Climbing clinics and events
University of Idaho’s Climbing Center offers a variety of clinics and events to support your climbing journey. Learn the fundamentals, meet other climbers and challenge yourself in a fun, supportive environment.
Climbing clinics
Basics Clinic
All climbers — even boulderers — must complete a Basics Clinic or pass a skills check to use the Climbing Center. The Basics Clinic covers tying the figure eight follow through knot, belaying with a manual braking belay device and proper communications between climbers and belayers.
Basics Clinics are offered 6-8 p.m. each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the academic year.
In the summer, Basics Clinics are available at 5 p.m. every Monday through Wednesday. On-demand basic clinics may be available for individuals or small groups during the summer, but are not guaranteed, especially during peak hours of operation.
Check our climbing events calendar below for additional clinic offerings.
Intro to Lead Climbing Clinic
Learn to climb using your own rope! This two-hour clinic teaches you how to use quickdraws and other lead climbing gear, lead belay with a manual braking device, catch and take falls safely and communicate effectively with your climbing partner.
Intro to Lead Climbing Clinics are limited to 12 participants per session and are held on select weeknights during the academic year.
Check the climbing events calendar for upcoming dates.
Group clinics
Planning a group activity? We offer custom safety and climbing instruction for teams, student groups and parties.
Available by appointment or during weekly open clinics.
Clinic costs
- $10 for U of I students
- $15 for non-U of I participants
Climbing clinic FAQs
Do I need to take a Basics Clinic if I already know how to climb?
Yes. You must either complete a Basics Clinic or pass a free skills check with a staff member to climb.
How long is the Basics Clinic?
Approximately 45 minutes, plus another 45 minutes for practice and evaluation.
How many people can attend a clinic?
Each session accommodates up to 12 participants.
Can I show up anytime for a clinic?
During summer, clinics may be taught during open hours if staff are available. During the academic year, clinics are only held at scheduled times.
Can I do a Basics Clinic on weekends?
Possibly. If staff capacity allows, a weekend clinic may be offered at the front desk’s discretion.
Can I teach my friends how to climb?
No. They must register for our Basics Clinic or the Intro to Lead Climbing Clinic.
Are other clinics offered at the Climbing Center?
Yes! We offer rotating clinics like anchor building, aerial arts, sport climbing basics and more. Check our calendar below for upcoming options.
Special events
Palouse Climbing Festival
The Palouse Climbing Festival is held each spring at the U of I Climbing Center and offers students and community members the chance to compete with some of the top climbers in the Northwest. As part of the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit (NC3), the festival brings climbers together for high-energy competition, shared community and meaningful connections.
Check back for 2026 dates and registration.
Monster Match
Every fall, the U of I Climbing Center transforms for Monster Match — a Halloween-themed climbing and costume competition featuring door prizes, costume contests and spooky decorations that give the entire facility a frightening seasonal facelift.
Get involved behind the scenes by joining the Monster Match Setting Party, where you’ll learn how to set routes alongside our climbing staff in the week leading up to the event.
Follow @UI_Outdoorprogram or check back here for 2025 event details.
Climbing Center events calendar
Browse upcoming clinics, competitions and climbing events at the U of I Climbing Center.