When the weather turns cold, indoor gyms provide climbers a year-round option
It is the time of year again for cold breezes, changing leaves and finger-numbing cold rock. Fall is in the air and it will only get colder, meaning CU rock junkies who do not want frostbitten fingers will have to get their climbing fix inside.
“Winter is the peak season for indoor climbing, CU students are back and outdoor climbers have to move indoors” said Boulder Rock Club Manager Kevin Bains.
Boulder Rock Club, The Spot Bouldering Gym and the CU Recreation Center climbing wall are the three best choices in Boulder for honing and maintaining climbing skills throughout the cold winter months. But climbing gym memberships tend to be a bit pricey so here are a few things to consider before making the leap and throwing down hard-earned cash.
Boulder Rock Club has been around Boulder the longest. They boast having won the Best of Boulder rock gym award year after year.
Bains accredits this to “the quality route setting.”
“We are also adding 40 percent more climbing and bouldering terrain to our gym this winter,” said Bains.
For those who love competitions, Bains said there will be several in the coming months. Membership to this gym is $60 per month or $600 per year.
The Spot Bouldering Gym was the first gym in the country to be dedicated to bouldering. They also offer a 25-foot roped climbing wall for those not keen on free falling 18 feet to the cushy floor. They are also offering a series of five bouldering competitions throughout the winter. The first is called Psychedelia and takes place on Oct. 28.
“It will be more of a stand-alone event apart from the other four competitions. During the day there will be activities for kids, while the competition and costume contest will take place at night,” said The Spot Bouldering Gym Manager Dan Howley.
The event is Halloween-themed, will be lit completely by black lights and many of the climbing holds will glow in the dark. A month-long membership to The Spot Bouldering Gym $65 per month and $495 per year.
The CU Recreation Center climbing wall is a much smaller facility than the other two but also offers roped climbing and bouldering. Membership is only $35 for the year.
On April 6 they will offer a bouldering competition.
“Don’t miss it, its going to be huge,” said CU Outdoor Program Assistant Coordinator David Janowiec.
Even though winter is slowly creeping into town, climbers need not fear as there are many options to keep them satisfied. And in the spring after the snow melts they can take their indoor training outside and send a route that last year they might not have dreamed possible.
