The summer season always begins with guide training. This is a great way to leave images of powder and couloirs behind and dust off the cobwebs for days of climbing rock, summiting peaks, and exploring trails.
Training usually begins with a somewhat tedious, but necessary, review of procedures – paperwork, emergency response, risk management, policies, etc. Once we get outside, everyone begins feeling more at home. Paul Holle (of Sawtooth Brewery renown) joined us and taught a fantastic Leave No Trace course, and we had the perfect opportunity to put the skills to practice during our overnight at our Canyon Camp beyond Redfish Lake.
The meat of the training is of course climbing skills, and the best way to learn and review is by doing. We headed to the Super Slabs (recently listed as one of America’s top moderate climbs by Climbing Magazine) and sent three groups up different routes. Managing up to three climbers on a multi-pitch route is an exercise in efficiency, and senior guides shared tricks they’ve learned over the years to keep the climb running smoothly.
Returning to Redfish Lake Lodge with the Sawtooths fading into the distance, it was obvious everyone was jazzed for the summer to come…not to mention a cold beer!
Check out the photos:
