: $150

 

 

 

 
Beginner/Intermediate Backpacking
 
Have the desire but lack the experience? Join us for a weekend venture into the nearby wilderness and gain the confidence to mount your own adventures. Skills and topics include equipment, packing and planning, hiking technique, food and cooking, and living well in the outdoors!
 
DATES: Check back for dates (indoor at Exkursion 7-9)
and Check back for dates (Laurel Highlands Trail)
COST: FREE!!
Orienteering (Map and Compass)
 
Navigation can be difficult, but after an Exkursion Orienteering class you'll be prepared to find your way through the most dense pine forests and worst whiteouts. Usually held in nearby Boyce Park, the class is an enjoyable half-day that offers real take-home skills!
Note: Please bring a compass or GPS or pick one up at the store. Dress for the weather, we go out rain or shine.
 
DATES: Check back for dates
COST: $20

 
Other specially designed courses in climbing, rigging, or rappelling may be arranged by calling (412) 372-7030.
 

 

 

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