The Jura (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland)
Crags close to Kraków — the best place to learn multi-pitch climbing on bolted routes. The Kobylańska and Będkowska valleys have plenty of fully bolted routes up to 80 metres and 4 pitches long.
Trad climbing course
The next step after the beginner course. Multi-pitch routes, placing your own protection and climbing cracks and corners — your first step towards climbing in the mountains.
PZA-approved syllabus5,0 on GoogleCourse pricePLN 2,000
Choose a date
Who it's for
The next step after the beginner course
This course is for you if:
You want to learn to climb multi-pitch routes on your own protection.
You're planning to climb in the mountains, or take an alpine (Tatra) course later on, and want solid foundations.
You climb on rock on your own and know the material of the beginner course.
You climb at grade VI on the UIAA scale (around 5c/6a French).
This course is not for people who are just starting to climb. If that's you, start with our beginner course.
Syllabus
Course syllabus
Over five days of intensive training you'll learn everything you need to start climbing multi-pitch and trad routes safely.
Five days of trainingIn the Rudawy Janowickie, or in the Jura and the Rudawy
Full syllabusDetails on the PZA website (in Polish) ↗
- 01A refresher of the beginner course material
- 02The basics of trad gear and how to place it
- 03Building belay anchors
- 04Belaying a second from the top with an Italian hitch and a guide-mode device
- 05Multi-pitch climbing on your own protection
- 06Trad tactics — choosing gear, building the right anchor and picking protection for the terrain
- 07Abseiling (including changing over at an intermediate anchor)
- 08Dealing with emergencies when climbing as a team and on your own protection
Rudawy Janowickie & Jura
Location
Where do we climb?
We run the course in two areas: bolted multi-pitch routes in the Jura (the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland), and the granite of Sokoliki, where you learn to place your own protection.
Rudawy Janowickie (Sokoliki)
Granite crags in Lower Silesia and one of the best places in Europe to learn to climb on your own protection. Hundreds of moderate single- and multi-pitch routes on excellent granite. The views from the summits of the towers are the icing on the cake.
Accommodation
- Jura
- If you're coming from further away, we recommend staying in the Jura itself — a quiet area with beautiful nature. We usually climb in the Kobylańska Valley, around Jerzmanowice or in the Będkowska Valley.
- Rudawy
- For the Rudawy course, we're happy to recommend tried-and-tested places to stay for climbers — just ask us before you travel.
Gear
What gear you need
Given the experience required for this course, you probably already have your own climbing gear. If not, that's no problem!
We provide
Trad gear for the duration of the course.
NutsCamsSlingsThe rest of the trad rack
If you don't have your own, we'll also provide ropes, harnesses, helmets, quickdraws and belay devices.
Bring with you
Climbing shoesrequiredThey don't need to be top of the range — just comfortable and a good fit.
Your own gearif you have itBring it along — it's worth practising with what you'll use later.
Outcomes
After the course
Independence
You'll be able to climb trad and multi-pitch routes on rock on your own.
Choosing your objectives
You'll know how to pick an area and a route, what gear to take and how to cope if something unexpected happens.
The next step
Once you've consolidated what you learned, you'll be ready for an alpine course in the Tatras.
Your training path
1
Rock climbing course4 days · PLN 1,600
2
3Trad climbing courseYou are here
Self-rescue course2 days · from PLN 650
Booking
Options, dates and prices
Choose the option that suits your calendar better.
2 available dates
29–3Apr – May
Full option — Rudawy Janowickie
Jura Krakowsko-CzęstochowskaSzymon Cybart4 places left4 places leftThu – MonPLN 2,000Book14–18JulFull option — Rudawy Janowickie
Rudawy JanowickiePaweł Bańczyk, Michał Czech8 places left8 places leftWed – SunPLN 2,000BookBooking as a group of four? Ask about a discount!
Reviews
What our students say
Reviews from our Google Maps listing, in the original Polish.
„Kurs skałkowy z Pawłem to świetny wybór. Profesjonalne podejście, dużo cennych wskazówek i wiedzy przekazanej krok po kroku. Wszystko odbywa się w przyjaznej atmosferze, a Paweł z dużą cierpliwością odpowiada na każde pytanie. Zdecydowanie polecam!”
