2020 Scheduling Updates Due to COVID-19

Attempting to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect our ability to serve our mission has been a bit overwhelming. Fundamentally, alpha climbing functions by bringing people together. If we can’t do this safely, then we can’t do it. This includes our time on the rock and with each other: our partners who literally hold our lives in their hands.

No pun intended, but our efforts have been placed on hold. Travel and closeness are two of the most complicit factors of the spread of the pandemic. WE WILL RESUME our programs as soon as possible. We know there are 1000’s of motivated young climbers who want to get out on rock. This is why alpha climbing exists.

Looking into the short term — 2020 specifically — here’s what we’re thinking:

Our June Mallorca trip has been postponed. Dates in mid-July are looking at being possibilities. Spain is opening its borders to international travelers on July 1. If we see statistics that make international travel seem reasonable in the next few weeks, we will look at rescheduling for July.

If travel to Spain in July still seems too risky, then a few other international destinations are being considered, Norway being the primary idea.

Finally, a domestic trip in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, or the Black Hills of South Dakota might be a possibility. This will be proposed as an idea if it is necessary to completely rule out international travel. This decision will be made the first week of June.

We are planning on offering both of our August Bighorns camps for ages 11-15. Both camps are full, but we are accepting applications for the waiting list, should cancellations occur.

We are planning to offer our 2020-21 gap year programs as planned. Our fall semester (1-3 month options) will be entirely conducted in Greece. The mediterranean nation has faired relatively well during this pandemic. They are ready and willing to host our travels. The 2021 winter and spring courses will be offered as planned.

Please contact us with any questions. We are excited to get back on the rock.

-Aaron Hjelt, alpha climbing founder and owner