Because our members help build our community and we are intentionally working to build a welcoming space for all. One TUESDAY every month, we invite our members to branch out from their normal climbing sessions and engage with the Edgeworks’ community.
Meet other members, share stories, get tips from our staff, and have fun.
DETAILS:
Climbing, games, competitions, prizes, free drinks for members, and social time with friends(old and new), it doesn’t get much better than this!
As always, our Member Social evenings are FREE for Edgeworks members. Social and activities begin at 7pm.
NEXT UP: TACOMA
WCC CLIMB-A-THON | Tuesday, May 7
Join us for an evening of climbing and community support! Members are invited to test their skills and endurance by climbing as many routes as possible, all while supporting Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC). Participants will also receive a raffle ticket, giving them a chance to win exciting prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity to climb for a cause.
NEXT UP: SEATTLE
KNOT YOUR AVERAGE CRAFT NIGHT | Tuesday, April 9
Join us next week for a creative and eco-friendly crafting event! We’re repurposing retired climbing ropes into rugs, coasters, drink koozies and more. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a climbing aficionado looking to give new life to old gear, this event promises a blend of creativity, sustainability, and hands-on fun!
NEXT UP: BELLEVUE
WCC x EW NIGHT | Tuesday, March 19
We’re doing things a little bigger and little different this month, hosting a community bouldering comp with all registration proceeds benefiting the Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC). Comp registration is $30/each and features an all new set with tons of great prizes. We’ll also have 10 gear vendors onsite helping us build the stoke and bring the fun – you won’t want to miss it!
South Bouldering Bay will be open to competitors only but all other areas of the gym will remain open to other climbers.
Climbing with your kids just got that much better!
Don’t want to give up climbing now that you’re a parent? Want to meet other climbers with kids who understand the challenges?
We get it! Being a parent doesn’t mean you need to stop climbing but it does mean you may need to climb differently and that’s what Family Night is all about.
Meet and learn from other parents.
Make connections and share the responsibility of supervising the kid(s) while you climb.
Shift your climb times to when it’s less busy in the gym.
Manage expectations because sometimes the kids just won’t cooperate.
4th Saturday of every month | 5pm – 10pm $12 day passes w/ FREE gear rental
Price includes bouldering access for those with little to no experience. Top rope climbing is available to those who pass our belay test.
Important Notes: – Adults must be accompanied by 1 or more children. – Children must be under 18 years of age. – Maximum 2 adults and 3 children per group. – Youth under 14 must be directly supervised by an adult at all times. – Please see our Climbing With Kids tips for more information.
Edgeworks Bellevue is stoked to host our first bouldering competition since 2015!
Join us in Bellevue for this fun community event, featuring an all-new boulder set, tons of great prizes, a raffle, and 10 gear vendors on-site helping us build the stoke and bring the fun – you won’t want to miss it!
Date: Tuesday, March 19 Time: 5pm – 9pm Location: Edgeworks Bellevue What: Climb for a cause; all proceeds benefit WCC and their work to make Washington a better place to climb through advocacy, stewardship, and education.
REGISTRATION:
Cost: $30/competitor
Available: Now – March 17, 2024
Day of registration may be available if space remains; all proceeds benefit WCC.
DETAILS:
Climbing Discipline: Bouldering
Format: Modified Redpoint, no finals
CATEGORIES: Male/Female (sign up with the gender category you identify with)
BEGINNER – (V0-V3)
INTERMEDIATE – (V3-V6)
ADVANCED – (V6+)
PRIZES: We’ve compiled an excellent collection from prizes from our event sponsors, including crash pads, backpacks, hangboards, and more! Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 competitors in each category who will also each receive extra raffle tickets for additional prizes for a chance to take home more.
SPONSORS: Huge shoutouts to: Aura Bora Water, Black Diamond, Butora, Camp, Cotopaxi, Edelrid, Friction Labs, Joshua Tree, KAVU, La Sportiva, Liberty Mountain, Metolius, Mountaineers Books, Outdoor Research, Petzl, Rhino Skin, Scarpa, Sterling, Trango/Tenaya.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I need a new waiver?
Always! When in doubt, fill one out. All competitors must complete a signed waiver or have a current one on file with Edgeworks in order to participate. Waivers for climbers under the age of 18 require the signature of their parent or legal guardian.
What is a Modified Redpoint format?
A Modified Redpoint format provides select amount of climbing routes in your grade range. Points are gained only if the route is completed. If you can not complete a climb, you try again but most check off the attempt. Climbers are given 1.5 hours to complete as many routes as as possible within your category; with a climber’s top 5 adding up their final score. Falls will be used to determine tie-breakers.
Ability Levels: All climbers age 14 or older are welcome to compete! We’re planning to have up to 80 competitors and a variety of comp-style boulders designed to challenge competitors at every skill level.
Team & Youth Programs: Youth 14 and older are invited to compete but it is not a USAC sanctioned event.
