The Ice Coop is a dedicated drytooling and ice climbing training facility. So, you might be surprised to hear that we don’t have any ice! Instead, our walls are made of a soft plywood, which you can kick into using competition boots. This simulates ice. (All routes are also climbable with rock climbing shoes!)
Our gym is staffed by volunteers, all passionate members of the local ice climbing community. Many volunteers also coach or compete on their spare time. You’ll be in good hands!
We strive to create a laid-back, welcoming environment. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Usually, the Ice Coop feels less like a hardcore training facility and more like a clubhouse or a home away from home. We can’t wait to have you join us!
Required Clothing and Equipment
Climbing helmet: We can lend you one if you need!
Long pants: Pants or leggings are required while wearing comp boots. Shorts are OK if you wear climbing shoes!
Climbing shoes, approach shoes, or competition boots: Competition boots are available for rent. If you bring your own, they must have a front point only. No secondary points or heel spurs are permitted (they tear up our floors).
Ice tools: You can rent tools or bring your own. Your tools cannot have pommel spikes, adzes, or hammers unless they are heavily padded.
Thin, grippy gloves: Golf gloves and wide-receiver gloves work well. We also have loaner gloves on site!
A completed waiver: You can complete your waiver at the gym or online via the button below.
What can I expect from my first visit?
Frequently asked questions
Can I shoulder my tools? No. Either bite the tool or use the thumb hook technique.
Can I kick in to the wall? Yes, if you have competitive-style boots with an integrated front point. During the summer, The Ice Coop is rock-shoe only.
What shoes can I use? Many climbers wear climbing shoes or approach shoes.
How can I change my membership? Use this form to make changes.
How are your routes graded? E for Easy, M for Medium, and H for Hard
Do I need to be a competitive climber to train at The Ice Coop? Not at all! Our regulars come from a wide range of backgrounds, and all skill levels are welcome! If you’re new, consider taking a Beginner Clinic or coming to a Beginner’s Night (check our calendar for upcoming events).
What’s the vibe? The Ice Coop is a laid-back community space for climbers of all kinds. Expect a fun, goofy, welcoming environment.
Is there actual ice in The Ice Coop? No, but there are lots of ice climbing-specific holds. We also install soft wood on certain sections of our walls during the winter so you can practice your swing technique.
What sort of clinics are there? We host in-house clinics on a regular basis. Pricing varies. Some of our recurring clinics include:
Beginner clinics
Intro to ice climbing
Preparing for competition
Avalanche education for ice climbers
What does it mean when the gym is “closed for programming”? Programming means we’re having an open gym for specific groups of individuals. These tend to be private events for local women’s groups, youth groups, and other organizations. They’re meant to help introduce new folks to the sport. Check our Community Calendar for an updated schedule
Membership & Volunteering FAQs
How can I change my membership? You can make membership changes online using this form.
With a premium membership, can I still use the gym when other programming is happening? Can I use it during open hours?
A premium membership allows 24/7 use of the gym, including during open gym. However, if there’s a team practice or private program happening, the gym is closed to all members who aren’t attending the program.With a premium membership do I need to climb with a partner? Yes, with a premium membership, you must have another premium member in the room with you. We have cameras in the gym to monitor. Premium participants must sign an agreement acknowledging the risks involved in self-supervised climbing. If you violate this rule, you could have your premium membership revoked.
How does volunteering work? First, fill out our volunteer application. Volunteers must commit to at least one 6.5-hour shift per month to remain eligible as a recurring volunteer. We generally offer 50% off a membership of your choice if you volunteer for at least 10 hours per month, and a free membership if you volunteer for at least 15 hours.
Ice Coop Gym Code of Conduct
Our vision for the Ice Coop is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our climbing community. We have no tolerance for harassment or aggression. Anyone who wants to climb in our space or be a part of our community—including guests, volunteers, the board, or anyone associated with our gym—will be held to the same standards. We reserve the right to ban any participant who does not adhere to our codes of conduct.
These are a few of the types of behavior we will not tolerate:
Intimidation or threats
Inappropriate and/or hurtful language
Unwanted physical or sexual attention
Physical assault of any kind
Inappropriate physical contact
Unwanted photography or video recording
Bullying or stalking
Any aggression - micro or macro
Especially related to:
Race or ethnicity
National origin
Gender identity or presentation
Sex or sexual orientation
Age
Disability, medical condition or pregnancy
Religion
Citizenship status
If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, no matter how minor it may seem, please report this to a team member immediately so we can work with you to address the matter. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the staff on hand, you can email us directly at: info@theicecoop.org