
About
Mike Pond has been guiding for 12 years, which has taken him throughout the Western US, Alaska, and South America, and is delighted to call the Sierra the home range. He lives in Renoand travels down to climb and ski in the Eastern Sierra as much as he can, and is getting to know Hwy 395 very well by now!
Mike grew up in New York State, where he learned to climb and ski while getting his Bachelor’s degree in Expeditionary Studies in the Adirondack Mountains. He also has a Master’s degree in Recreation Studies, in which his research thesis “Investigating Climbing as a Spiritual Experience” brought a deeper perspective to the motivations and outcomes of spending time in the mountains.
Mike is a well-rounded climber, comfortable and passionate about all types of climbing, from single-pitch cragging days, to long technical alpine routes and expeditions. He has established first ascents in the High Sierra, Cascades, Alaska, and BC Coast range, and is currently working his way through the innumerable classic routes of the Sierra. Which is fun homework!
Mike is an AMGA certified Rock Guide and apprentice Alpine Guide.
Client Types
Individuals
Small groups
Experts
Trips
Intro to Rock Climbing
If you’ve always dreamed of venturing into the vertical world or you’re looking for a thrilling outing for your family, this intro class is perfect for you.
Have you always dreamed of venturing into the vertical world? Do you catch the kids climbing trees, banisters, the walls!? Get them outdoors! This class is great for families and friends. What better way to bond then watching them do something new and succeed!
Intro to Rock Climbiing is perfect for you!
Have you always dreamed of venturing into the vertical world? Do you catch the kids climbing trees, banisters, the walls!? Get them outdoors! This class is great for families and friends. What better way to bond then watching them do something new and succeed!
Intro to Rock Climbiing is perfect for you!
This full day class lays down the foundation needed for a lifetime of safe climbing adventures. Along with learning the basic knots for climbing we introduce the fundamental safety systems. You will learn and practice belaying, rappelling and the use of modern climbing equipment. After a climbing skills demonstration you’ll get lots time to practice your new rock skills.
Seasonality
Mar-May
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Intermediate Rock Climbing
Our Intermediate rock climbing course will give you the skills you will need to take the next step. This course is a great way to learn rock climbing techniques that usually take years to figure out on your own. We’ll cover multipitch techniques, rope management, movement skills and more!!!
Once you’ve discovered rock climbing there is no going back. Our intermediate rock climbing course will give you the skills you’ll need to take the next step.
This course is great for those who have taken our Intro to Rock Climbing course or for gym climbers who are ready to take their skills outside.
We’ll learn more advanced techniques like, multi-pitching, anchoring, mantling, back stepping, crack technique, route finding, dynamic belay technique, complex footwork, and much more. When you’ve completed this one day course you’ll be ready to send those hard moves and have confidence in your basic climbing safety systems.
Once you’ve discovered rock climbing there is no going back. Our intermediate rock climbing course will give you the skills you’ll need to take the next step.
This course is great for those who have taken our Intro to Rock Climbing course or for gym climbers who are ready to take their skills outside.
We’ll learn more advanced techniques like, multi-pitching, anchoring, mantling, back stepping, crack technique, route finding, dynamic belay technique, complex footwork, and much more. When you’ve completed this one day course you’ll be ready to send those hard moves and have confidence in your basic climbing safety systems.
Seasonality
Mar-May