The Teton Climbers’ Coalition (TCC) is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural season of its Safe Climbing Initiative (SCI), a comprehensive educational program designed to improve climber safety in Teton County through hands-on, professionally led instruction.
With more than a dozen local guides serving as instructors, the SCI delivered more than 100 engagements over the course of its first 12 classes. All Intermediate and Advanced classes filled up.
Launched in response to the growing interest in climbing and the opening of Jackson’s new climbing gym, the SCI offered a progressive series of beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes aimed at helping climbers transition safely from gym to crag. Courses were taught by certified guides from Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides and were held at the Teton County Recreation Center in partnership with the Rec Center climbing gym.
The first season included:
- Two beginner sessions, which helped climbers learn to lead and clean sport routes.
- Three intermediate sessions, covering essential topics such as anchor building, multi-pitch transitions, and descent techniques.
- Three advanced sessions, focused on self-rescue, including escaping a belay, hauling systems, and solving real-world climbing problems.
All classes maintained a 6:1 student-to-guide ratio, ensuring a personalized learning experience. Thanks to community support, financial assistance was made available for course fees and gear rentals.
In a notable expansion of access and inclusivity, the SCI concluded its season with two Spanish-language courses. Offered in collaboration with Camina Conmigo and taught in Spanish by Exum guides Christian Santelices and Arthur Herlitzka, the classes resulted in six Spanish-speaking participants receiving their lead belay certifications—an important step toward creating a more inclusive climbing community.
“SCI was designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, affordable climbing education in Teton County,” said TCC Executive Director Christian Beckwith. “We’re especially proud of our bilingual programming and the role SCI is playing in building a more knowledgeable, inclusive climbing community.”
Planning is already underway for the second season of SCI, with improvements based on participant feedback and the success of the first year. Future offerings will continue to prioritize safety, access, and the development of a strong, connected community of climbers.
For more information, visit www.tetonclimbers.com or contact info@tetonclimbers.com.