Anchors – The Next Step in Your Climbing Journey

Please Note:  The fee for the Anchors School will INCREASE to $150 for schools offered next year (2026).

This course is the next step for AMC Outdoor Rock Climbing grads. We will teach you how to safely and efficiently build sport and traditional anchors for rock climbing.  Combined with the knowledge learned in the Basic Outdoor Rock Climbing School, you will have the skill set required for safe top-rope climbing.

LEARN: Anchor types, components, required knots and hitches, use of natural and artificial protection (cams, nuts, tricams, hexes), and critical elements of safe anchor construction.  Understand and apply STRANDS principles in hands-on practice with individual instruction.

Class Schedule for the Fall 2025 Anchors School:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

AMC Outdoor Rock Climbing School graduate or equivalent, which must include:

• Outdoor top-roping experience, including use of standard climbing calls and partner checks.
• Knowledge and experience in current belay (PBUS) and rappel techniques, including use of autoblock backup.
• Competency with basic climbing knots  (figure eight tie-in, figure eight on a bight, grapevine/double fisherman, girth hitch).
• Self rescue techniques including use of prusiks to ascend a rope.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE CLASS:

• Climbing harness
• Personal anchor
• Helmet (required for Sunday)
• 2 non-locking “D” or Oval carabiners (bring more if you have them)
• 3 locking carabiners (at least 3, one of which should be an HMS carabiner)
• 1 tube style rappel/belay device (Black Diamond ATC or similar tube style device)
• 1 ea – 4′, 6′, 10' 6mm prusiks (untied length)
• 1 ea – 10′, 20′ 1″ tubular webbing (untied length)
• 1 3 meter or 20′ cordelette (20-foot length of 7mm accessory cord)
• 1 double length (48”) sewn nylon sling

*NOTE – The 20' webbing, 20' 7mm cordelette, personal anchor, helmet, and harness are the only additional equipment needed over the AMC Basic Outdoor Climbing School requirements.

Helmets: Students will be required to bring and wear a certified climbing helmet during the Sunday session.

OTHER GEAR that you may want to bring to anchors class:

• Pro (protection) you might already own or borrow from a friend (cams, nuts, tricams, hexes, etc.)
• Extra carabiners (regular D’s, ovals, lockers – avoid specialty carabiners at this time)
• Extra slings (e.g. additional 20′ cordelette (untied length), 24′ sewn nylon slings)

NOTE: don't rush out and buy gear!  Generous Instructors will loan you all the cams, nuts, hexes, or tricams you might need during the class.

Cost:  $125.

To enroll in this school, you must be a current member. Join the AMC.

Enroll for the Fall 2025 Anchors School

If the class is full you can join the waiting list

Waiting List for the Spring 2026 Anchors School

Refund policy: The cost of the class is fully refundable if you decide to cancel before the start of class; however, due to the cost of transaction fees, you are strongly encouraged to defer to a later date (or find a substitute) rather than request a refund.  Please note the Membership Fee is non-refundable.