Spain·June - October
ADVANCED SPORT CLIMBING COURSE
A week in Oliana with pro climber Patxi Usobiaga developing the mental, physical and technical skills to break into the next grade
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Overview
Are you stuck at a plateau where you can never progress, no matter how hard you train? Are you looking to work your weaknesses to help take your sport climbing to the next level? Come spend a week climbing and training with Patxi Usobiaga - pro climber, 2009 World Champion, and coach to some of the world's best climbers - at his home crag of Oliana. You will learn a whole set of tricks and mental skills to help you approach, project and climb routes right at your limit. You'll CLIMB A LOT at a world class crag, and with Patxi's help send some cool onsights, flashes or redpoints that up to now seemed impossible. Over the course of the week, Patxi will assess your physical, mental and technical strengths and weaknesses and set you a one-month individual training plan. Let's get crushing!
Highlights
Performance coaching
You will receive individualised coaching designed to help you improve your climbing performance and push beyond your limits. This will include: an analysis of your physical, mental and technical strengths and weaknesses; help working out beta and linking moves; tips on how to prepare mentally for a climb; advice on equipment - and more!
Personal training plan
After assessing your strengths and weaknesses in the three main areas that contribute to climbing performance - mental, physical and technical skills - Patxi will provide you with an individualised one-month training plan, with the possibility of longer term follow-up.
Local Partners
Meet our local partners on the Advanced Sport Climbing Course
Jany
Jany is a solid 8a+ climber and founder of Rockbusters. Even though he has a master's degree in Social Politics and Social Work, he couldn't resist the call of the mountains and is now a full-time climbing instructor.
Patxi
Patxi is a pro climber with some incredible achievements under his belt, including winning the 2009 Qinghai World Championship and being the first climber to onsight 8c+. He has coached some big names such as Adam Ondra, Chris Sharma and Daniel Woods.
Gallery
Oliana, Spain
A contender for one of the hardest crags in the world, home to some very famous routes
A contender for one of the hardest crags in the world, Oliana is home to some very famous routes including the world's second 9b+ 'La Dura Dura'. The crag is basically just one very long cliff, offering around 30 routes from 7a to 9b+. These are typically long (up to 50m!), overhanging, and characterised by very stamina intensive, athletic climbing. Get ready for some incredible moves on tufas, pockets and crimps! You'll be rewarded for your efforts with stunning views from the anchors and the chance to climb alongside some of the world's top climbers. Set your ambitions high, as the best routes start around 8a!
Basecamp
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Local accommodation
You'll be staying in shared accommodation run by local climbers, such as a climbing hostel, cottages or campsites. Private rooms can be arranged for an extra fee - enquire ahead of departure!
What's Included
What's Included
6 full days climbing
1 month training plan
7 nights' accommodation
Individualized approach
Climbing gear
Patxi's incredible stories!
Accident insurance
1-on-1 coaching with Patxi
What's Not Included
Flights
Food & Drin
Local transport (we can help arrange this)
Anything not mentioned in the 'what is included' section
More Info
Climbing Skills
Due to the nature of the trip, previous outdoor sport climbing experience is required and a minimum redpoint grade of 6c. You'll be climbing non-stop for 6 days, so a good level of fitness is highly recommended.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we cannot accept any liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoors alone. Contact us to organise a trip with a certified mountain guide instead.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Wed 10 Nov 2021 · Athlete interviews
Stefano Ghisolfi - downgrading Bibliographie.
Between climbing Bibliographie, making the FA of Erebor, and winning the 2021 lead world cup title, Stefano has had an incredible year!
Wed 24 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
Climbing injury prevention: how to train before a climbing trip
Climbing physiotherapist Cristiano Costa's tips for staying injury free on a climbing trip, and advice on what to do when the worst happens.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
You'll need to have some previous outdoor sport climbing experience and be able to red-point 6c. A good level of fitness is desirable as you'll be climbing non-stop for 6 days!
What group size can I expect?
The maximum group size for this trip is 15. All climbers will get plenty of 1-on-1 time with Patxi and leave with an individualised training plan to help you keep working those weaknesses.
How do I get to the accommodation/ crags?
Transportation is not included in the trip price, so the best option is to hire a car. We can help organise a group carshare. There will be the option to either meet at the airport or Oliana - a meeting point will be shared once the departure is confirmed.