New Climbing Gym in Great Barrington Aims to Expand Access to Sport
Berkshire Boulders on Stockbridge Road also has fitness equipment and utilizes the Clift Climbing lighting system for mapping routes.
A new community-oriented climbing gym, Berkshire Boulder, is filling that gap by providing a year-round space for climbers of all skill levels to train, connect, develop their skills, and introduce newcomers to the sport.
"The idea of a climbing gym in the area has been a multi-decade-long dream for a lot of people," said founder Nick Friedman.
The closest gym is over an hour away and although the idea had been discussed for years, bringing it to fruition required several pieces to fall into place, he said.
The facility was designed to accommodate climbers of varying experience levels while maximizing its approximately 4,000 square feet of space, general manager Austen McNulty.
It features bouldering walls reaching 14 feet, designed with assistance from Dan Yagmin of Decoy Climbing, who also supplied many of the climbing holds. It also offers additional fitness equipment and an adjustable spray board that can be positioned from vertical to a 70-degree overhang, McNulty said.
The wall heights allow climbers to challenge themselves without taking on the risks associated with taller climbing structures, McNulty said.
The gym is also one of the first to utilize the Clift Climbing lighting system on its spray board, allowing climbers to select and illuminate climbing routes through the Clift app.
To make climbing accessible to more residents, the gym offers day passes and memberships, along with a financial assistance program that provides discounts of up to nearly 100 percent for those who cannot afford the regular rates, McNulty said.
Climbing is a "unique sport" that combines mental, physical and technical challenges, allowing participants to develop a variety of skills that appeal to both beginners and experienced climbers, he said.
Beyond providing a place to exercise, the gym's founders hope to establish a central gathering space for Berkshire County's climbing community, which has historically lacked a dedicated indoor facility.
Friedman, who grew up in Great Barrington and has been climbing in the area for approximately 20 years, attributed the region's thriving, albeit "underground," climbing community to its "world-class" outdoor rock formations.
"In Berkshire County, there is a lot of rock, and the rock is excellent. And that has gave way to a climbing community that exists but has had no voice or representation because there hasn't really been a way to communicate that outwardly," he said.
"There hasn't been a hub for climbers to hang out, to meet others, to organize, to climb together [and build a movement to start figuring out] how to formalize preserving these outdoor areas for the public."
The best seasons for outdoor climbing are typically fall through early winter and spring, when weather conditions are generally more favorable.
While some dedicated climbers will brave harsh conditions, from extreme temperatures to heavy rain, humidity and mosquitoes, the indoor facility provides a year-round alternative for those who prefer to avoid the elements while continuing to develop their skills.
The gym also provides a space for experienced climbers to share their knowledge with newcomers, teaching responsible outdoor climbing practices that respect the environment, neighboring property owners and help preserve access to natural climbing areas,
As you climb you can look upon photographs displayed throughout the gym highlighting outdoor climbing locations in the Great Barrington area.
Friedman also serves as chair of the Access Committee of the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition (WMCC) an organization working to preserve public access to outdoor climbing areas.
McNulty pointed to an outdoor climbing area known as the Dark Side, where visitors previously lacked clear guidance on where to park.
Through organizations such as WMCC, climbers now have information about designated parking areas and how to access the site respectfully while maintaining positive relationships with neighboring property owners, he said.
Beyond climbing, Friedman and McNulty hope the gym will foster friendships and a sense of community through shared experiences, encouragement and collaboration.
They believe the sport's emphasis on supporting one another, overcoming challenges and celebrating others' accomplishments can help build lasting relationships that extend beyond the gym and into the greater community.
The gym's commitment to building community also extends beyond its walls through partnerships with local businesses, including Arcadian and Berkshire Bike and Board.
Friedman said the gym also plans to donate its profits to organizations that support community development and outdoor recreation accessibility, including the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition, Greenagers and Railroad Street Youth Project.
Tags: new business, climbing, sports & fitness,
