Our mission is to take motivated youth and young adult athletes to the best rock on earth.
Climbing gyms are introducing youth to rock climbing at an amazing rate. Organized team training and competition programs are developing athletes who are driven to achieve. Despite this growth, there are limited opportunities for motivated youth climbers to get outside on the real thing.
We recognize and appreciate this growing demand. We also recognize that youth athletes who have dedicated themselves to gym training and competition have a very unique ambition.
Our summer trips and gap year programs are specifically designed for youth and young adult athletes who want to take their training and motivation to the best sport climbing, bouldering, and deep water soloing venues on the planet.
In 2024 we’re rolling out trips for adults including a women’s climb and wine-tour of southern Greece.
Aaron Hjelt, Director and Lead Mentor
I've spent 30 years using climbing as a way to learn about myself, nature, and others. Luckily, I've had incredible mentors along the way and give utmost credit to them for helping me survive my mistakes and shortcomings.
My approach to climbing is one of sustainability. We can't climb if we are injured or hurt, don't have the money, aren't prepared, haven't prioritized, have scared away all of our partners, destroyed the planet, and so on. I enjoy all types of climbing, but I love seeing youth get after it on hard rock climbs and boulders. It's about application and process and everything that supports this. Youth is the future. It's my life work to get them outside on rock.
My experience includes:
American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor training;
Professional Climbing Guides Institute Lead Guide training;
Wilderness First Responder training;
American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications;
30+ years of climbing experience around the world, in all disciplines;
I've lead over 70 youth-focused rock climbing trips, including 25 to international destinations, and countless days of guiding;
15 years coaching the Bozeman Climbing Team; and,
Founder of The Climbing Academy, an international traveling high school.
Quinn Harper, Lead Mentor
Quinn has participated in alpha climbing programs since the beginning, and has seen his skill and confidence as a climber grow tremendously during this time. He is equally adapt on hard sport climbs and long trad routes. He received certification for EMT in 2019 from NOLS, and serves as our emergency procedure advisor. Quinn has been a mentor since 2019.
Robyn Ragins, Mentor
Robyn was an athlete on our first-ever gap year program in 2017 and began mentoring in 2019. She’s relentlessly and genuinely enthusiastic for life and climbing and loves to give back to youth. She’s the perfect mentor: and ideal mix of experience, ability, empathy, and love!