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Skill Level:
Previous climbing experience required

Level 1

Accessibility Rating:
1 = Least Accessible
5 = Most Accessible

Rock Climbing

Category:
Rock Climbing

tent

Lodging:
Camping

Group Size

Group Size:
10

COST: Free For Veterans

The VF Foundation logo  

This trip is made possible thanks to generous contributions from the VF Foundation and Exum Mountain Guides.

OVERVIEW

Join Paradox Sports for a trip of a lifetime!  As the adaptive climbing leader, Paradox Sports is providing an amazing climbing opportunity on the Grand Teton, Wyoming! This program is offered exclusively to Veterans at no cost.  As one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the U.S. the Grand Teton trip offers our Veterans an opportunity to advance their climbing skills, overcome physical and mental challenges and will serve as a catalyst for forging lasting relationships. Our goal is to build community and facilitate a transformational climbing experience!

This classic climb is a 4-day program – where you will receive 2 days of group instruction. All climbers are taught the skills necessary to fully participate during their 2-day Grand Teton climb. These skills include: bouldering, multi-pitch climbing techniques, rappelling, knots, rope management.

The expedition will be based out of the American Alpine Club’s Teton Climbers Ranch, nestled at the foot of the Tetons in Grand Teton National Park. The group will meet up and do a gear check the first night, spend two days training for the summit attempt of the Grand Teton, then spend the next two days on the climb itself. The objective is the summit of the Grand Teton. Towering over the valley below at 13,770 feet, the Grand is one of the most iconic climbs in the U.S. The climb starts at Jenny Lake, and climbs Garnet Canyon for 7 miles and over 5000 vertical feet to the lower saddle hut, where the team will spend the night. Waking up before dawn, the team will make the final push to the summit, an additional 2000 vertical feet from the lower saddle, then return to base camp the same day. This is a physically demanding trip and will provide the opportunity to push limits. Spaces are limited.

ACCESSIBILITY

This is a strenuous program and is rated our most difficult. The approach to the climb is varied, but is generally characterized as being rough, uneven trails with rocks, boulders, stone steps, sand and gravel. The trails are typical “able bodied” climber trails with limited development in regards to ensuring total accessibility. Depending on mobility level, the approach can vary drastically in terms of time. The approach is varied and steep, however, participants will have ample support in traveling over this terrain by staff and guides. Participants need a good base level of fitness andcomfort traveling in this type of terrain. If you have limited mobility, and have questions on the approach/accessibility, please contact us.
Paradox Sports strives to serve all individuals regardless of ability, and encourages individuals considering this program to review our Essential Eligibility Criteria here. If you have specific questions about this program, please contact us at info@paradoxsports.org.

TRIP SCHEDULE

The program will start and end in Jackson Hole, WY
  • TBD – Travel Day
  • TBD – Alpine Climbing Training Day #1
  • TBD – Alpine Climbing Training Day #2
  • TBD – Climb Day #1, Jenny Lake to Lower Saddle
  • TBD – Climb Day #2, Lower Saddle to Grand Teton Summit back to Jenny Lake
  • TBD – Travel Day

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Climbers:

Pre-requisites for this program include; some outdoor experience, introductory understanding and experience with rock climbing, ability to self-care in outdoor environment. The Grand Teton is an alpine rock climbing route, moderate in nature. However, this trip requires excellent physical fitness and a high level of self-care i.e. cold weather, hydration, sun exposure. Upon completion of your application, we will review and reach out to discuss pre-requisites in more detail.
This trip starts at the AAC climbers ranch, where will will be staying in rustic cabins for our prep days. We will then ascend to the lower saddle hut the night before our climb…please come prepared for all weather! Individuals should be prepared to bring their own camping equipment (sleeping bags, pads, water bottles etc). A full equipment list will be provided. Paradox has some gear available to loan if requested.
All participants will have a set amount of travel expenses covered to and from the event as well as during the weekend (exact amount TBD based on grant funding). Air travel expenses will be reimbursed after program completion.  All travel arrangements should fly in and out of Jackson Hole airport. A shuttle will be provided from the airport to the climbers ranch.
We encourage climbers to bring their own personal gear if possible, including a harness, helmet, and climbing shoes. All group gear, including ropes, anchor material etc will be provided. Climbers will also need to bring all personal camping gear, including sleeping bag, sleeping pad and appropriate clothing. Paradox Sports has a limited range of climbing shoes, helmets, harnesses, and camping gear available to loan if you need to borrow please indicate in your registration. Once accepted all participants will received a detailed Trip Welcome Packet, with full equipment list.
Paradox Sports will provide all meals. Please bring trail snacks and preferred snack for the climbing days. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please include that in your registration.

What’s Included:

•    Professional guides and instruction with a ratio of 2:1
•    Airfare stipend will be covered through a reimbursement up to a set amount (exact amount TBD based on grant funding)
•    Camping and Guide Fees
•    All meals will be provided
•    All rock climbing equipment will be provided
•    Each participant will receive a Paradox Sports trip t-shirt and day pack.

What’s Not Included:

•   Guardian / Partner registrations: Each registration is for one individual only. If your friends, significant other, guardian or personal aid would like to join, we ask that they register as a volunteer for the trip and help cover the costs of lodging, meals, logistics, guides, etc. and that they are eager and willing to be an active part of the community for the weekend!
•   Alcohol is not included, and not permitted while on Paradox Sports programs.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of our programs, Paradox Sports has a no pets policy.  If you have a service animal that you plan to bring with you on a program, please be sure to let us know in advance and familiarize yourself with this Service Animal Agreement.  We will require a signed copy of this agreement from anyone bringing a service dog with them on the trip.  If you bring any animals on a program that are not service animals, you may be asked to leave without reimbursement.
*Note: Please be advised that alpine climbing trips include risks for your service animal including, but not limited to, extreme weather, falling and loose rocks, inpassable areas, and more.  If a staff member or guide encourages you to leave your dog at home, it is out of safety concern for your animal due to the dangers listed above. 

We have a cancellation policy to ensure the maximum number of climbers can attend and spots do not go unused.

If you cancel:

•   Any travel expenses incurred by participants prior to cancellation will not be reimbursed
•   For cancellations due to emergency situations and special cases, please contact us to discuss options. We will work with you for the best solution.
*If you are asked to leave any Paradox Sports event by staff due to inappropriate behavior, you will not be refunded any fees in association with the trip or event, no matter the duration that you were in attendance. 

Questions? Please contact us at info@paradoxsports.org