Basic Rock Climbing & Mountaineering Training Course

  Bulgaria

• Other Cities in Bulgaria: 
Sofia

Description: Requirements:
Insurance policy (Personal Accident Insurance) for minimum 250 EUR (the fee for this insurance is no more than 5 EUR) and mountain health insurance (this insurance can be made locally at the Mountain Rescue Service.

Personal expenses:
5-6 nights in Malyovitsa area. There are several options - you may choose to stay in "Alen Mak" hotel 8 EUR per night, Malyovitsa School Center 4 EUR per night, "Malyovitsa" hotel 4 EUR per night. Nearby there are also perfect conditions for camping. Food: you can bring your own food or dine at "Alen Mak" hotel. Travel expenses to Malyovitsa School Center (Sofia-Malyovitsa ticket price is 4 EUR, one way).

Fees:
4 customers: 256 euro

Training program:
1st day: All participants shall gather at Malyovitsa School Center no later than 5.30 p.m.; checking of climbing gear and equipment; basic knots.

2nd day: Training schedule: Practical training includes: knots, top-rope protected climbing, belaying and belay stances, using of special belay devices, climbing as a second and leading, communication signals, rappelling techniques. Theory: rock types, rock climbing sites in Bulgaria and abroad, different climbing styles.

The practical training will take place at Spartak Training Rocks.

Site approach: 40 minutes from Malyovitsa School Center

Site description: Rock-walls are up to 15 meters high. The categories vary between 3+ to 5+ (UIAA); the rock is solid (mostly granite), no liable stones.

Duration of practical training: 7-8 h.

3rd day: Training schedule: Practical training includes: walking in a group, traverse, simultaneous belaying; anchoring systems and belay escapes. Theory: natural hazards in the mountain.

The practical training will include: climbing of mount Malyovitsa through the North-East crest and progressing from mount Elenka to mount Bezimenen, mount Malak Petel, mount Golyam Petel and mount Orlovets.

Site approach: it takes 3 hours from Malyovitsa School Center to the rocky foot of mount Malyovitsa

Site description: The rock formations on the ascent route are up to 3 meters high , category up to 3- (UIAA). The rock itself is crumbly and unstable at places which require higher awareness.

Duration of practical training: 9-12 h. according to the number of participants.

4th day: Training schedule: Practical training includes: responsibilities of the leader and second, exchange leading/belaying, leading, protection placements, anchoring systems, using nuts and friends, organizing descent and rappelling, communication signals. Theory: climbing gear and devices.

The practical training will take place at mount Kuklata

Site approach: 1.30 hours from Malyovitsa School Center

Site description: route is 5-6 pitches on a 150 meter high rock-wall, category 3 (UIAA), climbing mainly through grassy passes, interrupted by rock formations. The second and the third pitches are the most difficult.

Duration of practical training: 7-9 h. according to the number of participants.

5th day: Training schedule: Practical training includes: responsibilities of the leader and second, exchange leading/belaying, leading, protection placements, anchoring systems, using nuts and friends, communication signals. Theory.

The practical training will include climbing of mount Elenka. Depending their individual skills participants will climb 1 or more routes from the below listed.

Site approach: 3 hours from Malyovitsa School Center

Site description: Variation of route "Raba"- category 3 (UIAA), 5 pitches, 150 meter high rock-wall; route "Classical" 4+/5- (UIAA), 4.5 pitches, 120 meter high rock-wall; route "Kaminata" - 5- A0 (UIAA), 4.5 pitches, 100 meter high rock-wall; route "Academik" 5+ (UIAA), 4.5 pitches, 130 meter high rock-wall. This climbing site is one of the most solid and pleasant; however there are some crumbly spots immediately before reaching the top.

Duration of practical training: 10-14 h. according to the number of participants.

6th day: Training schedule: Practical training includes: responsibilities of the leader and second, exchange leading/belaying, leading, protection placements, anchoring systems, using nuts and friends, organizing descent and rappelling, communication signals.

The practical training will take place at Spartak Training Rocks

Site approach: 40 minutes from Malyovitsa School Center

Site description: Rock-walls are up to 20 meters high. The category of the route to be climbed is 4+ (UIAA); the rock is solid (mostly granite), no liable stones.

Duration of practical training: 5-6 h. according to the number of participants.

Recommended personal equipment:

1. Harness.
2. Helmet.
3. Hornet and HMS screw gate carabiner.
4. Rock climbing shoes.
5. Chalk bag.
6. Sling 1 meter, 6 mm diameter.
7. 2 screw gate carabiners.
8. Express (possibly with 2 identical loops for carabiners) - 20-25 cm

If the participants are not able to secure the recommended equipment themselves it can be provided by the organizers. You will purchase the necessary equipment from us with 5% price discount.

Highlights: Program Objectives:
1. Climbing knots.
2. Climbing techniques, types of rocks and safety.
3. Belaying.
4. Personal and special climbing equipment.
5. Rappelling.
6. Communication signals.
7. Using of nuts and friends.
8. Mountaineering and climbing gear.
9. Alpine climbing history and climbing sites in Bulgaria and abroad.
10. Climbing as a second and leading.
11. Natural hazards in the mountain.

Cost in US$: 256

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Bulgaria Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2000