| What it is | Both climbers moving at once, roped |
| Protection | Gear placed between the two |
| Benefit / risk | Fast, but a fall pulls both |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
Simul-climbing (simultaneous climbing) is a speed technique where both the leader and follower climb at the same time while tied to the same rope, with protection placed between them, rather than one belaying the other. It is much faster than pitching but riskier, since a fall by either climber can pull the other, so it’s reserved for easier terrain or experienced teams.
How it works
Both move together with gear clipped between them — a running belay — instead of pitching.
Why and when
For speed on moderate alpine terrain, where moving fast beats objective hazards. Educational only; not a substitute for instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What is simul-climbing?
Simul-climbing is when both climbers move at the same time, tied to the same rope, with several pieces of protection clipped between them — a 'running belay' — instead of one climber belaying a stationary rope. It covers ground far faster than climbing pitch by pitch.
Is simul-climbing dangerous?
It's riskier than normal pitched climbing, because a fall by either climber can pull the other off, and there's no static belayer to catch a leader fall directly. It demands easier terrain relative to the team's ability, solid protection between climbers, and experienced partners.
When do you simul-climb?
On long routes and in alpine climbing, where speed is itself a safety factor (beating weather and objective hazards), and on terrain well within the team's ability where a fall is unlikely. It's a tactic for moving fast over moderate ground, not for pushing your limit.
Sources
- Speed climbing techniques — American Alpine Club