climbing outside
Why Take it Outside?
Climbing is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong pursuit of movement, problem-solving, and adventure. Whether you're drawn to local crags, towering cliffs, or far-off mountain ranges, every climber follows their own path.
We all start somewhere—tying in for that first top rope climb, learning to trust the rope, and feeling the exhilaration of moving on real rock. From there, the journey may unfold in any direction: stepping into lead climbing, managing our own protection, and perhaps falling in love with the elegant lines of traditional climbing. Maybe it’s the aesthetic of granite cracks, the lure of alpine summits, or simply the desire to climb farther, higher, and with greater independence. Wherever your path leads, one thing is certain—gaining the skills to climb confidently and safely unlocks new possibilities. Stonetree’s outdoor climbing classes are designed to guide you through this progression, giving you the tools to explore, push your limits, and develop true self-reliance.
This is your journey. Let’s take it outside.
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Prerequisites: none!
Dates: 2.5 days - June 27-29, 2025
As the opening course in our series, we will take you through the basics of equipment like harnesses and safety checks, tying the figure 8 knot, using the GriGri and ATC, belaying techniques, and basic outdoor climbing tips such as following a climbing route, identifying good and not-so-good rock, mastering smearing, using your feet effectively, and straightening your arms. We do ask that you bring your own shoes, harness, belay device and helmet, although we can lend you some of it if you ask ahead of time. Whether you're brand new to climbing or looking to brush up on your skills, this Intro to Outside part of our series is perfect for anyone ready to take their climbing outdoors!
Looking for a Family-Friendly way to learn the ropes? If an adult registers for our Intro to Climbing Outside course ($200 member / $250 non-member), they can add a dependent (age 7-13) for just $100 to learn alongside them! Parents will gain hands-on experience setting up climbs, identifying safe top-rope areas, and belaying, while kids learn to harness up, tie in, and everyone gets to climb! Ages 12+ can also learn to belay with a similar-weight partner, and teens 14+ should register for the full course themselves. It’s the perfect way to build skills and confidence together in the great outdoors!
Looking for more? Checkout our Intro to Lead or Intro to Tradclasses.
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Ready to take the lead? Our Intro to Leading course introduces you to the exciting world of lead climbing, lead belaying, and the mental engagement required on the 'sharp end.' On an important note - WE DO NOT LEAD CLIMB in this course, but include mock-leading to prepare you for the real deal, empowering you to practice safely and confidently on your own.
Dates: 1 day - July 19th, 2025
Prerequisites: all knowledge from Intro to Outside, specifically: tying a figure 8, top rope belaying & communication.
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Ready to break away from clipping bolts? Welcome to the world of cams, nuts, slings and more. This 2-day Introduction to Traditional Climbing will take you through the basics of the equipment, how to place protection, and build anchors where you want them. These are the introductory skills which you will need to practice to get into the mountains.
Dates: 2 days - September 13-14, 2025
Prerequisites: all knowledge from Intro to Outside, specifically: tying a figure 8, top rope belaying & communication and anchors building.
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This class is for climbers who want to increase their confidence and safety while climbing outside. Topics will include how to set up a haul system, how to safely escape a belay, how to transfer a load, and how to set up a counter balance lowering system. We do our best to avoid accidents in the mountains, but this class will give you the confidence when the unavoidable happens.
Dates: 2.5 days, August 22-24, 2025
Prerequisites: all basic climbing knots, belaying and building anchors. Experience climbing outdoors.
These are not registered or certification level courses, and are offered as a way to grow your knowledge and safety when climbing outside. Please bring your own gear to all classes: harness, belay device, helmet, and shoes. If you do not have a piece of equipment, please let the front desk at Stonetree know before your class begins, and we may be able to loan you gear.
These classes require a minimum of 4 participants. If there are less than 4 participants 5 days before the start of class, we will have to cancel with a full refund to participants. Alternatively, if you and 3 friends are interested in a special session of ANY of these courses, we’d be happy to build a custom course for you based on the availability of our instructors. If you have to cancel your booking, please see our Cancellation Policy. Any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
instructors
Haven Hoffman
A Helena-valley local and an American Mountain Guide Association certified Single Pitch Instructor with 10+ years of climbing experience. Before becoming a bona fide trad dad, he spent nearly a decade working as a shipboard maritime engineer where the only thing to climb was heavy equipment and Abrams tanks. With experience climbing around North America, from grain silos in Indiana to multi-pitch ice in the South Fork of the Shoshone, he’ll be glad to share his knowledge with you, and we're psyched to have him as a part of Stonetree.
Haven on the Bear’s Tooth, 5.8 - Montana.