Indoor Climbing
Experience the thrill of rock climbing on our 40-foot climbing wall, the hub of the Pottruck Center. The wall features allow for a wide range of climbs, from beginner to advance. Climbers of all skill levels can challenge themselves, hone their skills, and keep in shape. Climbing wall programs include informal passes, introductory courses through advanced courses, and clinics.
Belay Certification
Climbing wall staff may not always be available to belay. Pass holders are encouraged to take the Intro to Climbing class, Belay Lesson, or schedule a private class to learn to belay.
Top Rope Belay Certification ($ Free)
A demonstration of belaying competency is required in order to belay at our facility. People who fail will be encouraged to enroll in either the Intro to Climbing Class, the Indoor Climbing Course, or schedule a private class to learn to belay.
Lead Climbing and Belaying Certification ($ Free)
A demonstration of competency is required in order to lead belay and climb within our facility. People who fail will be encouraged to enroll in our Lead Climbing Class.
| Spring / Fall Climbing Hours | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ropes and Bouldering | ||
| Monday–Thursday | 4:00pm - 9:00pm | |
| Friday | 1:00pm - 8:00pm | |
| Saturday & Sunday | 1:00pm - 8:00pm | |
| Summer Climbing Hours: May 20 - August 23 | ||
| Ropes and Bouldering | ||
| Monday–Thursday | 4:00pm - 9:00pm | |
| Friday | 3:00pm - 8:00pm | |
| Special Closures - Summer 2013 | ||
Monday, May 27, Memorial Day -University Holiday Thursday July 4 - Independence Day Friday, August 16 - Building Shutdown for Locker Clean Out |
||
Free Climbing
Demo Days, and Stress Relief Week: Pottruck members can stop by the wall and try climbing during these special days. Free periods of climbing correspond with the beginnings of ends of the Fall and Spring Semesters.
Passes and Fees
A variety of climbing passes are available to Pottruck Center members. Equipment is included in all packages. Passes may be purchased at the Membership Services Office located in the Pottruck Center. Day passes must be purchased with exact change.
| Annual Climbing Pass | $100 |
| Semester Climbing Pass | $60 |
| ½ Semester Climbing Pass | $30 |
| Single Use (Day) Pass | $5 |
Climbing Instruction
Improve your knowledge and climbing skills by taking advantage of our beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Classes range from single day introductory courses, to multi-week curriculums that build your skills and ready you for outdoor climbing! Registration is available in the Membership Services office of the Pottruck Center.
To register online for a class go Here!
Beginner Climbing Class
Online Registration
No experience necessary. Equipment provided.
Belay Lesson
This entry-level hour long lesson can be taken at anytime the wall is open. It is designed to bring the novice up to speed on essential knots, belay techniques to safely belay at our climbing wall.
Indoor climbing Course
A multi-week course emphasizing climbing equipment, knots, belay techniques and rappelling. This course covers the same material as the Single Day Intro to Climbing and also includes rappelling and the use of a second belay device (the ATC). The multi-week format allows students to perfect their belay technique. The 6 to 1 student to instructor ratio guarantees a high level of individual attention. Participants will be certified to belay upon completion of the course. Includes a semester pass to the climbing wall. Non-members will not receive the semester climbing pass.
Intermediate Climbing Classes
Online Registration
Prerequisite: Penn Rec Belay Certification. Equipment provided.
Technique and Movement Class
Improve your technical climbing ability by focusing on footwork, dynamic movement, efficiency, weight shifting, sequencing, training, and bouldering safety. This is climbing distilled to its purest form.
Top Rope Anchor Course
So you want to climb outside? Develop the skills you need to know to set up your own climbs. The Basic Anchor Course is an in-depth study of top rope anchors including knots, carabineers, cordellettes, and webbing. We will focus on the skills necessary for establishing anchors on cliffs with easy access to the top utilizing trees, rocks, and bolts. Guaranteed to provide a solid foundation for a beginning outdoor climber.
Private Climbing Instruction
To schedule a class call 215-746-8622, or email outdoors@pobox.upenn.edu.
Do you have a demanding work and school schedule? We can accommodate. The climbing wall specializes in technical climbing instruction. Private classes are available to improve technique and movement, or increase knowledge and use of technical equipment. Sessions are typically scheduled during open climbing hours. Unused classes expire at the end of each semester.