We hope to offer this program in 2025

course highlights

  • One month sport climbing at some of the most iconic and world-renowned tufa crags in northern Mexico;

  • Specific athletic focus on establishing personal best redpoint, onsight, and flash grades.

  • Flexible itinerary allows you to climb when conditions are best; not just forced by trip dates.

  • Spanish language immersion in Mexico with friendly locals!

  • Consistent cross-training and injury prevention program, including hangboarding, yoga, and cardio.

  • Visits to some of Central America’s most significant natural & historical sites.

  • Journalism projects include: blogging, photography, creative writing, and other media opportunities.

  • Learn budgeting, logistics, and the other details necessary to survive on the road and climb your best.

  • Develop solid judgement with consistent emphasis placed on safe procedure, risk management, and accident prevention. Become competent in first aid and basic rescue/evacuation scenarios.

  • Opportunities to give back to the local communities with trail work, crag cleanups, and other service events. Learn about re-bolting efforts at crags with deteriorating hardware.

CLIMBING

Just below the southern border of the continental U.S.A., the weather conditions and geology combine to form some of North America’s wildest karstic rock formations. More easily described as “flowstone,” these are the 3-dimensional features that require full-body athleticism. As we ascend these routes, more tricks come into play: kneebars, thigh scums, heel hooks, wraps. stemming, pressing, etc. It’s hard to believe that rock forms like this. Most routes are in the 20-30m range, but some 40+m enduro climbs are available to fully bring the pump.

CULTURE

The vibrant and emotive people of Central America are incredibly loving and giving. The rural areas surrounding the climbing crags are filled with energetic everyday life. We’ll meet the locals, eat their food, stay in their homes, and learn about their families. Our local friends will tell us their stories of how they learned to climb and why they love sharing their crags with visitors.

For more on the culture of Nuevo Leon, check out the following blog post:

“Although the focus of a trip like this revolves around climbing, the things that compose a more enriching experience are the people you meet, the food you eat, the sounds that you hear, and the places you see.” -Quinn Harper, 2018 Mexico Course Athlete

INFORMATION

Performance focus: sport climbing on highly featured single-pitch limestone.

Duration: 4 weeks

Dates and locations: January 13 - February 13; Nuevo Leon, Mexico;

Tuition: $4500

Ages: 18-23

Max group size: 8

Coach to athlete ratio: 4:1

Starting/ending location: Begin and end in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.

Accommodations: Tent camping at a climbers campground which has wifi and showers.

Transportation: AWD Chevrolet Express van.

Staff: alpha climbing founder Aaron Hjelt, plus additional staff and mentors as needed, including local guides and route developers from Monterrey, Mexico.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION