MORGANTOWN — Gritstone Climbing and Fitness, Morgantown’s first full-service, indoor climbing gym, officially opened its doors Saturday.
John Burkhart, chief operating officer of Gritstone, said there are no facilities quite like this one in the area.
“I get shivers and feel lots of joy when I show this facility and bring my long-time friends in the community to this place,” Burkhart said. “We are really proud. It is going to bring a lot of joy and community to this region.”
The facility includes over 13,000 square feet of climbing space, with rope walls reaching heights up to 50 feet, making it the largest of its kind in West Virginia.
With 61 rope lanes, including top-rope and lead-able lanes, as well as two speed-climbing lanes, auto belay stations and 3,500 square feet of bouldering surface up to 15.5 feet high, avid climbers and beginners of all ages are welcome to try different types of climbing.
“My daughter comes here, and she’s been climbing since she was 2 or 3,” Burkhart said. “We are going to build our facility to offer services to as many people as we can [from] all walks of life.”
Outside of the main climbing hall, the gym also has a training area for beginners and children, a yoga studio and a strength and conditioning area. Members and day-pass holders will also have full access to yoga courses, including restorative yoga and yoga sculpt.
Emily Lynn Cook, program manager, said introductory adult climbing courses and higher-level strength courses will be offered to help newcomers learn the basics and experienced climbers improve their skills.
Activities for children are also available through the kid’s club program for ages 5-13. The club meets twice a week, and gives young climbers a chance to explore a new sport and socialize.
“That is a chance for kids to have an opportunity to get introduced to the sport of climbing in a low-pressure environment while social distancing and while staying safe,” Lynn Cook said. “Everyone needs a way to release stress, have fun and get fit, and climbing is a great way to do that.”
Youth teams, including a competitive team, will also be available at the gym. Andre Hoyos, route setter and coach, said he is looking forward to training the next generation of competitive rock climbers.
“We want to foster kids to make it to the Olympics,” Hoyos said. “We are going to get elite athletes to our training facility.”
Memberships to the gym are available starting at $75 per month, which includes full access to the facility during business hours, as well as access to special courses and events. Day-passes are also available for $18.75, or at a discounted rate for youth ages 4-11 starting at $12. Discounted membership pricing is also available for families, students and seniors ages 65 and older.
Climbing equipment is available for rental or purchase at the gym for all visitors.
The gym is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Due to COVID-19, the gym is enforcing safety regulations, including requiring face masks at all times, and hand-washing prior to entering the facility and before and after climbing. Capacity is also limited to 40%, and visitors are requested to social distance.
Info: https://climbgrit stone.com/.
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By Gabriella Brown
