Affordable, skills-based education program enhances safety, competence, and community in the Tetons
Jackson, Wyoming — October 31, 2025 — The Teton Climbers’ Coalition (TCC) is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of its Safe Climbing Initiative (SCI), a community education program designed to enhance safety, competence, and confidence among local climbers.
Presented by Teton Mountaineering and developed in partnership with Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, the SCI provides affordable, high-quality climbing instruction at the Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center Climbing Gym. Each two-hour clinic combines demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on practice in small groups with a 6:1 participant-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized attention and professional guidance.
“The Safe Climbing Initiative raises the community’s baseline of climbing knowledge,” said TCC Board Member and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides director Joel Enrico. “By improving technical and risk-management skills, we reduce preventable accidents, lessen the burden on local rescue teams, and build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive climbing culture.”
New for this season, the SCI will begin with the Intermediate Series before moving to the Advanced Series. The Beginner Series will be taught later in the winter as first-time climbers begin thinking about transitioning outside.
Also new this year, registration for SCI classes will be released in blocks. The Intermediate Series will open for registration November 4, two weeks before the first class begins. Similarly, registration for the Advanced Series will open December 16. Staggering the registration will allow participants to have a better sense of their schedules before signing up for classes.
Program Highlights
- Progressive Curriculum: Three skill levels—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—cover topics ranging from sport-lead techniques and anchor building to multi-pitch transitions and self-rescue systems.
- Expert Instruction: All classes are taught by certified guides from Exum and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides.
- Affordable Access: Registration is $25 per session, with fees waived upon request to ensure accessibility for all climbers.
- Inclusivity: Courses include Spanish-language sessions in partnership with Camina Conmigo, expanding access to the broader Jackson community.
2025–26 Schedule Highlights
- Intermediate Series (Nov–Dec 2025): Anchor building, multi-pitch transitions, and safe descents.
- Advanced Series (Dec 2025–Jan 2026): Problem-solving, self-rescue fundamentals, and hauling systems.
- Beginner Series (Feb–Mar 2026): Leading and cleaning sport routes (English and Spanish sessions).
Financial assistance is available to cover registration fees and rental gear. All participants must hold a Recreation Center pass, bring their own equipment (or rent on-site), and have completed the lead belay test prior to attending.
Registration will open on November 4th for the Intermediate Series and December 12th for the Advanced and Beginner Series.
To register or request financial assistance, visit tetonclimbers.com/sci or contact info@tetonclimbers.com.