Where is a good place to start technical mountain climbing?

Question

I have done scrambles and pretty much have perfected that. Its time for me to get into technical climbing. Would an indoor climbing gym be a good start or should I find mountaineering schools?

I want to learn to belay properly and the proper use of crampons, ice axes and self arrest. Then later glacier hiking.

Answer 1

You can learn about belaying and technical climbing technique in the gym, but honestly not much of that applies to mountaineering and trad climbing which is what most "mountain climbing" is all about.

You need to learn about setting traditional protection (trad pro) and anchors. I took a lead climbing class from a local community college and learned a lot. I met several people that I did major alpine routes with and learned a lot. I also read "How to Climb" and "Climbing Anchors" by John Long.

You can take a glacier travel and climbing course that will teach you about crevasses and "French Technique" with crampons. I learned from someone when we climbed some couliours together.

One of the most important skills is route finding - and it is just one of those things that you have to work on by climbing outdoors on trad routes - everyone will make small mistakes, you just need to learn when to back off of a bad line and try a different way.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You should definitely learn the basics in a climbing gym. To attend a lot of the mountaineering schools, you need to be able to climb a certain grade. You should get acquainted with the basic gear, build up some strength and technique and get into some good hard climbing before you try to learn trad climbing (traditional).

Also, a climbing gym will help you start networking and you can most likely find a climbing partner and people who are taking trips outdoors.  

Answer 3

For what you want to do I'd suggest

http://www.nols.edu/courses/find/byskill...

Answer 4

You could go to the gym, but since most of your climbing will be outside, I would recommend learning there.  Most guide services offer intro level rock climbing classes.  Take a class on intro snow climbing to learn about applicable techniques for glacier work (rope team management, ice ax and crampon work, anchors, etc.).  A more specialized mountaineering clinic could teach you about crevasse rescue, route finding, etc.