Climbing parks: answers to the most important questions

Want to go climbing outdoors? Then head to your nearest climbing park! To find out what you need to know, whether these climbing areas are suitable for beginners, and answers to many other questions, just ask Transa employee and climbing instructor Anna-Lea.

What is a climbing park?

A climbing park is an area of rock that is specially designed for climbing. There are climbing guides with information about these different areas, including descriptions of climbing routes difficulty ratings. In some climbing parks, the routes are also marked with a little sign either in the rock or elsewhere.

In most climbing parks, bolts are attached to the rock so you can clip on your expresses as interim belay points. Less often, you might also come across what are known as 'clean climbing' parks, where you have to secure the routes yourself with mobile belays (wedges and cams). Bear in mind that this requires additional skill.

There are some climbing parks that are more suitable for people who are new to rock climbing and some with more difficult routes aimed at more experienced climbers. And then there are some climbing areas where there is something for everyone.

How much does it cost to go to a climbing park in Switzerland?

Outdoor climbing parks are basically free, as the rock faces are usually freely accessible. However, it takes a lot of time and money for the developers to set up and maintain these climbing parks, which they often do on a voluntary basis. You can support them by, for example, buying a climbing guide or making a donation via the Rebolting association (in German). Sometimes you will also find a QR code on site that you can use to make a voluntary donation towards new material via Twint. However, the main costs for you will be buying your own climbing equipment and paying for travel and any climbing courses in advance.

What equipment do I need for climbing in a climbing park?

For a climbing park, you will need the following equipment:

• Climbing helmet

• Climbing harness

• Climbing shoes

• 2–3 carabiners with lock protection

• A stand sling for transitioning at the belay station

• A safety device you trust

• Around 12–16 expresses per rope team

• A sufficiently long rope per team, preferably in a rope bag

The number of expresses and the length of the rope you need will vary depending on the climbing area. Make sure you find out in advance what material you need – you can find information about this in climbing guides and sometimes online. Don’t make any compromises – if you fall, your life literally depends on your equipment.

Apart from your climbing material, a first aid kit with a survival blanket are also essential parts of your basic equipment, as is a smartphone – even if reception is not available everywhere in the mountains. Climbing also makes you hungry and thirsty. Having enough water and some snacks on hand will make your day of climbing all the more enjoyable. And if you’re a coffee drinker, brewing up a mocha on a small gas stove will help you attract lots of new climbing friends.

What kind of rope do I need in a climbing park?

A single rope is suitable for sport climbing. Ropes for this kind of climbing are always dynamic, which helps to minimise injuries as far as possible in the event of a fall.

You can climb a lot of routes in Switzerland with a 70-metre-long rope. However, it is important to find out whether your rope is long enough for climbing up your preferred route and descending safely afterwards. The usual diameter is 9.2 to 9.8 millimetres. Make sure you have the right rope thickness for your safety device. Waterproofing of the rope is especially important if you are also using it on ice. The waterproofing can also protect the rope from fine, sandy dirt to a certain extent.

What do you wear in a climbing park?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your mobility. Unlike indoor climbing, there is also the weather to consider: During a day on the rocks, temperatures can change quickly depending on the wind, sun and cloud cover. That’s why wearing various layers of clothing is ideal, so you can adapt quickly to changing conditions. The optimal temperatures for rock climbing are quite low. You should always pack a warm jacket, such as a down jacket, so you don’t get cold after climbing or when you’re securing a route.

It is also definitely worth having suitable footwear for getting up to the rocks you want to climb.

Are there any age restrictions for using climbing parks?

There is no age limit in climbing parks. Many climbing parks are family-friendly and also suitable for younger kids, depending on the safety measures in place and how easy it is to get there. These areas are often marked as such in the climbing guide, and even younger kids can enjoy an exciting day on the rocks. It is important that the adults with them carefully assess the surroundings to identify possible dangers such as falling rocks or hazardous terrain and supervise their kids accordingly. With the right choice of area, good preparation and mutual support, for example by coordinating with other climbing families, a climbing trip is perfectly suitable for the whole family.

The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and other climbing schools also offers lots of organised activities for family climbing.

How safe is is to climb in a climbing park?

Climbing in a climbing park can be done very safely with the right knowledge and skills and good preparation. However, when it comes to climbing in the great outdoors, there are always real dangers to be aware of, such as falling rocks, hazardous terrain or changing weather conditions. These risks can’t be ruled out completely. But we can learn how to assess them properly and adapt what we do accordingly.

This includes having suitable, certified climbing equipment and the necessary knowledge about securing, climbing and transitioning at the belay station. It is also important to consider the approach to your climbing site and the surroundings, to assess your own abilities realistically and to choose an appropriate climbing area and route.

If you are climbing outdoors for the first time, you could start with well-secured top rope routes, for example. This will give you a chance to get used to the rock and concentrate entirely on climbing. Your climbing buddy also has an important role to play: if neither of you have gained much experience yet, it’s worth starting with a course or some coaching first or going out with experienced climbers.

Can I go to a climbing park as a beginner?

Yes, you have to start somewhere after all. To enjoy a positive first experience of rock climbing, it is worth getting support from climbing instructors, mountain guides or other experienced people.

Are there rules in climbing parks?

Yes – as with other outdoor sports, the same applies in a climbing park: we are nature’s guests and should behave accordingly. With consideration for the environment, we can also help maintain climbing areas in the long term. This includes being respectful of flora and fauna and strictly observing any seasonal climbing bans, to protect breeding birds for example. Driving bans, parking spaces and access routes should also be observed or used as indicated in the climbing guide.

If you need to use the toilet, follow the rules and also follow the general rules of conduct for climbing and bouldering.