OUTDOOR COURSES

You want to develop your skills on the rock? You want to learn in an all-female, female-identifying or non-binary group setting and be taught by a female, trans, non-binary or gender fluid guide? You came to the right place! Our series of courses are designed to help you learn new skills, no matter what your level is.

 

From 2023 onwards, we have decided to charge a nominal fee for all outdoor courses. We also encourage participants to make donations if they are in a financial position to be able to do so. Since this is The B.I.G Initiative's last year of operations, your donation will be entirely donated to other like-minded organizations.

Be assured though: we do not want to contribute to the issue of accessibility in climbing. For those who wish to participate but can’t afford the fee, you may apply for a bursary to have the fee waived and reimbursed. Please send us a letter answering these questions:

• Why is participating in this course offered by The B.I.G. Initiative important for you?
• How will you benefit from this bursary?

You have 1 week from the day of your reservation to send your letter to [email protected]. The B.I.G. Initiative reserves the right to refuse your application for a reimbursement only after thorough evaluation of your application.

 

2025 DATES & LOCATIONS

Outdoor Rock Transition (Top Rope) with La Liberté Nord-Sud (Montagne D’Argent, QC)

• Date: Saturday August 23, 2025
• Location: 1000 Rue de la Montagne d'Argent, La Conception, QC J0T 1M0
• Cost: Minimum donation $20 & $14 entrance fee at Montagne d'Argent
• 6 participants
• Guide: Anouk Leblanc (she/her)
• Course offered in English and in French

Ready to take your climbing skills outside and become more self-reliant on real rock?
In this full-day course, you’ll learn how to build your own top-rope anchors, safely secure yourself at the top of a route to access fixed gear, and practice essential rappelling techniques — all under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

It’s the perfect chance to push your comfort zone or try something completely new in a safe, supportive setting on a beginner-friendly outdoor wall.

Your instructor, Anouk, is a certified rock and ice climbing guide with a deep love for the outdoors and travel. A trained educator, she’s passionate about helping others discover climbing and takes the time to ensure each participant feels confident and supported throughout the day.

This event is hosted in collaboration with Liberté Nord-Sud.

Gear required: Climbing helmet, harness, climbing shoes, Gri-gri or other auto-locking belay device, personal anchor system.

Experience: Participants should feel confident in top rope belaying. Lead climbing experience is not necessary.

SIGN UP NOW

 

Fear of Falling (Squamish, BC)

• Date : Sunday June 22, 2025
• Location : Squamish, BC
• Cost : Minimum donation $20
• 6 participants
• Guide : Bronwyn Hodgins

Requirement : Experience in lead climbing

Typically, the mental aspect of climbing is not covered during a course, especially when it comes to lead climbing or multi-pitch climbing. A fear of falling (or basophobia) is surprisingly common among climbers and can often limit our climbing or prevent us from reaching certain climbing goals.

Join Bronwyn for a clinic focussed on supportive group discussions, validation of fears and practice falls to increase your comfort with falling. The clinic will progress from top-rope falls to falling with protection at waist-level, followed by a discussion on progression techniques.

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2SLGBTQ+ Intro to Rock Rescue in collaboration with Rock On Collective (Skaha, BC))

• Dates : Saturday & Sunday, May 10-11, 2025
• Location : Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, BC
• Cost : Minimum 40$
• 6 participants
• Guide : Ren Lavergne (They/Them)

 

Are you a trans, non-binary, gender-queer or queer climber looking to gain knowledge in how to deal with an emergency situation in a rock climbing environment? Join ACMG Rock Guide Ren Lavergne (they/them) in the Skaha Bluffs for a two-day Intro to Rock Rescue course. Expect a principle-focused approach and lots of hands-on practice as we review tools and systems to manage common scenarios. This event is hosted in collaboration with the Rock On Collective.

 

Requirements

Experience : Advanced

Participants should have lead climbing experience. Multipitch climbing experience (as follower or leader) is an asset but not necessary.

Gear required :

• Backpack
• Helmet
• Harness
• Climbing shoes
• Belay device with locking carabiner (belay tube recommended)
• One personal sling/lanyard/tether or PAS to secure yourself to an anchor
• One anchor kit (120 cm sewn sling with 1 locking carabiner and 2 non-locking carabiners)
• One Sterling Hollowblock (13.5") or 1.5m x 7mm accessory cord for rappel prusik
• One 5m x 7mm accessory cord (for ascending and other rescue applications)
• One 60m single rope (One rope for each team of two)
• First aid kit
• Clothing appropriate for the day (including rain/wind layer)
• Lunch, snacks and water
• Footwear (good approach / hiking shoes)

Optional equipment :

• Quickdraws (4-6)
• Extra sewn slings
• Extra locking carabiners
• Trekking pole
• Bear spray
• Notebook and pen/pencil

Need a ride? Missing some required gear? For any questions, please contact [email protected]

SIGN UP NOW

 

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PREVIOUS COURSES

BIPOC Intro to Outdoor Climbing (Rigaud) 

• Dates: Sunday, Sept 15, 2024
• Location : Rigaud, QC
• 12 participants  *must be BIPOC to apply*
• Guides:  Elaiza Datar and Emma Contaoe
• Experience: Anyone from complete beginners to frequent indoor climbers looking to try climbing outdoors

This course is for complete beginners to frequent indoor climbers looking to try climbing outdoors with a focus on providing you with an amazing climbing experience outdoors. You will learn the fundamentals of rock climbing with a rope. You will get to climb as much as you want while learning new skills. This course is exclusively for BIPOC women or BIPOC genderqueer folk.