The Teton Climbers’ Coalition (TCC) has concluded another successful season of its Safe Climbing Initiative (SCI), delivering expanded programming and increased participation while continuing to raise the standard for climbing education in the Jackson Hole community.
During the 2025–2026 season, SCI hosted 11 classes with 152 registered participants, led by 12 professional guides from Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides. Demand remained strongest for intermediate and advanced offerings, reflecting a growing cohort of climbers seeking to build on foundational skills and transition more safely into outdoor and alpine environments.
Volunteering his services, professional photographer Josh Mueller captured moments from the SCI throughout the season.
The season also introduced several new program elements, including a two-part Climbing the Grand series and dedicated Falling and Commitment clinics, both of which were well received and will continue in future iterations. Spanish-language instruction remains a key component of the program, with participation often exceeding registration numbers—an indicator of strong community interest and accessibility.
“The Safe Climbing Initiative is about building a stronger, safer climbing community from the ground up,” said Christian Beckwith, Executive Director of the Teton Climbers’ Coalition. “What we’re seeing now is a clear progression—more climbers are coming back for higher-level instruction, and they’re taking those skills into the mountains with greater confidence and awareness.”
The SCI continues to evolve in response to community needs. Adjustments this season included streamlined registration timelines, refined course offerings, and targeted efforts to better match class capacity with demand. These changes helped improve participation in higher-level courses while informing future program development.
Looking ahead, the TCC plans to expand the Climbing the Grand series into a three-part progression, continue specialty clinics such as Falling and Commitment, and explore additional partnerships to strengthen Spanish-language offerings.
The Safe Climbing Initiative is a cornerstone of the TCC’s education efforts, designed to reduce preventable accidents, support climber progression, and foster a culture of responsibility and competence across the Jackson Hole climbing community.