Climbing to New Heights - Literally!

Perhaps you're an avid skier, mountain biker, or hiker. If so, you know the thrill of standing on top of a mountain, looking out at the spectacular views that can only be awarded at these highest points. While there's no comparison to high mountain vistas, there's also much to be explored under and within them, and rock climbing is a sure way to grant yourself a closer look.

Rock climbing is certainly not for everyone. It's a sport that requires specialized gear, strength, and know-how. Still, with some patience, practice, and dedication, rock climbing is a fun sport, and Breckenridge, Colorado, is a great place to give it a try. By taking a few tips into consideration, you'll be on your way to learning one of the most intense and exhilarating sports.

• Practice, Practice, Practice. Getting out and attacking a boulder might seem like a monumental task if you don't have any climbing experience. You're right; it is. But, that doesn't mean there aren't ways to learn. The best place to start learning to rock climb is in a climbing gym. Fortunately, the Town of Breckenridge's Recreation Center boasts a climbing gym with 2,500 square feet of climbing walls for climbers of all abilities. While slab routes are good starters for beginners, the Recreation Center also sports overhanging routes that challenge experienced climbers. Professional climbers set the routes so they emulate what you might expect in the great outdoors.
• Learn from the Pros. The Town of Breckenridge's Recreation Center also offers climbing lessons for those who want pointers from the pros. The classes vary depending on age and skill level, and include technical information as well as practical advice. Some classes even spend a half day in the gym and a half day on real rock outside to give climbers the best of both worlds.
• Read Up. Gaining the basic information about climbing is a necessity, but understanding the sport in more depth will help you become a better climber more quickly. Leaf through climbing magazines. Spend some time reading about rock climbing, learning safety precautions, and understanding basic terms before you begin to practice. The more you know, the higher you'll climb!
• Get Prepared. Rock climbing without the right gear can turn your exciting excursion into a dangerous day. Most climbing gyms, including the Breckenridge Recreation Center, rent shoes, harnesses, chalk bags, and belay devices to customers. As you become a more experienced climber, however, you'll want to purchase gear that fits you perfectly. Special climbing shoes that are snug, but not too tight, are a necessity for rock climbing (hiking boots are out of the question). Additionally, you'll need a harness that is specific to your height and weight. Since the harness is your connecter from the rock to the rope, you should have a sales associate at a climbing or outdoors store work with you to find the right fit. You'll also need a stock of carabineers, or hooks, to attach to your harness. Chalk and a chalk bag are needed for gripping onto the rock. Obviously, rope will be on your list and should be about 10 millimeters in diameter and about 60 meters long. Be sure that your rope can stretch a bit under tension for protection in case of a fall. Finally, you'll need a belay device, which is held by the belayer to hold your rope and protect you while climbing.

Rock climbing is a serious sport for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you're up for the challenge, you might find rock climbing to become a powerful addiction that pushes your body to some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Because of its great location and Recreation Center, Breckenridge is an ideal starting place to see if rock climbing is a sport for you. So when you're planning your next vacation, don't think of Breckenridge as just a world-class ski resort; it's also a haven for outdoor fun in the summertime (which is when you can also get great discounts on Breckenridge lodging, as opposed to the premiums you pay during ski season!)