WALL + GYM CLOSURES:
We will work to keep the closures as minimal as possible.
Sunday, March 17 (evening) | South Bay stripped and prep for setting
Monday, March 18 | Zenith and Twin Peaks setting begins
Tuesday, March 19 | Setting, forerunning and competition
Wednesday, March 20 | Walls and new sets reopen to everyone!
Bringing MORE Climbing + Fitness to the Bellevue Community!
With a MAJOR expansion project currently underway, we’re excited to share with you our plans to make Edgeworks Bellevue bigger, better, more inclusive and more modern.
Building a community where all climbers feel welcomed, challenged + engaged.
Our gyms are shared spaces for climbers of all ages, all sizes, and all abilities – from new climbers and fitness enthusiasts to elite/competitive climbers training for their next big goal or adventure.
Our focus with this expansion project is to build a space where:
Seasoned climbers know they’ll still find the best, most challenging and fun boulder problems and routes.
Weekend warriors can maintain their endurance and train in the off season when they can’t get outside.
New climbers feel welcome and unintimidated as they walk through our door.
Kids can be integrated into a sport and community that builds respect, confidence, communication skills, responsibility, teamwork and a healthy dose of calculated risk.
Community happens, built upon a shared interest in climbing, fitness, and fun (and sometimes beer!).
All in all, we aim to create a setting that feels active, vibrant and welcoming. Where people choose to hang out even if they aren’t climbing because they know that this is where they will find their people and it’s where they belong.
Details: In partnership with Crossroads’ overall expansion and development plans, an 8,400 square foot addition will be added to the south side of our building, featuring 10,400 sq ft of new climbing surface with walls designed and constructed by EP USA. ← The same folks who designed and built the competition climbingwalls for the Olympics. This new addition will bring us to a total of 31,400 sq ft of climbing!
Details: First, we need to expand our footprint to make room for the more exciting additions and updates. We’ll do so by busting through the south end of our building and extending out into the parking lot.
In addition to the new climbing walls, this building expansion will make room for:
All new women’s locker room with sauna
Single occupancy bathrooms
2nd floor mezzanine with a training area that includes training systems, campus board, hangboards and a great view of the new walls.
Details: Compared to other gyms in the Puget Sound, Edgeworks Bellevue is still pretty young – having opened in 2011 – but it could still use some updates to better serve our members and community, including:
Updated and improved front entry with larger retail area
Improved cubbies and storage options
Community space for remote work, socializing and re-energizing
Passthroughs and connections to the new climbing area
What are the details and features of the new climbing wall?
Designed and constructed by EP USA.
Adding nearly 10,400 sq ft of climbing surface (to our existing 21,000)
45 ft tall with an overhanging lead prow creating the possibility for 50 ft long routes
Features include: 49 additional climbing lines, top rope, lead prow, flake, free form crack, and multi-pitch instructional ledges
Are you adding more bouldering?
Construction is currently underway on our all new 26,000 sq ft bouldering only gym, Bel-Red Boulders. Located just down the street in the Evergreen Shopping Center, this all new facility will help fill the growing need for more climbing, training and fitness on the Eastside and for our greater Edgeworks community.
South Bay Bouldering Walls The majority of our existing walls will remain intact with the exception of The Cave in the South Bay. With its current design and steep overhang, these walls have always presented difficulties for our setting team and members. Therefore, this area will be opened up to create a pass-through to the new climbing area as well as a social gathering space.
While it’s never fun to take anything away, we feel confident in our plans to provide something more accessible and usable in its place. Including, access to all new walls, community work spaces for remote work or studying and a comfortable area to rest, recharge and connect before, during or after your climbing sessions.
Pirate Ship + Youth Zone Kids are always welcome at Edgeworks and we remain committed to helping young climbers discover, learn and excel at climbing. Similar to way we run our Youth Programs, starting kids out on the same climbing walls, routes, and holds as everyone else helps them develop a better understanding and awareness of climbing and the community that surrounds them.
Therefore, it’s time to “scuttle” the Pirate Ship. Removing it will allow space to create an all new weight training and cardio area.
Are there any plans to resurrect the development of a Tukwila location?
We really like the idea but the original Stone Gardens Tukwila project plans are no longer available. In the meantime, our existing partnership with Crossroads – coupled with their overall plans for expansion and development – are helping to make the Bellevue project possible.
Will you need to adjust business hours or close during construction?
It is our goal to maintain normal operating hours as much as possible during all phases of construction. If for any reason we need to open late or close early on certain days we will do our best to provide advanced notice to all members. Please check your email and be sure to follow our social media accounts to receive updates throughout the project, Instagram , Facebook, X (Twitter) and Threads.
Will membership prices increase?
Yes, but not just due to expansion. Since the very beginning, it’s been Edgeworks’ theory and practice that small yearly price increases provide transparent predictability for our members and allow us to continue our commitment to invest back into our facilities, programs, and employees.
