Indoor Climbing Returns to Teton County: The Grand Opening of the Teton County Recreation Center's New Climbing Gym

After a decade-long absence, indoor climbing has made a strong comeback in Teton County with the opening of the Recreation Center’s brand-new climbing gym. Since May 2024, climbers of all skill levels have been embracing this state-of-the-art facility, revitalizing the local climbing scene and drawing significant community interest.

The Benefits of Adding a Climbing Gym to Recreation Centers

Climbing gyms provide more than just an additional activity—they foster community, promote fitness, and offer a space where individuals of all ages can challenge themselves and enjoy a unique experience. The new climbing gym at the Rec Center in Jackson, WY demonstrates how such a facility can attract a diverse range of users, from beginners to seasoned climbers. The gym's introduction has already increased memberships, highlighting its strong appeal.

EP Climbing’s Role in Meeting the Community's Needs

When designing and constructing the new gym, EP Climbing working closely with the local climbing coalition to ensure the facility met the specific needs of the community. Through this collaboration, EP Climbing integrated valuable feedback from local climbers, incorporating a variety of climbing styles and terrain as well as climbable surface area to suit the area’s unique climbing culture. This collaboration ensured that the gym didn’t just provide a physical space for climbing, but also became a hub that reflects the values and aspirations of the Teton County climbing community.

Key Features of the New Climbing Gym

• 9,695 sq ft of climbing surface designed to accommodate various levels of difficulty
• 7,594 sq ft of rope climbing walls, rising up to 37 feet high
• 2,101 sq ft of bouldering walls, reaching 15 feet high
• Developed by EP Climbing, with direct input from the local climbing community
• A broad range of routes and terrains that cater to beginners and experienced climbers alike
• A variety of programs and events, including beginner courses, advanced training, youth programs, and competitions

A Comprehensive Fitness Facility

The climbing gym is just one part of the newly expanded Teton County - Jackson Recreation Center, which has doubled in size to become a complete fitness destination. Alongside the climbing walls, visitors can enjoy:

- Expanded workout facilities
- An indoor track
- Updated weight rooms
- Daycare services
- A full-size gymnasium

This combination of features ensures the center meets the needs of athletes, families, and fitness enthusiasts.

A Positive Community Impact

The climbing gym’s addition has brought notable economic and social benefits to the area. Membership numbers have surged, providing the recreation center with a new source of revenue and contributing to the local economy. Visitors have responded positively, praising the facility’s design and atmosphere. One local climber remarked, “This gym is exactly what Jackson needed,” capturing the community’s enthusiasm for the space.

The collaboration between EP Climbing and the local climbing coalition has ensured that the gym is not only a top-tier facility but also a true reflection of the community's climbing culture. The gym is expected to attract tourists and visiting climbers, further enhancing its economic impact

A Space for All Climbers

As the largest recreation center in the West, the new facility is poised to become a central feature of the community’s recreational offerings. EP Climbing is proud to have been part of this project, and we look forward to seeing how the new facility will inspire and shape the current and next generation of Teton climbers. The new climbing gym is not just a place to climb; it is a vibrant community hub that promises to enhance the local climbing culture for years to come.

The gym also offers numerous programs and events designed to engage the community and promote climbing. These include beginner classes, advanced training sessions, youth programs, and competitions. By offering a wide range of activities, the gym ensures that everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can participate and benefit from the facility.

The grand opening of the Recreation Center's new climbing gym marks a significant milestone in the return of indoor climbing in Teton County. The state-of-the-art facility, designed and constructed by EP Climbing, is set to become a cornerstone of the local climbing scene and a vital part of the community’s recreational offerings. With its comprehensive amenities, strong community support, and promising economic impact, the new climbing gym is a testament to the enduring passion for climbing in Teton County.