Posted on Apr 07, 2025

40 Years of Climbing Innovation

THE EVOLUTION OF INDOOR CLIMBING


For over four decades, EP Climbing has led the way in climbing wall innovation, helping shape the sport from its early days to the global stage. As we celebrate 40 years of craftsmanship, technology, and progress, we’re reflecting on how climbing walls have evolved—and what’s next for the future of climbing.

40 Years of Climbing Innovation 40 Years of Climbing Innovation 40 Years of Climbing Innovation

A Legacy of Firsts


EP Climbing’s journey began in 1983 when François Savigny revolutionized the industry with the invention of the first mass-produced climbing holds. What started as an idea has grown into an international movement. Today, EP designs competition walls for the world stage, builds iconic climbing gyms, and continues to raise the bar for innovation in the climbing world.

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Milestone Moments in EP Climbing’s History

1983 – Creation of the first artificial climbing holds

1988
: Launch of Entre-Prises USA.

1995-2002 – Official climbing wall sponsor of the ESPN X Games

1999: Introduction of Imprint Technology for 3D climbing walls.

2006: Launch of Mozaik, a new wood panel system

2007 – Partnership established with the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC)

2011 – Partnership with USA Climbing (USAC) begins

2018: Wood volume production begins in the USA

2020 – Official climbing wall manufacturer for the Tokyo Olympics

2024 – Selected as the official wall manufacturer for the Paris Olympics

From local gyms to the Olympic Games, EP Climbing has played a defining role in the evolution of modern climbing.

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More Than A Wall Builder

"EP Climbing is more than a wall builder—we’re an innovation company, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in climbing. From small community gyms to the Olympic stage, our mission is to make climbing more accessible, engaging, and inspiring."

-JoAnne Carilli-Stevenson, Sales Director, EP Climbing USA

More Than A Wall Builder

Pushing Boundaries, Shaping the Future of Climbing


Climbing has changed drastically in the last 40 years, but one thing remains constant: the need for well-designed, high-quality climbing walls and holds that challenge and inspire climbers of all levels.

As the sport continues to grow, EP Climbing is leading the way with groundbreaking advancements:

- TITAN Boulder – The first standardized competition boulder, developed with the IFSC.

- Mozaik Surface Technology – Creating durable, lightweight climbing surfaces with unmatched performance.

- Holds, Volumes, and Macros – EP Climbing’s collection of holds, volumes, and macros offers climbers an expansive range of features for creating varied and dynamic climbing experiences. Our holds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, while volumes and macros add dimension and challenge, allowing for creative route setting that inspires climbers to push their limits.

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    EP's Competitive Advantage

    EP's Competitive Advantage

    "EP has long played a role in the climbing gym and climbing competition scene here in the U.S. and their commitment to creating a quality product and to furthering the arena of competition climbing helped make me confident that our project was in the best hands."

    - Mike Rougeux, BEA Executive Director & Longtime Climbing Coach

    Bend Endurance Academy

    What’s Next? The Next 40 Years of Climbing


    With the continued rise of competitive climbing, innovative gym designs, and greater access to the sport, the future of climbing is wide open. EP Climbing is committed to pushing boundaries, refining our products, and supporting climbers at every level—from beginners to elite athletes.


    Join Us at CWA 2025!

    cha 2025


    Want to see our latest innovations up close? Visit us at Booth 203 at CWA 2025 to experience our latest climbing holds, macros, and volumes, and help shape the next era of climbing.

    See you at CWA!

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