Why Squamish needs a climbing gym

[squamish climber]

Local climber and guide, Jeremy Blumel has written an intriguing piece in his rock climbing column in the Chief

Here is a bit of the column:

Currently all Squamish has for a year-round, indoor climbing facility is the Grandwall Bouldering Co-op. It’s small, geared toward advanced- to fanatic-level climbers and would be of little interest to kids and beginners interested in getting into the activity.

Thankfully, an inspired young woman named Lauren Watson is spearheading the town’s first climbing gym, as you may have read in a previous column in the Squamish Chief a few weeks ago. A climbing gym in our town would provide a unique new choice for kids searching for that kinaesthetic fix; for adults hunting for a more varied, independent and goal-oriented physical challenge than weight training; and for all those curious about exploring the vertical world of Squamish’s boulders, cliffs and walls. It would be an entrance point for all those who want to explore climbing before taking the outdoor route. The time may be on the horizon where local youth make their unique mark on the growing Canadian climbing scene as well as on the world stage. A climbing gym is the gateway drug for further unknown adventures in a town like Squamish.

On my road trip this summer I saw that Canmore has an awesome indoor climbing gym


You could tell this facility was really popular especially with kids.


Good luck Lauren and keep us updated on the goal.