Over 30 Adventures
To Choose From!
Reserve Yours Today Online
or call or email us anytime:
1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3
adventures@sportchalet.com
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Mountaineering
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Activity Level
Beginner |
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Total beginner and can meet the standards below.
- Class Time: 2-4 hours per day
- Distances: Can walk/ hike/ paddle 3 miles in a 2-4 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Flat, even "on trail" or calm water paddling
- Water Exposure: None unless it's raining
- Altitude: Course location may be at elevations up to 7,000 ft
- Elevation Change: Little to none
- Equipment Used: Hiking shoes, hydration and day / fanny pack
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Active |
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New to outdoor adventure but participates in a regular exercise program 2-3 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very few committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing may be required.
- Class Time: 4-6 hours per day (possible camping)
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 5 miles in a 4-6 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Steep, even "on trail" hiking. Some beginner climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls or calm water or class I currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Shallow wading or stream crossing
- Altitude: up to 8,000 ft
- Elevation Change: up to 2,000 ft per day
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets
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Moderate |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 3-4 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Several committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing will be required.
- Class Time: 6-8 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 8 miles in a 6-8 hour time period on the surfaces and elevations listed below some camping living in the back country
- Surfaces: Steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with some scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Some beginner to intermediate climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Some waves or class II currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Waist deep wading and or multiple shallow stream crossings with a pack on
- Elevation Change: up to 3,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking / climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, simple rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Vigorous |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 4-5 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress but certain obstacle evasion points along the course.
- Class Time: 8-10 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 12 miles most days and live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class III currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Must be able to swim under supervision in Class I current with a backpack
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
- A doctor's release may be required
- Equipment Used: Hiking and climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, PFD, advanced rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Strenuous |
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Very experienced with outdoor adventure and regular fitness program 5-6 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress or obstacle evasion at any point.
- Class Time: 10-14 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle 12+ miles per day on the surfaces and elevations listed below and be able to live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class IV currents if paddling
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Water Exposure: Constant, deep pools, fast current swimming up to class II possibly unsupervised for brief moments.
- Altitude: may exceed 14,000 ft
- A doctor's release may be required
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Mountaineering Overview
The expert instructors at Sport Chalet Adventures offer up year round basic mountaineering courses to get you started. These instructional programs will get you ready to tackle your next ascent. Most of our programs are geared toward entry level participants who are thinking about getting started on the mountains. We use the latest techinical gear and practice industry standard techniques. Our instructors carry certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association, the Professional Climbers Instructor Association, and the Leave No Trace Institute. If you are looking for a great intro to various forms of mountaineering, check out our options. We'll see you on the mountain!
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Course Types
Intro To Backpacking
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Price: $270 Days: 2
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Activity Level -
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Description:
The two-day overnight backpacking course is a great way to introduce yourself to being in the outdoors. We'll cover basic packing principles including pre-planning including choosing a good route, packing your pack for success, and food options. We keep our mileage relatively low (3-5 miles per day) as the goal is learning the skills with plenty of time to practice for success.
Adventure Locations:
Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the Angeles National Forest
Intro To Backpacking Details
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Intro To Snow Camping
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Price: $270 Days: 2
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Our two day course which covers the finer points of snow camping is perfect for mountaineers looking to move into the world of snow or just backpackers wanting to enjoy the beauty of winter camping. During this course, we will take time to build snow shelters (conditions permitting), analyze most of the dangers associated with snow camping including avalanche risk assessment, learn how to efficiently and safely use snowshoes, food options, energy conservation, winter navigation in whiteout conditions, and basic first aid.
Adventure Locations:
Sequoia National Park
Intro To Snow Camping Details
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Intro to Mountaineering
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Price: $270 Days: 2
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Activity Level -
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Description:
This is a great course for those thinking about tackling the mountaineers route at Mt. Whitney or any of the other semi-technical introductory mountain routes in the Western United States. We spend two days in Sequoia National park learning basic rope travel, ice axes and crampon use including self-arrest techniques, the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), how to safely use axes and crampons, safe travel techniques through snow and scree, and basic mountain navigation.
Adventure Locations:
Sequoia National Park
Intro To Mountaineering Details
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Survival School
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Price: $405 - $495 Days: 3
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Activity Level -
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Description:
This class is designed for people with basic to little knowledge of survival skills. This class takes a low tech approach to survival and emphasizes using available resources and basic tools to prepare you for a survival situation. We cover basic bushcraft - how to locate a suitable location for a shelter and the basics of shelter building; how to locate water sources as well as purification techniques; basic fire starting - both with items from a survival kit as well as with a bowdrill; and recognizing potential sources of food and how to go about acquiring them.
Adventure Locations:
Phoenix, Joshua Tree National Park, and Sequoia National Park
Survival School Details
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Guided Adventures
If you're looking specifically for a mountaineering day, please contact us at adventures@sportchalet.com or by calling 1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3.
