A group of sixth grade boys at the Steamboat Springs Middle School came out of the Steamboat Climbing Collective gym and the first thing they asked is “when can we come back?” Their mutual enjoyment of an afternoon spent bouldering and belaying is apparent.
Gym Saved From Liquidation
The future of the 2,245 sq. ft. gym on the west side of Steamboat was in jeopardy until Karla Lankford saved it from liquidation. Lankford was the majority owner of a climbing gym in Boulder for a decade before retiring. That retirement was short-lived (to several weeks). She contacted Chris Hampson, her past Chief Operating Officer, and Manager Holly Seamans to see if she could lure them to join her on a new venture. They agreed and re-opened the doors to the Steamboat Climbing Collective in March 2022.
After months of improvements, the gym welcomed back climbers old and new with 22 feet top rope walks with five ropes and two Auto Belays, bouldering walls at various heights and steepness, a kilter board with an adjustable frame and a kid’s climbing area with a slide.
New Classes Offered
The gym offers classes from foundation skills aimed at kids ages four and up, to competitive programming for youth. Adults can practice at leisure or sign up for an instructional session, including Ladies Only nights. Lankford is sensitive to the fact that climbing has traditionally been a male dominated sport which can be intimidating, so the gym reacted to stage an alternative opportunity for women.
Keeping It Family Friendly
Users can purchase monthly memberships, punch cards or daily-use tickets. On opening Lankford said, “I’m looking forward to establishing a family-friendly gym where people of all ages can climb.” Based on its current popularity, that’s exactly what she’s done.
Fall open gym hours are Monday and Wednesday, 12-8PM, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:30AM-8PM, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30AM–6PM.