Setter Summit: Lifelines for Indoor Climbing Gyms

This article is sponsored content. Brought to you in part by Agripp and Trango, with Proxy Climbing.

The Setter Summit is more than just an event—it's a lifeline for climbing gyms around the country, especially those in areas where outdoor climbing is scarce. For me, it all started with a simple observation during my conversations with gym owners: finding experienced routesetters is a major challenge in regions without outdoor climbing or large city centers.

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Like climbers, setters prefer to live near climbing areas, making it hard for gyms in regions without outdoor climbing to attract talent. Additionally, the industry has a gap in the necessary education to develop skilled routesetters.

As indoor climbing gyms increase in urban centers and flatlands, the demand for skilled routesetters has skyrocketed. Gym owners often share the same story—while the enthusiasm for climbing is there, the expertise to create engaging and challenging routes is lacking. This is where the Setter Summit comes in.

Born from a passion for climbing and a desire to foster community, the Setter Summit was created to address the need for enhanced expertise in routesetting. The routesetters at The Front Climbing Club in Salt Lake City, shared this vision, engaging in conversations about improving skills nationwide.

Together, we launched an event specifically for climbing professionals, aiming to bridge the gap between established climbing hubs and emerging climbing communities.

Each year, the Setter Summit brings together top routesetters from around the country for a few days of workshops, discussions, networking, hands-on training, and climbing.
Attendees learn the latest techniques, explore new shapes, and most importantly, build a network of support and collaboration.  

It's not just about setting routes—it's about building a community where climbers can thrive.
As we gear up for another exciting Setter Summit, we look forward to welcoming seasoned setters who can help train the next generation.

Together, we're making climbing accessible and exciting for everyone, one route at a time. Join us and let’s reach new heights together!

About the Author

Liz Pecknold, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at Vertical Solutions, brings over 25 years of climbing experience to her role. Her favorite climbing destinations include Joshua Tree National Park, Smith Rock State Park, and the Flatirons.