Who we are and what we are about
When we started our journey
Say something interesting about your business here In 2009 a little-known outdoor brand named KAILAS sponsored an international team of climbers on an attempt of Mount Yangmolong, an unclimbed 6000 meter high peak in Sichuan, China. The team didn’t make the summit that time, or the following year, but they did on their third attempt in 2011. Much to the surprise of these climbers, KAILAS hung in there and continued to support their attempts. Little did we know that this first date would lead to the formation of China’s foremost climbing training center. Through the vision of KAILAS’ founder, Baggio Zhong, LeadClimb Mountaineering & Training School was born in the fall of 2012. American climber Jon Otto was brought in to be director. Since the start we have tirelessly forged towards our vision of creating a resource for all those that wish to safely play on rocky ridges, romp up ice walls and frolic amongst snowy peaks – yes, that’s you!
The process
The journey has not been without bumps and challenges. We have experienced the lose of friends and a long-term guide to the mountains. We have also had many inspiring and joyous moments, and it is these lives that we have changed for the better that keep us going strong. We have brought couples together, trained a new generation of young instructors, caused folks to change careers in pursuit of the outdoors, inspired environmental consciousness, given young people new motivation and created a lifetime of good memories.
Today
Today, LeadClimb is a leader of training and mountain safety courses in China. We could not have done this without the support and hard work of our talented guides and instructors, who are the heart and lungs of LeadClimb. The support of Chinese mountaineering Associations and international organizations has been instrumental. Also, an Everest sized thank you to our invaluable industry partners, our dedicated students, staff, friends and family who have supported us along our journey. And last but not least, to KAILAS, whose unwavering support is key towards our success.
We are more motivated than ever!
Challenge yourself, learn, and have fun
What LeadClimb Stands For!
Our Vision
1. Be the most reputable and highly sought out climbing organization in China, lead the development of alpinism, and be the premier mountain information resource center for China.
2. Make climbing accessible to everyone.
3. Be the center of China’s climbing community.
4. Be the leading experts running programs that make independent climbers.
Our Mission
Be the main climbing resource in China by offering the most diverse, highest quality and safest climbing programs for people of all abilities (though mostly focusing on beginning climbers). We will do this by being responsible and passionate members of the outdoor community, expand our programs throughout the country, have the most extensive information about mountains under 7000 meters high in China, and offer resources for and about guides.
Our Position
Great strength will come from synthesizing quality programs with China’s finest instructors. Experienced, knowledgeable instructors/guides and well run programs will give LeadClimb credibility amongst the climbing community. MTS will also have high standards for its guides and work towards its guides achieving international standards.
Mountain Ethics
LeadClimb is an inclusive organization. An all-inclusive organization is one that the outdoor community feels listens to their needs, works for them, and welcomes support from many diverse companies and individuals regardless of affiliation.
We also hold high standards of mountain practice ethics, LNT, preserving and respecting the local cultures that we encounter.
