The unstoppable rise of indoor climbing gyms around the world

In the past decade, indoor climbing has experienced explosive global growth, transforming from a niche activity into a mainstream sport embraced by people of all ages. What was once the realm of hardcore mountaineers has now become a favourite urban pastime, with climbing gyms popping up in nearly every major city—and many smaller ones too.

The Olympic boost and beyond

One of the biggest drivers behind this surge has been climbing’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. When sport climbing made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), it captured the imagination of a global audience. Suddenly, climbing was no longer just for adventurers and extreme athletes; it was a dynamic, accessible sport that celebrated strength, strategy, and creativity. The exposure led to a huge increase in interest, especially among younger generations eager to try something new and challenging.

A community-first approach

Indoor climbing gyms have also thrived by building strong communities. Unlike traditional fitness centres, climbing gyms often feel more like social hubs than just places to work out. Climbers cheer each other on, share tips, and often form lasting friendships. Many gyms now offer beginner courses, youth programmes, yoga classes, and competitions, creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that appeal to a wide range of people.

Design innovation: more than just walls

Modern climbing gyms are investing heavily in design, with walls that are no longer just simple vertical planes. Today’s gyms feature intricate routes, imaginative bouldering caves, towering lead walls, speed climbing lanes, and training zones equipped with hangboards, moonboards, and kilter boards. The focus on creating visually striking and technically challenging environments has raised the bar for what climbers expect—and gyms worldwide are competing to offer the most innovative spaces.

A sport for all ages

Another reason for the boom is the sheer accessibility of indoor climbing. It’s one of the few sports where children, teenagers, adults, and even seniors can participate at their own level of comfort and skill. With adaptive climbing programmes now more widespread, even those with physical disabilities can find ways to enjoy the sport.

Sustainability and urban living

As more people move to urban centres, access to natural outdoor climbing areas becomes increasingly difficult. Indoor climbing gyms offer an eco-friendly alternative, allowing people to experience the thrill of climbing without needing to travel to remote crags. Additionally, many new gyms are being built with sustainability in mind—using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and even offering carbon-neutral operations.

Looking ahead

The indoor climbing industry shows no sign of slowing down. With the next generation of climbers growing up in gyms rather than on outdoor cliffs, and with more investment flowing into climbing infrastructure, the future is bright. New technologies like augmented reality climbing walls and AI route setting are already starting to appear, promising to make climbing even more engaging and personalised.

Indoor climbing is no longer just a training ground for outdoor adventures—it’s a thriving, evolving sport and culture of its own. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a curious beginner, there has never been a better time to tie in, chalk up, and start climbing.