Happy climbers on the summit of a granite tower

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about our courses, gear, safety and booking.

Common questions

Everything worth knowing before your course

Our instructors are happy to tell you anything you need to know about choosing the right course for your skills.

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.

What if I'm afraid of heights?

A fear of heights is normal and common among our participants. We teach you how to deal with it and gradually build confidence in a safe setting.

If your fear is so strong that it paralyses you, it's worth starting with a private session with an instructor.

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).

Do you run private courses?

Yes. We can organise a one-to-one course or training session tailored exactly to your needs and goals.

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.

Do you run sessions for children?

Yes. We arrange sessions for children individually, focusing on fun, movement skills and, above all, safety. They are mostly run by Paweł — for details, it's best to get in touch with him directly.

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.

Is sandstone climbing dangerous?

It takes more care than sport climbing: protection is sparser and its quality depends on you. That's why we start by practising protection on the ground and on easy routes, and only then gradually raise the difficulty.

Why can't you use nuts and cams on sandstone?

Sandstone is soft. Metal damages the cracks and breaks the rock. Knots and slings protect the rock, and when placed well they hold a fall.

Why do you climb sandstone without chalk?

Chalk clogs the pores of the sandstone, making the rock slippery and slower to dry. It is banned in most areas.

I've done a sport climbing course. Can I manage the sandstone course?

Yes, if you lead sport routes. A trad course helps, but it isn't required.

Can I join the sandstone course with a partner or my own group?

Yes. We also run private group courses and days with an instructor.