Well, the temps were down in the 30’s (F) this morning and… some folks saw a bit of snow. Winter is on the way! If this winter is anything like last year than us powder heads are in for a treat. But we do understand there are some folks out there who may want to be active inside this winter. And, for those of you who climb outdoors during our warm seasons, where do you head in the winter (other than ice climbing of course – but that’s a different article we’re working on)? You head to one of the Rochester / Finger Lakes Region’s numerous indoor climbing gyms! Indoor climbing can be fun year round, but is an especially nice resource to have when the temperatures plummet and you still want to get out and be active without getting frostbite. Indoor climbing gyms are also a tremendous atmosphere to introduce your kids to the sport of climbing.
We’ve done our very best best to round-up the info for you here in our first (of many-to-come) sport-specific guide. If we’ve missed anyone on this list, please accept our humble apology and shoot us an email; we’ll get you on here. Note that rates are for basic walk-in and do not include any promotional rates/packages; your best bet is to call ahead for most recent hours and rates. Hope you find this useful – have fun!
ROCHESTER REGION
Name: ROCK VENTURES
Description: We offer 18,000 square feet of rock climbing surface, a full-sized indoor high and low ropes course, climbing classes, memberships, climbing club, birthday parties, day camps, fitness classes, youth programs, overnight lock-ins and scouting events. We are a premier host of corporate training and team building events in Western New York. Since 1995, we have offered educational and more recreational events. Training seminars have included the University of Virginia, California Department of Education, Welch Allyn Pharmaceuticals, Aids Care, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Ginna Nuclear Facility Operators and numerous other corporations and organizations. (Image courtesy of Rock Ventures)
Address: 1044 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Hours: Mon-Fri 4-9pm; Sat 12-9pm; Sun 12-6pm
Phone: (585) 442-5462
Email: rock@rockventures.net
Walk-In Day Pass: $7-15 + up
Release Forms Available Online? Yes
Online: ROCKVENTURES.net, Facebook.com/RockVentures
Name: RED BARN CLIMBING GYM at RIT
Description: Red Barn Climbing (RBC) is RIT’s indoor rock climbing gym, located in the Interactive Adventures Red Barn on the west end of campus. RBC is regarded by many as the premier rock climbing gym in Western New York and among the best in the Northeast. RBC is open on weekday evenings and afternoons on weekends when RIT class is in session. During this time most climbing walls are open and available to visitors, however some areas may be closed based on current weather conditions. The Red Barn is a 100 year old “Wells” style dairy barn that still lacks many modern amenities such as heat and plumbing. Please dress based on the outside temperature. There is a “Port-A-John” located in the main parking lot that is available for all visitors. The Red Barn is primarily a bouldering gym, which is a type of rope-less rock climbing where participants fall onto padded surfaces. There is also a 32 foot tall top-roping wall used primarily for instructional purposes, but that is available to visitors during warm-weather months. No prior climbing experience is needed. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, or a registered RIT student. (Image by Sawyer Flint; source: Facebook.com/RedBarnClimbing)
Address: RIT Campus, 100 Kimball Driv, Rochester, New York 14623
Hours: Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 1-6pm when RIT classes are in session
Phone: (585) 292-6571
Email: bbewell@rit.edu
Walk-In Day Pass: $6 + up
Online: REDBARNCLIMBING.RIT.edu, Facebook.com/redbarnclimbing
BUFFALO REGION
Name: NIAGARA CLIMBING CENTER
Description: Niagara Climbing Center has established itself as the premier indoor climbing destination in Western New York. As the only full service rock climbing gym in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area, it is home to an enthusiastic local climbing community. Whether it’s the first time you’ve wrapped your fingers around a hold, or you’ve been feeding the climbing habit for years – you’ll find NCC both inviting and challenging. (Image source: NiagaraClimbingCenter.com)
Address: 1333 Strad Ave, North Tonawanda, New York 14120
Hours: Mon-Fri 4-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 12-6pm
Phone: (716) 695-1248
Email: niagaraclimbingcenter@yahoo.com
Walk-In Day Pass: $6-15 + up
Release Forms Available Online? Yes
Online: NiagaraClimbingCenter.com, Facebook.com/niagaraclimbing
Name: SILO CITY ROCKS (Opening Soon)
Description: Silo City Rocks! is an indoor/outdoor rock climbing gym and bouldering center located in a 100 year old grain silo on the Buffalo River! Climb, boulder, rappel, have a corporate or group outing, or do some yoga in our 600sqft ’round’ room! Located in the Marine ‘A’ grain elevator alongside the Buffalo River, in Downtown Buffalo, NY. (Image source: Facebook.com/SiloCityRocks)
Address: 105 Childs Street, Buffalo, New York 14203
Hours: Not Yet Available
Phone: (716) 228-9153
Email: jason@silocityrocks.com
Walk-In Day Pass: Not Yet Available
Online: Facebook.com/SiloCityRocks, SiloCityRocks.com
FINGER LAKES REGION
Name: LINDSETH CLIMBING WALL & KAY-2 BOULDERING WALL at CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Description: Located at Bartels Hall – One of the most remarkable facilities at Cornell Outdoor Education is The Lindseth Climbing Wall. The wall is the largest indoor natural rock climbing wall in North America. KAY-2 Bouldering Wall – Located at Noyes Center – Cornell Outdoor Education’s newest facility, a state of the art bouldering wall, opened at the Noyes Community Recreation Center in the Spring of 2007. Come try it out! (Image source: COE.cornell.edu/Climbing)
Address: Phillips Outdoor Program Center, B01 Bartels Hall, Campus Road, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
Hours: Mon-Wed-Fri 5-9pm, Sat-Sun 1-6pm when classes are in session
Phone: (607) 254-1357
Email: climbing@cornell.edu
Walk-In Day Pass: $8-12 + up
Online: COE.Cornell.edu/Climbing
SYRACUSE REGION
Name: THE WALL, Oswego, NY
Description: We are a bouldering facility – no ropes/no harnesses- free climb with crash pads below – We have no age requirement but do recommend you be at least 8 years old to get the full use of the facility. (Image source: Facebook.com/TopTheWall)
Address: 77 West 1st Street, Oswego, NY 13126
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4:30-9:30pm, Fri 4:30pm-Midnight, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm (Check Website)
Phone: (315) 343-9255
Email: info@topthewall.com
Walk-In Day Pass: $7-9 + up
Online: TopTheWall.com, Facebook.com/TopTheWall
Name: THE LEDGE BOULDERING WALLS at PACIFIC HEALTH CLUB
Description: Features 12 auto-belays and 3 dedicated bouldering areas. (Image source: Facebook.com/PacificHealthClub)
Address: 604 Old Liverpool Road, Liverpool, NY 13088
Hours: Mon-Thur 5am-10pm, Fri 5-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-7pm
Phone: (315) 396-0455
Online: Facebook.com/PacificHealthClub
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