Climbing Wall

Located in Nelson at the Peterson Family Athletics Complex, the 1400 sq. ft. monument to the fake rock goddesses offers bouldering, top rope, and sport lead climbing opportunities for both beginners and experts. 

Hidden in a small loft above the indoor tennis courts, the Climbing Wall is an unassuming and homey place. The loft is covered in climbing pads, equipment, and furniture. The students who manage the space scavenged them from the recycling center. 

At 4 p.m., the wall comes alive. Dozens of students file up the stairs into the tiny loft and fill the space with a unique excitement found only in the Middlebury climbing community.

In 2021, we added two system boards to the wall: 

• A 6 ft. by 10 ft. treadwall (providing endless climbing!)

• An 8 ft. by 10 ft. tension board that lights up pre-programmed routes. 

The wall is open to members of the Middlebury College community and their guests of all abilities! We provide climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk for free. All you need is a hankering to climb!

Decreasing Barriers-To-Entry

Although far from perfect, the wall at Middlebury makes climbing more accessible than anywhere else. Entrance is free, far cheaper than a $20 student day pass to any other gym nearby. Gear, from shoes to ropes, is available to borrow while using the wall’s services.

With help from the Climbing Club, the space has replaced gear and upgraded the training facilities. In fall 2021, the space even gained two new free-standing units. 

Inclusivity and Equity 

Making climbing accessible is incredibly important. The sport historically hasn’t been inclusive. Climbing became popular with niche outdoor enthusiasts in the mid-1900s. For decades after, climbing was a white, male-dominated sport. It required a dedication to climbing and its dangers. 

The rise of indoor climbing and the sport’s popularity have made it more accessible. It went from a niche activity to an Olympic event. Now, more people are climbing than ever before. 

The sport and Climbing Wall are not yet truly inclusive. At Middlebury College, we are working to change that. The Middlebury Climbing Club aims to bring climbing to all who want to try it. Because climbing can inspire positive change.  In recent years, Middlebury Outdoor Programs has added more student staff and expanded hours. It also added climbing hours for affinity groups, like BIPOC, women, and non-binary people.

Policies

Waiver

Before you start climbing, please make sure you have completed the waiver.

Belay Certifications

You need a certification for both top-rope and lead belay climbing at the Climbing Wall. You can request a certification test on days when the wall is open, after 6 p.m., subject to staff availability. 

Please speak to a Climbing Wall monitor for more information.

Location and Contact

Climbing Wall
Peterson Family Athletics Complex
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753

Located on the mezzanine level of the Nelson Recreation Center, above the tennis courts.

Email us at climbingwall@middlebury.edu.

Connect

• Follow us on Instagram.

• Join us via GroupMe.

Hours