Climbing Gym Features You Can’t Skip

Modern climbing gyms have taken over the indoor climbing industry in recent years, and for good reason. From dingy and dank old silos to bright and ventilated facilities—climbing gyms have transformed—and so has climbing.

The uptick in climbing gym modernity and progress is simply due to the growth of climbers around the world. What was once an activity reserved only for those on the fringes of society has become a way for others to obtain Olympic medals! Not only has climbing become somewhat of a trend that others want to be part of, but the lifestyle and culture are part of the reason for its growing popularity. Of course, once you become a climber, it’s hard not to see yourself doing it for the rest of your life.

The rising competition among gyms has also contributed to an increase in modern amenities. Things like saunas, cafes, and major outdoor walls have been included in many facilities to separate themselves from others. This rise has shifted customer expectations, which will drive gyms' push to cater to their customer base even more.

While bells and whistles are nice, investing in the right features is crucial to driving membership, retention, and community loyalty. Adding cool things may help you stand out as a climbing gym, but if they aren’t what your clientele wants, it’s a waste of time and money. Instead, take a look at these five must-have features for modern climbing gyms every owner should include in their state-of-the-art facility.

Diversity in what you supply will be one of the most important features you can have at any indoor climbing gym. You must be able to cater to every level of climber if you want retention. This includes beginners, intermediates, advanced, and even elite-level climbers. As the Field of Dreams saying goes, “If you build it, he [they] will come.”

Further than catering to every level of climber, you must also cater to every type of climber. That means you want walls for bouldering, top roping, lead climbing, and training. Having something for every level and type of climber is the best way to keep climbers coming back to your gym.

Safety is key to retention. If somebody comes to climb at your gym and is sketched out by something you offer, or a safety feature that you happen to ignore, it’s not likely they’ll encourage their friends or family to come check out your facility.

A good first impression is crucial for climbing gyms. This includes how streamlined your waiver process is, how engaged your staff is in giving orientations, and how knowledgeable they are at answering any questions about the gym.

To ensure your gym is state-of-the-art, you can include a few key features: regularly inspected auto-belays, routine safety audits of all your gear, and staff training programs to make sure customers receive proper supervision and quick incident responses.

Yes, you’re a climbing gym, but climbers do much more than just climb. Another must-have is dedicated spaces for training, yoga, cardio, and strength training.

Training walls are perfect for those looking to push their power-endurance limits, while yoga classes are great for getting in touch with your body and helping stay present, not just while climbing, but every day. Plus, a proper gym would be amiss without a proper cardio and strength training area to further support complete athlete development.

Offering cross-training can increase member engagement and revenue because while most people will come to your gym to climb, they won’t always come to climb. If you offer yoga classes and training areas, then your gym will be the only membership they’ll want and need!

While you need diverse climbing areas, state-of-the-art safety systems, and fitness zones beyond climbing, to really keep the community around, you need community-centered amenities.

Lounge areas, free Wi-Fi, coffee/juice bars, and pro shops are great ways to keep your climbers around to help build community. If you create the spaces for climbers to come hang out, even when they’re not climbing, you’ve made the space for the community to thrive.

Another great way to keep your climbers coming back is to host events! Competitions, workshops, and other social events are all great ways to attract climbers to further enhance the community.

The last must-have feature for modern climbing gyms is to use sustainable and eco-friendly materials, efficient HVAC systems, and LED lighting. People vote with their dollar. If your clientele of climbers, who are notoriously interested in loving the environment and open spaces, know that your facility cares about the environment too, then it’s just another reason for them to stick around.

Further, a high-tech way to keep your climbers engaged in what's going on at the gym is to include route-setting apps that display what walls have been reset and when, an online booking option for classes, and real-time gym occupancy tracking so they can decide if hitting the gym at peak hours is worth their time.

Look, you won’t build community overnight, but by incorporating these five must-have features for a modern climbing gym, you’re on your way to developing a community that will show you its love for many years to come.

Remember to keep the climbing options diverse for all climbers, create systems for your staff to be as safe and knowledgeable as possible, include fitness and other training options, offer more amenities than a typical gym and community-driven events, and of course, be inspired by modernity and stay up to date with the latest eco and tech trends.

By investing strategically in building your community, you are creating a way to future-proof your gym and grow your business to be the best it can be.