The Rock Anchor Mastery Course
First we learn the rules, then we learn how to properly break them. If an anchor takes you seven minutes to build, you're shooting progress in the foot — bomber anchors should take less than 60 seconds. I walk through over fifty real anchors from the field so you can expand your definition of what a good one is, and learn when less is more. That speed and judgment are what open the door to bigger objectives.
Want To Climb Bigger Routes?
- Reduce anchor building time to less than one minute
- Make bomber anchors in a host of situations
- Read the terrain and make anchors that are "strong enough"
- Build anchors fast enough that you can change your strategy while on Grade IV, Grade V and Grade VI routes (big boys)
If yes, then this course is built for you:
- 50+ real-life anchors discussed
- What, where, why, and how an IFMGA Mountain Guide solves anchor problems
- Expand your anchor 'toolbox' for more situations the mountains can throw your way
- Replace the novelty of building a rock anchor with the nuance of building the best anchor for a given situation
Easy To Complete
Complete this course at your pace.
Forever Access
No subscriptions. Yours to review from now until AI makes thinking obsolete.
Top Tier Instruction
Taught by internationally certified IFMGA Mountain Guides
What sets this course apart?
Video Curriculum
- Free preview ▸
- Bolts Intro
- Glue-In Anchors
- Mechanical Bolts
- 7 Slick Ways to Rig Bolted Anchors
- 3 "What If" Situations That Could Save Your Bacon
- Pitons - Ping Ping Ping vs Thud Thud Thud
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- Free preview ▸
- Build A Textbook Anchor
- The Evolving Role of an Anchor
- 3-Point Anchors
- 2-Point Anchors
- Real-World Examples: 2-Point Gear Anchors
- Intro to Alpine Anchors
- Alpine Anchors - Build Anchors in Less Than 20 Seconds
- Conclusion and Two Important Considerations
- Big Honkin' Tree
- Horny Anchors - 5 Seconds to Get Off Belay
- In a Pinch - The Mountain's Little Gift to Climbers
- Butt Belay
- When Things Get Desperate: One Piece of Gear on the Ascent?
- Don't Try This at Home - 1-Piece Rappelling
- 1-Piece Rappels - How I Rolled the Dice Three Times...Barf!
- 2 Examples of Legit Bail Anchors
- Just Say No to Stupid Anchors! 2nd Piece Purchase
- Rat's Nests Suck
- Upgrading an Anchor with Rappel Rings
- Fun Belay Turnover Game
- Head Knowledge vs Experienced Application: Some Parting Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mark Smiley?
Mark Smiley's passion for adventure has taken him on 30+ expeditions on five continents. He and his wife, Janelle, are the only people who have attempted to climb all 50 Classic Climbs of North America (48 successfully). He was part of a team to set a world record skiing across the entire Alps Mountain Range (1,100 miles and 292,000 vertical feet) in a mere 36 days.
His avalanche safety training style is fun, mellow, and easy to understand. As an IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide, Mark Smiley is among the world's elite guides to have reached this status. More important than this certification is his candid style of conveying the best avalanche skills training techniques that will benefit you the most.
Get started now
Take the course. If you haven't doubled your knowledge of the subject within 30 days, email Mark and get a full refund. No forms, no hassle.