Is previous climbing experience required for the SPI Course?

Yes, candidates should have solid single pitch climbing skills and experience with lead climbing before enrolling.

How long does the SPI certification take to complete?

The course is an intensive 27-hour program typically delivered over 3-4 days.

What certification does the SPI Course prepare me for next?

It is a prerequisite for advanced AMGA certifications like Rock Guide and Apprentice Rock Guide.

Where is the SPI Course held?

While the certification is recognized nationally, this offering takes place near Moab, Utah’s renowned climbing areas.

Can beginners join this course?

No, the course is designed for experienced climbers aiming to become instructors, not beginners.

What safety standards does the SPI course follow?

The program adheres to AMGA safety protocols recognized internationally for climbing instruction.

Single Pitch Climbing Course in Moab, UT | Workshop | Sports

Moab, Utah, carved from ancient red sandstone, sets the stage for the Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Course, a benchmark certification for climbing educators. This program, renowned as the only internationally recognized SPI certification in the United States, offers climbers a deep dive into the art and technique of single pitch rock climbing instruction. Over 27 hours, participants sharpen their personal climbing proficiency while mastering the skills necessary to teach newcomers confidently in some of the most iconic desert landscapes around.

Located a short drive from Moab’s dramatic sandstone fins and delicate arches, the SPI Course immerses candidates in terrain that challenges and hones every instructional skill. With a focus on single pitch scenarios, this training equips climbers with the ability to assess risk, plan routes, and deliver clear, safe guidance to learners. Moab’s unique geology—featuring Navajo Sandstone formations and sprawling desert flora—provides an unparalleled outdoor classroom where every lesson unfolds against a backdrop of sweeping canyons and bright blue skies.

What sets this course apart is its balance of rigorous technical training and practical teaching experience, making it a must for aspiring climbing guides and instructors. The SPI certification is also the gateway to advanced American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) credentials. As Moab continues to expand as a hub for outdoor adventure, having formal instructor training right here ensures the highest safety and educational standards for those eager to share the climb.

Situated near the city of Moab, this course ties into a thriving climbing community enriched by the legacy of desert rock and the spirit of mountain stewardship. For rock climbers seeking to elevate their expertise and become certified instructors, the SPI Course in Moab is more than training—it's participation in a growing culture of safe, skilled desert climbing.

About The Backcountry Pros LLC

The Backcountry Pros LLC is a Utah-based guiding and education company specializing in backcountry skiing, avalanche education, and technical climbing instruction. The team offers a range of hands-on experiences — from single-day clinics to multi-day mentorships and heli-assisted ski touring — focused on practical skills, decision-making, and safe mountain travel. Instructional offerings include Advanced Backcountry Skiing Mentorship, Backcountry Skiing Mentorship, Ski Mountaineering Course, Level I (Uinta Mountains), Avalanche I Refresher, Heli Assisted Ski Touring, Intro to Trad Climbing, Multi Pitch Self Rescue, Advanced Ice Techniques, and Ice Intro Clinic.

Courses combine classroom and fieldwork when appropriate, with Zoom sessions, guided field days, basecamp-style mentorship, and real-world scenario practice. The Backcountry Pros LLC emphasizes small groups and a limited instructor-to-student ratio to maximize individualized feedback and hands-on coaching. Professional ski instructors and certified guides lead technical lessons in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, covering avalanche forecasting, companion rescue, ski travel techniques, ice screw placement, anchor building, and multi-pitch self-rescue.

Safety and evidence-based decision making are core priorities; students practice terrain assessment, hazard interpretation, and rescue drills in real mountain settings. The company’s programs are designed for progressing skiers and climbers seeking measurable skill development, confidence in complex terrain, and the ability to plan and execute safe backcountry trips. Booking information, prerequisite details, and course logistics are provided for each trip to ensure participants arrive prepared for a productive and secure learning experience. Industry-standard safety protocols and hands-on mentorship create measurable progress and lasting skills for responsible mountain travel across winter and alpine environments.