Programs

Custom Programs

Except for the TRSM program, all our programs are completely custom and are created on a program by program basis with each client. Setting up a program is a matter of contacting us - we will discuss your objectives and goals, and logistical constraints and create some sample program ideas. Then, working back and forth with you and your group, we'll craft the final program itinerary and curriculum.

Outdoor Education Programs for Schools and Groups

One of our areas of expertise is in multi-day camping-based outdoor programs with rock climbing and general outdoor education for schools and organizations. Team building and natural/human history interpretation are a natural part of these types of trips and can have any degree of prominence in the curriculum depending on your objectives. We have provided hundreds of these types of programs over the years for school groups and other organizations. We are also leaders in rock climbing instruction, guide training, and Sierra ski mountaineering tours. Outdoor Link founder Todd Vogel is an American Mountain Guides Association certified (Rock and Alpine) mountain guide with over twenty years of experience working with individuals and groups in mountain and other outdoor environments.

AMGA and PCIA Top Rope Instructor Programs

Todd Vogel is one of the senior instructors in this important American Mountain Guides Association program. The "TRSM" program, as we call it, is often the entry point for aspiring instructors into professional climbing instruction. The program transitions recreational-level climbing skills to the modern professional standard. Those wishing to become certified as Top Rope Site Mangers can take the exam at the end of the course, or come back to do so at a later date. More detailed information can be found here.

Rockclimbing Programs

We have programs from introductory courses through advanced trainings and programs for aspiring guides. Fall through spring programs are best done in Joshua Tree National Park, Spring through summer is great in the Eastern Sierra. The AMGA Top Rope Course (see above) is one of our most popular rock climbing instructional programs; we also do partner/self rescue trainings and pretty much the whole gamut of climbing training.

Program Sites

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the jewels of the Southern California desert. Due to its position at the intersection of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts "JT" is home to a unique ecosystem. Add to that fantastic wind-carved rock formations and interesting mountains and the fact that the Park is only three hours from the LA Basin and you have a setting uparalled for desert exploration. Rock climbers come from around the world to challenge themselves on the rocks of the Park but it is also one of the best venues around for those who are new to rock climbing. Outdoor education topics are virtually unlimited and include adaptations, geology, ornithology, navigation, astronomy, and camping skills, to name but a few. The best seasons for Joshua Tree are March to May and again October through November. Here's a link to the Park's website.

Death Valley National Park

We don't do many programs here but this is a great place to come to study geology and desert natural history. The name is legendary among desert parks and the place has nearly endless possibilities for exploration. It takes a lifetime to see all of Death Valley National Park. The natural history of Death Valley is spectacular - and holds some unexpected surprises, like waterfalls and rare desert streams. This is a link to the Park.

Eastern Sierra

This is home for Outdoor Link founder Todd Vogel, and has been since 1988. The Eastern Sierra is simply an amazing place - the Eastern Sierra rises some 10,000' from the Owens Valley on the east side of the Sierra. Any time of year there is some great outdoor activity to be had, be it a desert day hike, a peak climb or ski, or just a walk in the foothills, there's always something to do here. The Eastern High Sierra is also home to some of the best mountaineering in the lower 48 states. Mt Whitney is often visited as it is the highest peak in the contiguous states but not far from there is the Palisade Region, home to half of the fourteen thousand foot peaks in the State. North of Bishop is Mono Lake, an ice-age remnant famous for its bird life and interesting human history.

Tahoe National Forest

Base for some of our work with organizational development programs. In this case, the Tahoe is host to the American Leadership Forum, which has a wilderness program that Todd Vogel is a staff member of. Convenient to Reno and environs, the Tahoe National Forest has quite a bit of potential for group and school programs