Winter has definitely arrived in some parts of southern Ontario, with some of us sharpening our ice tools and others heading to the climbing gym for the winter. However, it seems like there are still a few sunny days here and there to tempt the hardy climber. At this time of year, it is tempting to make a hot chocolate, wrap up in a blanket, and start planning for the coming season.
2025 Schedule
The 2025 Open Course Calendar has been posted, although many more dates will be added as we complete our roster for the coming season. Already on the calendar are our first Top-rope Meet-up and Sport Climbing Day, skills clinics, each of our regular courses and even a couple days at Calabogie in the Ottawa region. I am hoping to add some special programming next summer depending on guide availability, to be outlined in our next update!
PCGI Guide Courses
The PCGI Top Rope Guide and Single Pitch Guide Courses are a wonderful way to learn to apply your climbing skills to instruction and risk management for other climbers, whether you are just taking out some friends or plan to work as a professional guide. These courses help candidates hone their skills, while offering valuable feedback and coaching in a supportive environment.
2025 Guide Courses will be scheduled in the next month or two, so interested climbers or guides should contact us now, indicating interest and availability. For climbers interested in working with On The Rocks, please contact us directly at info@ontherocksclimbing.com
Climbing Courses and Adventures
New this year, we have streamlined our offerings, making it easier to find course details and requirements. Some courses and clinics are only on the Calendar, so keep your eyes open! If there is anything missing, or a previously offered course you would like to take, just contact us and we will make it happen!
Climbing Adventures focus on climbing rather than learning skills, and now have three categories: Top-rope, Intermediate and Multi-pitch.
Top-rope Adventures are for groups of 1-6 climbers at any level (beginners welcome), where ropes are set up in advance to maximize climbing time.
Intermediate Adventures may include top-rope, sport, trad and rappelling, depending on the group's experience and ability, for groups of 1-4 more experienced climbers.
Multi-pitch Adventures introduce (or review) the skills necessary to follow short multi-pitch climbs. This is appropriate for a small group of 1-2 climbers with previous outdoor experience.
Group bookings can now also be made through the website, although larger groups (more than 6 climbers) and gyms should still contact us directly to organize climbing days.
Climbing Gear Maintenance
Every winter I spend a considerable amount of time inspecting, cleaning, maintaining and replacing climbing gear. This is a really good time to take stock of your climbing gear and do maintenance while the weather is wintry, so it's ready to go in the spring. This also brings up thoughts of goals and adventures we are hoping for in the new year, encouraging planning and maybe even training...
Access
We all need climbing areas to enjoy, and our local climbing access groups are keeping these precious resources open for everyone to enjoy. Please consider joining, donating to, volunteering for, and raising awareness of your local organization, for the benefit of all climbers.
Every time I visit one of our local crags, I meet super friendly, positive (and often familiar) climbers, and I am so grateful to have discovered this awesome sport.
Thanks for reading, and please feel free to contact us at info@ontherocksclimbing.com
Happy holidays, and I hope to see you at the cliff in 2025!
WG
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