[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]
There are some sports that you don’t just go and try solo, and rock climbing is one of them. The Vail Vitality Center is home to Vail’s only indoor climbing wall, so new and experienced climbers can practice their skills year-round.
Programs for kids and adults are available, including a Foundations Climbing Class held on Monday evenings.
“Foundations builds on whatever foundation an individual has,” explains Larry Moore, climbing wall manager and head coach of the youth climbing team. “From beginner lessons of safety and efficient movements, to advanced training with belay techniques and problem solving — it’s a full range of offerings within the class.”
Friday evenings on the climbing wall is open for Adult Community Climbing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is included in a club membership, or is just $10 for guests of the Vitality Center. Since climbing is so community oriented, this is a great time to meet others who are interested in the sport.
“Community is a huge part of climbing,” Moore says. “For people looking to go climb outside of the gym setting or even within the gym, this helps facilitate that community environment.”
Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. are designated Family Community Climbing (also offers a $10 guest drop-in), and then from 5 to 7 p.m. the wall is set aside for Women’s Climbing Night. Moore says the women-only evening creates an approachable environment of all women for them to experience or explore climbing and different techniques.
“And again, it’s an opportunity for women to meet one another and have partners to go and climb outdoors and travel with,” says Moore.
Climbing lends to an atmosphere of trust and teamwork. The Vitality Center hosts corporate groups, educational classes and birthday parties to experience this first-hand.
“There’s a lot of attributes that can be extrapolated from the experience of climbing that will lend themselves to team building quite easily,” explains Moore. “And it’s fun. Climbing gets people in an environment that they are unaccustomed to so everyone is being challenged in a way that is impactful. They are able to encourage eachother and celebrate eachother’s successes, so it’s a fun and positive environment.”
Kids can also join in on the VAC Climbing Team. Beginner climbers to competition climbers are welcome, and a broad spectrum of coaches are on hand to lead a variety of ability levels throughout the summer. Learn more and sign up HERE for the summer climbing program.
Don’t miss the 2017 Local Bouldering Competition, held Saturday, April 29.
For a little more on the sport, Moore elaborates on this in his article, 4 Fantastic Reasons To Get Climbing.
Private climbing instruction is also available through the Vail Vitality Center.
Check the up-to-date schedule for class times, or call (970) 476-7960 for more information.
Kim Fuller is a freelance writer based in Vail.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]