Indoor Climbing: Ground Course 1

2.5 hrs
Climber applying chalk to hands in an indoor climbing gym, blurred wall holds in background.
Learn climbing from scratch
Belaying techniques clearly explained
3 × 2.5 hrs of training

Season:

All year
3 x 2.5 hours

Key info

Our guides speak German & English
3 sessions of 2.5 hours each
Introduction to top-rope climbing and belaying
Equipment included
Training at the ORBIT climbing gym

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking to spend time outside and unplug as a group.

Learn how to climb safely and secure yourself properly for a solid foundation in vertical climbing.

This course provides a solid introduction to top-rope climbing. You will learn the most important belaying techniques, practice initial climbing routes, and receive personalized tips on technique. After three sessions, you will be able to climb top rope independently and belay safely: the first step into the vertical world.

Course details

Academy

Learning objectives

  • Climb and belay safely on top rope
  • Master knots and tying in
  • Basic belaying techniques
  • Knowledge of indoor climbing rules
  • Elementary climbing techniques

Course curriculum

Introduction to necessary climbing equipment and basic knots for indoor climbing.

T1
Climbing Equipment

Getting to know personal equipment (harness, rope, belay device, screwgate carabiner, climbing shoes, chalk bag).

Key points:
  • Proper fit and fastening of the harness
  • Checking the belay carabiner
  • Choosing an appropriate belay device
Techniques:
Putting on and adjusting the climbing harnessClipping a screwgate carabiner

Teaching belaying techniques for top rope climbing, including partner checks, command agreements, and lowering the climber.

T1
Top Rope Belaying Technique

Use of the belay device

Key points:
  • Appropriate rope tension
  • Belaying position close to the wall
Techniques:
Push-pull belay techniqueGaswerk methodTube/semi-automatic
T2
Partner Check & Communication

Introduction to partner checks before each start and clear agreements between climber and belayer.

Key points:
  • Mutual harness check
  • Belay device set and carabiner locked
  • Climbing commands
Techniques:
Systematic partner check
T3
Safe Lowering

Gentle and safe lowering from the top rope.

Key points:
  • Lower smoothly
  • Keep hands securely on the brake rope
  • Watch for a clear landing spot
Techniques:
Lowering with tube/semi-automatic

Fundamentals of climbing movement on the wall and safe behavior rules for bouldering.

T1
Elementary Climbing Technique

Practice basic movement techniques for climbing to ascend economically and safely.

Key points:
  • Develop a sense of balance
  • Keep center of gravity close to the wall
  • Place toes precisely on holds
Techniques:
Three-point ruleProper grippingEye movement (actively look for footholds)
T2
Bouldering & Gym Rules

Introduction to safe bouldering as a complementary technique exercise, adhering to gym rules.

Key points:
  • Do not walk under climbing people, perform controlled jumps from moderate heights (climb down if possible), be considerate of other climbers.
Techniques:
Simple spottingCorrect landing on the matBouldering rules of SAC/VSBK

Assessment methods

Progress in Basic Course 1 is determined through practical observation and feedback from the course instructors.

Participants practice all skills step by step and receive feedback until they can apply the techniques safely. At the end of the course, each climber must demonstrate the course objectives practically, e.g., independently belaying and lowering a partner on top rope, and conducting the partner check flawlessly. There is usually no formal exam, but instructors continuously check the correct execution of all safety measures. Only those who master top rope belaying thoroughly are considered successful and may proceed to the next course (Basic Course 2). Progress is thus measured by the safe mastery of core competencies (knots, tying in, belaying) under the supervision of the course leader.

Certification

Certificate of Participation Indoor Top Rope

With the Indoor Top Rope Climbing Certificate from Basic Course 1, you are allowed to climb on top rope in your local climbing gym without further supervision and have met the prerequisites to attend the advanced Basic Course 2 (Lead Climbing).

Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG

Itinerary

Meeting points
Meeting point

Before the course begins, check in at the OUTDOOR Base in Interlaken, making sure you have time to store your personal belongings in the locker room. Your instructor will greet you in the ORBIT climbing gym and provide you with your equipment: climbing shoes, harness, and belay device. After a brief introduction, the training begins.
Basics of Toprope Climbing – Technique & Safety

You will learn how to warm up properly and receive initial technique tips on the bouldering wall. Then, it's on to toprope climbing: your instructor will explain the key belaying techniques, show you how to handle the rope correctly, and climb safely.
Practical Training & First Climbing Attempts

Then you put what you just learned into practice: in the first sessions, you will practice climbing with the rope as well as belaying your partner. You will receive personalized tips on proper grip techniques and how to move efficiently.
Deepening & Independent Training

With each session, you will become more confident in handling the rope. You will repeat the belaying techniques and can try out different routes. After the final session, you will have the knowledge to climb toprope independently.
Course Completion & Optional Bouldering

At the end of the course, you return your equipment. If you wish, you can continue bouldering independently to strengthen what you learned.

Whats included

Instruction by qualified climbing instructor
Equipment
Shoes

Not included

Entry to ORBIT climbing hall

Entry not included (single entry, 11-pass, or season pass available at the counter)

What to bring

Sportswear
Water bottle

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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