Is prior rescue or climbing experience required?

No, the course is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers.

What should I bring to the course?

Bring your climbing gear, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Will the training cover real rescue scenarios?

Yes, the course emphasizes practical, scenario-based rescue techniques.

Is this course suitable for youth?

Participants should be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult if under 18.

Can I take this course if I’m visiting Montana?

Absolutely, it’s designed for visitors and locals alike.

Are there any safety precautions due to COVID-19?

The course follows current health guidelines to ensure a safe experience for all participants.

Climbing & Rescue Training at Whitefish Vertical Adventures

Whitefish Vertical Adventures, located in the scenic mountain town of Whitefish, Montana, offers an essential training program for climbers—Rock Rescue 101. This course is perfect for climbers of all levels looking to sharpen their rescue skills in a real-world setting. Set against the rugged backdrop of Glacier National Park’s surroundings, the training focuses on practical rescue techniques, including simple haul systems and complex descents, using your own climbing gear. Participants learn to handle emergency situations confidently—whether you're a local adventurer or a visiting climber. What sets Whitefish Vertical Adventures apart is their hands-on approach. The instructors are seasoned mountain rescue experts who bring real-world experience to every session, ensuring that every attendee leaves with the knowledge to respond safely under pressure. The Montana landscape offers unique geologic features perfect for practicing in varied scenarios, adding a tactile dimension to your safety toolkit. Whitefish itself is a hub for outdoor recreation, with a vibrant climbing community and easy access to craggy cliffs, making it an ideal location for rescue training.

The course runs throughout the year, with flexibility for seasonal weather changes, giving climbers a chance to hone their skills in different conditions. It's suited for individuals in good physical shape, capable of handling some strenuous activity, and no prior rescue experience is necessary. Participants should bring sturdy climbing shoes, a helmet, and gloves.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a newcomer eager to learn safety essentials, Rock Rescue 101 by Whitefish Vertical Adventures empowers you to climb with confidence. With its expert instructors, scenic setting, and focus on practical skills, this program truly stands out in the Montana climbing scene, making it a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts committed to safety and adventure.

About Whitefish Vertical Adventures

Whitefish Vertical Adventures is a guiding company based in Whitefish, Montana, offering guided rock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry skiing experiences in the Flathead Valley and surrounding ranges.

Programs include lift-accessed backcountry skiing (half-day and full-day) tailored for advanced and expert skiers and splitboarders; half-day ice climbs in Bad Rock Canyon and full-day frozen-waterfall ascents such as the Serenity Falls experience; multipitch rock clinics; single-pitch lead courses; Rock Rescue 101; a Backcountry Basics one-day clinic; and private rock climbing trips guided by AMGA certified instructors.

Trips are delivered as private or small-group experiences that emphasize skill development, safety, and route selection appropriate to participant ability and local conditions. The Backcountry Basics clinic caps enrollment at four participants to maximize hands-on instruction and decision-making practice. Ice climbing options include 30–40 foot routes near trailheads for skill building and longer 20–70 foot waterfall climbs for progressive learning; technical ice gear is provided on those trips. Rock clinics focus on anchor building, top belaying, efficient anchor transitions, rappelling, and lead climbing techniques on both bolted and traditional systems. Rock Rescue 101 teaches practical rescue sequences using standard climbing hardware.

Guides tailor each outing to participant goals and changing mountain conditions, with instruction in navigation, emergency planning, and safe group management. Offerings are available in half-day and full-day formats to match experience level and desired intensity. Bookings accommodate custom objectives such as skill progression or guided terrain exploration, and participants receive pre-trip information covering equipment, fitness expectations, and weather considerations.