Matilde Anselmo„Szczere podziękowania dla instruktora Pawła. Dużo nowej i przydatnej wiedzy przekazanej w pozytywnej atmosferze. Polecam serdecznie :)”
Jan Nowak„Jestem po kursie skałkowym u Szymona. Profesjonalne podejście, ogromna wiedza, pasja do wspinania, a równocześnie bardzo przyjazna atmosfera i reagowanie na potrzeby naszej grupy. Polecam każdemu kto chciałby spróbować swoich sił w skałach :)”
Marek WarzeszkaFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer here? Give us a call — we're happy to help.
Talk to an instructorWe'll help you pick the right course and date.
Do I need any previous climbing experience?
It depends on the course you choose. The rock climbing course is for complete beginners — you don't need to know anything about climbing.
Trad and multi-pitch courses require some experience — see the details here.
Do I need my own climbing gear?
No. Your instructor provides all the climbing gear you need to get started, including a harness, helmet, rope and belay device.
We don't provide climbing shoes, which you can't climb on rock without, so bring your own!
If you have some gear of your own, bring it along. That way you'll get to know the kit you'll keep using after the course.
Where do the courses take place?
We run our courses mainly in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (the Jura) and in the Rudawy Janowickie range in Lower Silesia.
The location depends on the course. More details here.
How long does a course take?
It depends on the course you choose.
The rock climbing course usually takes 4 days and the trad climbing course 5 days. Details.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
Yes. You receive a certificate confirming you have completed a course that follows the syllabus of the Polish Mountaineering Association (PZA).
After the trad climbing course we can also refer you to a Tatra mountaineering course, provided your instructor rates your skills and safety positively.
Is climbing safe?
Yes, as long as you follow the safety rules we go through before we start.
Our courses are run by certified instructors, and your safety is their priority. On rock there is always some risk of events beyond our control, such as falling rocks or other people.
Accidents are, however, extremely rare.
Is there an age limit?
The minimum age depends on the course.
For rock climbing courses the minimum age is 16, with written consent from a parent or guardian. We accept younger participants only in exceptional cases and arrange sessions for children individually — please get in touch.
There is no upper age limit for adults.
Do I need to be very fit?
No. Climbing doesn't take superhuman strength. Keep in mind, though, that a course means several days of intense activity outdoors, so you should be reasonably fit and have a basic level of stamina.
You don't need to lift weights, but it's worth getting in shape before the course.
How many people are in a group?
Groups are small, usually 2 to 4 people. That way the instructor can give each participant individual attention.
What should I bring to the course?
Bring with you:
- comfortable sportswear
- climbing shoes
- trainers or approach shoes with a grippy sole (they make the walk to the crag easier)
- a 30–40 litre backpack to carry the climbing gear you borrow from your instructor
- a chalk bag
- a jacket or fleece for colder days
- food and water (days last 7–9 hours)
In spring and autumn a flask of tea, gloves and a thin hat that fits under a helmet also come in handy.
In summer, bring tick repellent and sunscreen.
Do courses go ahead in bad weather?
Light rain or cold weather doesn't always mean the day is cancelled. The areas where we climb are often large, and the microclimate can change within a few kilometres, which gives us room to manoeuvre when conditions are poor.
We always choose the crag to make the most of the weather.
If conditions are very bad, we move the session to a climbing wall.
Can I sign up on my own?
Of course. Many people sign up on their own and join a group, or take the course one-to-one (after arranging it with an instructor).
Will I be able to climb on my own after the course?
Yes — independence is the main goal of the course. You learn safe belaying and the basic procedures that let you climb on your own.
Can I buy a course as a gift voucher?
Yes. Our climbing courses are also available as gift vouchers!
Just send us an email and we'll prepare a voucher for the course of your choice.
What does the course price include?
The price includes instruction (7–9 hours a day) and all the gear you need. It does not include transport, food or accommodation.
How do I book a course?
Choose a course on the Courses page, pick a date and fill in the booking form. You'll also find all available dates on the booking page.
If you have any questions, get in touch by phone or email.
Next step
Any questions?
Get in touch and start your trad climbing adventure. We'll help you choose the right option and answer all your questions before you book.