U of I Youth Climbing
Open Fall 2025/Spring 2026 semesters
Youth are defined as being under 18 years of age, all youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter and use the University of Idaho Climbing Center. View current Youth Climbing Hours online.
All participants must watch the U of I Climbing Center orientation video. Parents must also take and pass a one-time basics belay clinic or demonstrate skills proficiency. All participants must read and sign an assumption of risk and liability waiver at the Climbing Center. Youths 13 and under are not allowed to belay. Children 14 and older may belay if they complete the facility orientation and basics belay clinic while also accompanied by a parent or guardian who has also completed the training and orientation.
Membership is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Frequent Climber? Join the Palouse Youth Climbing Team
Our Goals
- To offer after-school athletic options for kids and teens ages 11-17 focused on physical, emotional, and intellectual growth based on principles of climbing as a sport and as a movement philosophy.
- We will maintain a 1:6 coach/student ratio to maintain quality personal coaching and skill refinement.
- Provide community growth opportunities and youth development by engaging youth through a constructive competitive environment focused on team mindset development.
- Have fun and climb Vandal strong!
FAQ
Dates and Times: October 2025 - March 2026 (closures during U of I holidays)
3:45-5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Cost: $1000 per season
PYCT Team Fees — Team fees are used to support the work of PYCT coaches and University of Idaho staff who provide:
- 1:6 coach/student ratio
- 45 practices
- Goal setting and skills assessment
- Equipment rentals/discount on gear
- Coach at practice and local competitions
- Plan training programs to reach team and individual climbing goals
- Organize team activities (including competitions, team building, jersey making and other climbing opportunities)
- Includes the cost to compete in the 'Monster Match' on Nov. 1 and the 'Palouse Climbing Festival' on March 1.
- Includes year-long pass to climb during youth hours.
- Other climbing team expenses (training professional development equipment, etc.)
Athletes will not be allowed to practice until team fees are paid in full.
- Face coverings appropriate for physical activity (it stays on...)
- UIAA approved climbing harness
- Belay Device / Tubular or Assisted Braking (14 years old and older)
- Climbing Shoes
- Personal waist chalk bag / chalk bucket and chalk sock or liquid chalk
Athletic clothing allowing for wide ranging movement.
Only water is allowed in the U of I Climbing Center.
Climbing gear must be brought with students. Cubbies are available in the climbing center for students during practice.
15 minutes prior to practice, coach(es) will be stationed outside to pick up the climbing team and will head into practice at 3:30 p.m.
Questions?
Contact Hans Zander at hzander@uidaho.edu.