Rock Climbing FAQ
Is the company you are climbing with properly permitted and insured?
• Permits are required on all properties to guide trips and give classes. With permits come required insurance, a policy for rock climbing should be no less than 2 million dollars. Whichever company you choose, you should not hesitate to ask about there insurance policy and its limits.
Should I tip my guide?
Yes, rock climbing guides work for tips and they are greatly appreciated. However, we don't want to pressure our clients, and the following should be regarded as a guideline in case you're looking for guidance on this issue. Ultimately, as in many service industries, tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 10% - 20% of the trip cost is common
What is Bouldering?
• Bouldering is climbing close to the ground with out a rope. Typically, routes are relatively hard to mimic the hardest sections of longer vertical climbs. A matt is used at the bottom ofthe climb for safety to soften potential falls
What's the difference between traditional and sport climbing?
• Traditional climbing is using the rock for natural protection from a fall- cracks will hold (nuts, cams and hexes) that we carry with us and then use and remove when the second person comes up behind the first. Sport climbing is using fixed protection for avoiding a fall, like pitons and expansion bolts that stay in the rock permanently
On other climbing sites, I see people claim that can climb a 5.2 or 5.9. What does that mean?
• The scale is in 5 classes:
o Class one: Walking on a sidewalk
o Class two: Walking up a steep hill
o Class three: Walking/climbing up a steep enough hill that your hands are being used for balance
o Class four: Walking/climbing up a steep hill using your hands and a rope is needed in some cases to protect against a long fall
o Class five: The beginning of technical climbing using feet, hands for progress and a rope for the protection. it is broken up into numbers and letters 5.0 to 5.15b when 5.10 starts the breakdown goes even further into letters 5.10a, 5.10b, 5.10c and so on up to 5.15b
Are my guide trained and certified?
Yes, all our guides are are trained and certified through the FRCC training program. The company internal training program gives us the ability to know you will have a fun and safe climbing experience with Front Range Climbing Company. All of our guys are First Aid certified, and some have gone futher to recieve their WFR, EMT, and Outdoor Emergency Care certifications.
Can I make money in rock climbing, like in other extreme sports?
•Yes, but it is very difficult. Take a trip with one of our guides to see what its like to be in the profession.
How does rock affect the climb? Is there an ideal type of rock?
• None that is ideal, climbers will have their favorites or preferences
If I want to start climbing, what equipment do I need (minimum)?
• Harness, shoes, locking beaners, rope, belay device and slings. It would also help to take our Introduction to Rock Climbing class
What do I need to know to be a lead climber?
• Self control and plenty of experience. Take our Lead Climbing class to learn the art of lead climbing.
Do I need a permit or license to climb?
• Rock climbing in general does not require a permit. However permits are required for ALL colorado springs city parks, check your local area to see if you need a permit from your city.
Can I climb alone or do I need a partner?
• Yes, you can climb alone but it takes a lot of time and practice with a partner to become safe.
