TRADITIONAL ANCHOR BUILDING

TRADITIONAL ANCHOR BUILDING

Build confidence in one of traditional climbing's most essential skills through hands-on instruction in Colorado's Front Range.

Build confidence in one of traditional climbing's most essential skills through hands-on instruction in Colorado's Front Range.

About the clinic

Dates

Sunday, July 26

Location

Colorado Front Range

Cost

$40

Limited availability

Traditional Anchor Building is part of the Tsopani Community Clinic Series—a collection of approachable mountain skills clinics designed to help climbers build confidence outdoors.

This hands-on clinic focuses on the principles of building safe, efficient traditional climbing anchors in real climbing environments. Working in small groups, you'll gain a deeper understanding of anchor systems while receiving practical feedback throughout the day.

Limited availability

Old greek shepherd

Old greek shepherd

Old greek shepherd

Mountain peak with one man on top and another climbing

Climbing wall with colorful holds and rope

Mountain peak with one man on top and another climbing

Climbing wall with colorful holds and rope

Mountain peak with one man on top and another climbing

Mountain climbers battered hands

Mountain climbers battered hands

Mountain climbers battered hands

Georges Livanos scaling a mountain with a cigarette in his mouth

Georges Livanos scaling a mountain with a cigarette in his mouth

Georges Livanos scaling a mountain with a cigarette in his mouth

Developed By

This curriculum was developed by Jason Antin, IFMGA Mountain Guide and AMGA Instructor Team Member. Drawing on decades of guiding and instructional experience, the curriculum emphasizes practical systems, sound decision-making, and real-world application.

Who It's For

This clinic is designed for climbers looking to strengthen their understanding of traditional climbing systems.

Ideal for:

  • Climbers preparing to lead trad routes

  • Trad climbers looking to better understand anchor theory and construction

  • Climbers seeking feedback on their existing anchor-building systems

  • Anyone looking to build stronger outdoor climbing fundamentals

What You'll Learn

Throughout the clinic you'll work on:

  • Gear placement

  • Anchor theory (SERENE and ERNEST principles)

  • Rock quality and site selection

  • Building efficient anchor systems

  • Evaluating strength, redundancy, and extension

  • Progressing beyond common anchor configurations

Ready to Join?

Build the skills and confidence to create efficient, reliable traditional anchors in real climbing environments.

Limited availability

Schedule

8:00 AM
Meet, introductions, and gear review

8:30 AM
Gear placement fundamentals

9:30 AM
Anchor theory

10:30 AM
Hands-on anchor building

12:30 PM
Final anchor reviews and discussion

1:15 PM
Debrief

1:30 PM
Clinic concludes

Details

Location
Colorado Front Range

Clinic locations may include Castle Rock or Boulder Canyon depending on conditions.

Duration
Approximately 5½ hours

Cost
$40

Capacity
Enrollment is intentionally limited to provide a hands-on learning experience.

What to Bring

A detailed gear list and meeting location will be provided after registration.

Important Information

• Capacity is intentionally limited.

  • Clinics are held outdoors and are weather dependent.

  • If conditions are unsafe, participants will be notified of any schedule changes.

Limited availability

About Tsopani

About Tsopani

Tsopani is a mountain-rooted project focused on building technical apparel through real use and professional input. The work is guided by shared standards and shaped over time in close connection with the people who use it.

Grounded in craft, tested in the field, and carried by community.

Tsopani is a mountain-rooted project focused on building technical apparel through real use and professional input. The work is guided by shared standards and shaped over time in close connection with the people who use it.

Grounded in craft, tested in the field, and carried by community.

Stay close to the field

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