Western Carolina offers one of the most extensive climbing programs in the east,
and the TALLEST collegiate wall in North Carolina!
The Base Camp Climbing wall offers 2100 square feet of climbing surface and is 50 ft. tall. There are routes designed for the first-time climber as well as for the serious climber looking for a workout. In addition to rope climbing on the tall part of the wall, there also is a bouldering arch ideal for working on technique without the hassle of waiting for a belay. .
All WCU community members are welcome - best of all it's FREE!
Spring 2012 Hours for Open Climbing:
Starting August 22nd:
Mondays 4-8pm
Tuesday 4-8pm
Wednesday 4-8pm
Thursday 4-8pm
Friday 4-7pm
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
The Climbing Wall will be closed on the following days:
MLK Day - January 16th
Mid Term Break - February 28,29 March 1,2
Spring Break - April 2-6
Exam Week - April 30 - May 4
Events at the Climbing Wall
WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY NIGHT BELAY CLASSESDo you get tired of waiting for someone to belay you? Want to be able to belay your friends? Learn how to belay at a BCC belay clinic; no need to sign up in advance!
Location: BCC Climbing Wall
Time: 6-8pm
Cost: FREE
LEAD CLIMBING CLINIC
February19th
Take your climbing skills to the next level and learn how to lead routes from the ground up. We'll cover the basics of lead climbing and belaying a lead climber. You'll get to practice some “moc” leads as well as try out a lead fall or two. This class is for participants who are currently belay-certified at the BCC climbing wall.
Location: BCC Climbing Wall
Time: 9am Saturday
Sign up deadline: Thursday before the clinic at 3:00pm
Cost: $15 for anyone!!
FRIDAY KIDS CLIMB
January 20th, February 3rd and 17th, March 9th and 23rd, April 13 and 27th
Are your kids itching to scale the wall? Looking for something fun to do with your family on a Friday night? Look no more. Kids Climb is only open to children under the age of 18 years old who weigh at least 40lbs.
Cost: $5.00 per child if at least one parent is a member of the CRC
$10.00 per child if neither parent is a member of the CRC
Time: 5-7pm
CULLOWHEE ROCK AND RUMBLE FEST Bouldering Competition
March 10th
In partnership with the WCU climbing team, we are hosting the 3rd annual Bouldering Competition and it's going to ROCK! Come and compete in one of 3 categories: Recreational, Intermediate, and Advanced for both Men and Women. The competition is part of the Appalachian Region of the Collegiate Climbing Series. Students from ANY college or university are welcome!
Cost: Early Registration (before March 9th): $25 Day-of Registration: $35
Time: 10am
Getting Started at the Climbing Wall is Easy. Follow These Steps ...
- Check In.
Stop at the front desk and sign your paperwork. Once you are in the system, we can easily look you up in the database. - Exchange Cat Card for Climbing Equipment.
The basic equipment is free, other stuff requires a small fee. - Find a Belayer According to your Card Color.
Either staff or other qualified students. Staff are available to help with putting on harnesses and choosing the best route. - Get on the Wall. Now is your time to climb! Challenge yourself to do more than you ever thought was possible.
Belay Challenge- Already know how to harness up, tie your own knots, and belay- ask a staff member to offer you your chance to skip the class and show us what you already know. Successful challenges earn yellow card certification.
Special Events and Groups
The climbing wall is available for special events for your class, club, birthday party, or other groups.
Academic Classes- No Charge
On-Campus Groups- $10 per person for 2 hours (Student Organizations, Student/Faculty/Staff, etc.)
Off-Campus Groups- $20 per person for 2 hours (Camps and Conferences, Church Groups, 4-H, other Educational Organizations)
Contact Josh Whitmore at jwhitmore@email.wcu.edu or 828-227-3466 to reserve your session.
*all cancellations within 2-weeks of scheduled event result in an 8 person charge.
**climbing shoes are included in costs.
***payment/liability release must be made in advance of the event.