ASCEND Climbing

Class Descriptions

Read about the climbing classes we offer below. View the schedule and reserve your spot here!

Boulder Basics (Beginners)

Brand new to bouldering? Still need some pointers? Go beyond our walkthrough with a guided bouldering session. Spend an hour with a climbing coach and get started on the right track.

  • Classes run for roughly 1 hour. Please arrive early to check in and get settled so we can start on time.

  • Special reservations are available for an additional $50 per booking. Please allow about two weeks or more to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

Intro To Top Roping - Belay Class

Want to learn how to top-rope belay? This introductory course will teach you how to tie your knots and how to belay, so you, your friends, and your family can enjoy roped climbing together.

  • Classes run for roughly 1 hour. Please arrive early to check in and get settled so we can start on time.

  • Special reservations are available for an additional $50 per booking. Please allow about two weeks or more to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

Intro To Adaptive Climbing (Beginners)

Taught by trained adaptive climbing instructors, this class is designed for new climbers who would benefit from learning a wide-range of adaptive accommodations, skills, and techniques. All types of indoor climbing disciplines are available, as well as non-climbing activities such as slacklining.

  • 2 hr session. Please arrive early to check in and get settled so we can start on time.

  • Offered periodically on the schedule, and also available for private booking! Special reservations are available for an additional $50 per booking. Please allow for two weeks or more to schedule. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

  • ASCEND adaptive volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend these classes to assist and hone your knowledge as well. Let us know of your attendance, but please do not register for the event via our portal.

Climbing 101 (Beginners)

A 4-week session designed to introduce a brand-new climber to the indoor adaptation of the sport. An instructor will cover climbing technique, lingo, bouldering, top-roping, belaying, training for climbing, and more! While anyone is welcome to join, this broad, introductory course was developed with beginner climbers in mind to give them the confidence needed to have fun, be safe, and make friends in the facility. Participants must be 14 years or older. Interested in Youth Climbing 101? Click HERE.

  • Sessions start on the first Wednesday of each month, 6p-8p (attending all classes is strongly recommended).

  • Special reservations are available for an additional $200 per booking. Please allow about two weeks or more to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

  • Included:

    • Four, 2-hour sessions of small group instruction.

    • Membership for the calendar month the sessions are held.

    • Rental gear for entire month.

    • 10% off in ASCEND retail shop.

    • BONUS: Participants who begin a recurring membership in the month following the 101 session, will receive 50% off dues during the first month!

Sport Climbing 1: Indoor Sport Climbing (Intermediate)

Learn the basics of sport climbing and sport belaying in ASCEND lead climbing facilities. Students will focus on lead belaying with commonly used assisted-braking belay devices, how to properly clip quickdraws, and how to take lead falls. Note: Leading on ASCEND South Side's rope wall is not allowed outside of this class.

Special reservations are available for an additional $50 per booking. Please allow about two weeks or more to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

  • Goals: To provide introductory information, hands on practice, and lead climbing confidence.

  • Duration: Offered monthly on select Saturdays or Sundays

  • Prerequisites:

    • ASCEND Green Belay Tag

    • Redpoint 10-

    • Comfortably climb 5.9

    • Participants must be 14 years or older.

Sport Climbing 2: Indoors to Crag (Intermediate)

In addition to reviewing all topics in Sport Climbing 1, will learn more comprehensively about techniques used for sport climbing in common single pitch sport lead climbing environments, such as facilities other than ASCEND or beginner outdoor crags. Note: Leading on ASCEND South Side's rope wall is not allowed outside of this class.

Special reservations are available for an additional $50 per booking. Please allow about two weeks or more to schedule. There must be at least 2 participants. Submit your request to the front desk of your location HERE.

  • Goals: To prepare students for outdoor sport climbing.

  • Duration: Offered monthly on select Saturdays or Sundays

  • Prerequisites:

    • Sport Climbing 1 or equivalent experience

ASCEND Climbing Training (ACT)

ASCEND Climbing Training (ACT) is a members-only training program centered around becoming a better climber! These sessions are led by ASCEND's highly experienced climbing instructors. Topics are targeted each week, and applicable to all levels of climbing experience. You do not need to attend every week! Each week offers a unique opportunity, program, or method for improving your climbing practices.

ACT is not a replacement for personal training or private one-on-one instruction. Think of it like an adult team, of sorts, where individual ambitions can be bolstered via a group format.

Staff Belay

Hire our certified staff for an hour or more of roped climbing as your dedicated belayer! $50 per hour (up to 2 people), plus single $50 private booking fee. Includes equipment! Submit an inquiry HERE.

Climbing Schedule + Reservations