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Cornell University

Cornell Outdoor Education

PE 1655: Introduction to Traditional Lead Climbing

This class will teach you the skills needed to start trad climbing on your own. Learn to place and evaluate trad gear, build trad anchors, belay from above, and rappel. We will introduce skills at the Lindseth Climbing Center and travel for a weekend climbing and camping in the Gunks to get experience on real rock.

Details

Course Fee

Students: $495
Community: $525
CU Faculty/Staff: $510

Fee Notes

Includes all climbing equipment and group camping gear (tents, stoves, etc.)
If you don't have your own, personal camping gear (sleeping bag, headlamp, etc.) is available for rent at a 25% discount. See Equipment List below for details.

Fill out the Fee Waiver Application to apply for a free or reduced PE course. 

Attendance

 Participation in all class sessions is required in order to receive PE credit.

Prerequisites

 At least 1 year of rock climbing regularly.

Lead certification at Lindseth Climbing Center.
PE 1653 or PE 1645 or equivalent personal outdoor rock climbing experience following traditional lead climbs required.
Instructor approval required before registering (anm67@cornell.edu).

Drop Deadline

 1/23/24

Enrollment

 Enroll through Student Center or by contacting COE at 607-255-6183 or coed@cornell.edu

Links

Medical Form
Lindseth Climbing Waiver
Schedule

Day

Date

Time
Wednesday 4/24/24 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Monday 4/29/24 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday 5/1/24 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri-Sun 5/3/24 to 5/5/24 5:00pm to 10:00pm

 Rock Climbing Equipment List

* These items are provided by COE and are covered in the course fee.
** These items can be rented from the COE Outfitting.  Prices below reflect 25% discount, tax not included.

Clothing

  • Synthetic base layers for bad weather

  • Cotton t-shirts for nice weather
  • Closed toe shoes.  No sandals, even around camp!
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • **Waterproof rain jacket with hood, available for $7.50 from COE Outfitting
  • **Waterproof rain pants, available for $6.00 from COE Outfitting
  • Warm hat
  • 1-2 Insulating layers: fleece or synthetic fill jacket
  • Warm gloves
Camping Items
  • *Sleeping bag, rated for 25F or lower
  • *Sleeping pad
  • Pillow (optional)
  • Bowl, spoon, mug
  • *Pack or duffel bag to carry it all
Personal Items
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses (optional)
  • **Working headlamp and an extra set of fresh batteries, available for $9.00 from COE Outfitting
  • Personal medicine
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Food or money for travel meals
  • Camera (optional)
  • Water bottles to hold 2 liters of water
Climbing Gear
  • *Helmet
  • *Harness
  • *Climbing shoes
  • Backpack to carry personal and a some of group climbing gear
Group Gear
  • * Tents and Tarps
  • * Cooking gear & Food
  • * First Aid Kit
  • * Climbing Equipment