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Mountaineering Gear Checklist
Recommended Gear:
- Hiking Shoes: broken-in and able to get wet
- Socks: thick, wool, synthetic
- Emergency Space Blanket
- Signal Mirror
- Whistle
- Flint
- Fleece pants
- Fleece top *
- Rain pants, waterproof, breathable *
- Rain top, waterproof breathable *
- Beanie
- Backpack with waist strap *
- 1 1-liter bottle
- Personal prescriptions or medications
- Headlamp *
- Camera, secure storage for water (optional)
- Spare contact lenses or glasses (optional)
* Provided by Sport Chalet Adventures by request
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About Our Instructors
We are committed to providing the most qualified instructors and guides in the industry. Each of our adventures is led by a senior guide or instructor who specializes in the particular location and sport in which you are participating. Our staff holds many certifications from industry agencies including the American Mountain Guide Association, Professional Climbing Instructors Association, Peak Rescue Institute, Rescue 3 International, Wilderness Medicine Institute, the West Coast Canyoneering Methodology, and the Leave No Trace Institute. The list of staff below is a partial list and gives you an idea of the experts who lead our trips.
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Darren Jeffrey
Darren Jeffrey, the president of ATS, has pioneered the sport of canyoneering in the United States over the last decade, including over 100 canyoneering first descents in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Washington and Utah. His innovative techniques and gear designs have continued to push the sport forward, increasing safety margins across the board. With a varied range of certifications including PCIA, AMGA, NFPA, and SRT and an extensive history of life experiences, Darren is easily one of the most skilled canyoneering instructors in the world and one of the top rock climbing and canyoneering instructors at ATS.
Courses: Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, V; All Rock Climbing; Intro to Mountaineering; Snow Camping
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J.J. Getskow
J.J. has completed extensive training in a variety of fields to present himself as an expert guide. JJ can be found assisting with canyoneering and rock climbing programs, when not off leading backpacking treks, or visiting jungles in remote corners of the globe. J.J. is always quick with a joke and one of the most charismatic instructors we have.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering,Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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Sandra C.
When Sandra is not backpacking through the Sierra or rock climbing in Yosemite, she can be found leading many of the multisport programs to our exotic locations. Sandra's heart truly lies in the outdoors and this love for adventure clearly shows on all her trips. WCCM, LNT, WMI certifications and a winning smile make Sandra a great asset to our team.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, Stillwater Kayaking, Ocean Kayaking, All Trekking
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Travis McDaniel
A co-founder of the WCCM and Vice-President of ATS shows the passion Travis holds toward the sport of canyoneering and adventure in general. Travis is a true adventurer at heart and when not off saving the planet, he can be found searching out new locations for future trips. With certifications from Rescue 3, WMI, and the PCIA, Travis continues to teach adventures in every discipline as one of our most requested guides.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Chase Rivera
Chase Rivera, a certified ACA whitewater kayak instructor, has an in-depth fitness background with multiple certifications from the NASM. The Fitness and MultiSport Director for ATS since 2007, Chase has proven himself in the field many times over and freely dispenses his extensive knowledge on the human body. If you go on one of our many kayak adventures, the chances are good that Chase will be there.
Adventures: Intro to Whitewater, Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Multisport
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Gavin Santillan
Gavin Santillan is one of the most highly skilled instructors at ATS. Whether off exploring new slot canyons in Utah, rock climbing in Los Angeles, or dreaming of the jungle rainforests in Mexico, Gavin has adventure on the brain. Gavin can frequently be found leading canyoneering programs and teaching our survival school. A natural born teacher, Gavin effortlessly imparts his extensive knowledge to all his students.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, All Trekking
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Chuck Chapman
You would be hard pressed to find a more honorable human than Chuck Chapman. A native of Arizona, Chuck spends every second of his free time researching and exploring adventures throughout the Southwest. With extensive experience in desert survival, Chuck always has a good story to tell. Being a patient teacher has made Chuck our top instructor in Arizona.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School, All Trekking
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Jace Getskow
Jace Getskow always finds peace in the middle of any chaotic canyoneering route. A natural at the sport, Jace sees waterfalls in his dreams. A kinesiology major has trained Jace on the movement of the human body making him a perfect teacher to instruct you on moving down and through a waterfall.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Survival School, All Trekking
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Johnnie Braden
Johnnie has an extraordinary passion for showing people the natural world. His thirst for adventure is only quenched when he is able to show people a side of nature very few ever witness. With ATS, WMI, and Rescue 3 certifications, Johnnie is a great instructor to trust in the field. When not off exploring the deserts of Death Valley or the rainforests of Maui, Johnnie can be found leading canyoneering, trekking, and survival schools courses.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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R.B. Hopkins
R.B. is one of the most easygoing guys you will ever meet. He is also one of our most well-rounded instructors and assists on our trekking, paddling, canyoneering, and rock climbing programs. On his off days, he can be found riding his horse through the local mountains, out exploring some single track on his bike, climbing some crags in Joshua Trek, or hiking through the Sierra.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Overview and Courses
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Gear Checklist
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Meet The Instructors
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