D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A
S P R I N G | 2 0 1 5
1 4
Gal
Climbing indoors is a safe, supportive way
to learn the basics of climbing and belaying.
Here are some climbing gyms that can help
get you started:
Spire Climbing Center, Bozeman
MSU Boulder, Bozeman
Steep World, Billings
Summit Fitness Center Climbing Wall, Kalispell
Freestone Climbing Gym, Missoula
UM Climbing Wall, Missoula
INDO OR CLIMbING IS A DIffeReNT bALLGAMe ThAN CLIMbING OuTDO ORS
Whether you're bouldering (shorter, unroped routes) or sport climbing (longer routes tied into a rope), climbing outside is
very different from climbing in a gym. Indoor sport routes / boulder problems usually have bigger holds and require more
power, and outdoor routes can require more balance and work your legs harder. There are certainly exceptions, but you'll notice
calluses you've developed from indoor climbing aren't as helpful as you'd like outside. Many people learn indoors, following routes
designated by colored tape. My first time climbing outside was baffling—where's the tape? But you'll quickly learn the nuances of
climbing real rocks, and soon you'll be addicted to the feeling of a sun-warmed rock face on a beautiful Montana day.
5
Inge Perkins
evaluates her
next move on a
Sport Route at
Natural Bridge.