Each year, we evaluate the following criteria that typically results in a monthly membership rate increase:
operating costs and staff wages
increases in membership value, benefits, access, and offerings
Winter, with its pristine snow-covered landscapes, invites adventure enthusiasts to explore the great outdoors. However, the thrill of backcountry touring, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing comes with its own set of challenges, chief among them being avalanches. Understanding the nuances of avalanches and the skill of navigating snowy landscapes is essential for any winter explorer.
At Edgeworks, we understand the allure of untouched snow and wanting to recreate responsibly. That’s why we’ve partnered with AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) to provide avalanche education courses. AIARE is the national standard in avalanche education with a mission to “save lives through education” at all experience levels. Our courses are tailored to empower new and experienced mountain travelers with the knowledge and skills needed to more confidently travel in avalanche-prone areas.
Our avalanche education courses are led by AIARE certified instructors and ski guides with experience guiding around the world, from the North Cascades to Norway. Not only do they provide invaluable insights into avalanches and decision-making, they’ll also show you how to find good snow, keep warm in the coldest conditions, and adjust your plan for the day’s conditions,ensuring you are well-equipped for your winter adventures.
2. Local Knowledge
Edgeworks guides are local to the Pacific Northwest and have been skiing and climbing in the Cascades for over 30 years. We know these mountains deeply and look forward to sharing our understanding of these places with you.
3. Community Connection
Participating in an Edgeworks AIARE course, you have an instant community of folks who share your passion for winter adventures. By learning together, you also contribute to a larger culture of awareness and preparedness within the outdoor community, enhancing safety for everyone. Students in our courses often continue to go to the mountains together, long after the course has ended.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATION
AIARE courses have been developed through decades of research and professional experience. Since 1998, AIARE has worked with guides, ski patrollers, highway departments, and the public to produce courses that are up-to-date, engaging, and offer practical tools for everyone.
1. Make Better Decisions
Edgeworks’ AIARE courses equip you with tangible tools to thoughtfully prepare for winter trips in the mountains. From assessing avalanche terrain to communicating with your friends, our courses can increase your confidence in yourself, your group and your adventures while managing potential risks.
2. Hands-on Training
We believe in learning through practical experience. All of our courses include field sessions where you apply your knowledge in and around real avalanche terrain. We’ll practice a range of avalanche rescue scenarios for small groups, identify actual avalanche paths, and communicate our assessment of current conditions. These sessions will further your skills and boost your confidence when facing challenging winter conditions.
3. Comprehensive Learning
Edgeworks’ courses cover a wide range of topics, from trip planning, to route finding, snow layers, and avalanche rescue techniques. Our curriculum is designed to provide a holistic understanding of avalanches, planning and communication tools for your group, helping you to make better decisions before and during your trip. We also assist in developing a plan for continuing your education after the course has ended.
AIARE 1 – The foundation of avalanche education. Learn about avalanche forecasts, terrain, and the basics of rescue. Spend two days in the mountains putting your knowledge to use in real terrain.
AIARE 2 – Take your skills to the next level. Learn more about the snowpack, avalanche forecasting, travel techniques, and get mentored practice while spending three days in the mountains together.
AIARE Rescue – A one day course for practicing the skills needed for an avalanche rescue including using a beacon, effective digging strategies, group management, and what to do after an avalanche. Take it as a stand-alone, refresher, or with your friends to feel more confident with your touring partners.
Winter beckons with its endless opportunities for adventure, and Edgeworks AIARE Avalanche Education Courses provide you with the expertise needed to explore with more confidence. Our expert instructors, comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, and community-oriented approach make our courses the ideal choice for anyone seeking to learn the art of backcountry exploration.
Are you ready to elevate your winter adventures? Enroll in Edgeworks AIARE Avalanche Education Courses today and embark on a journey in the heart of winter’s wonderland.
Adventure with confidence! Contact us now to start your journey.
Our community is full of friendly climbers willing to lend a catch when needed! And while starting from scratch can be a challenging or somewhat awkward endeavor, the rewards for reaching out to others can get you on the ropes with a new friend in no time.
Here are 6 tried and true ways to find a climbing partner at Edgeworks.
BRING A FRIEND!
Members can (and should!) use their FREE guest passes to introduce their friends to climbing at Edgeworks.
Each member receives:
2 free 1st time guest passes per visit
1 free guest pass per month*
*Free guest pass use is limited to 1/every 30 days for guests.
ATTEND A COMMUNITY CLIMB NIGHT.
Pop in for one of our monthly community climb nights designed specifically to help make connecting with people easier. There are several to choose from each month; hit the link to access our events calendar for more details. BELLEVUE | SEATTLE | TACOMA
Our belay finder sheet located at the front desk is a great way to share your information with other climbers and let you take control of the connections you make.
Add your name and contact information.
Check the list for other climbers.
Connect directly or let our staff help.
ASK OUR STAFF TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT.
Find yourself at the gym without a partner? Let our staff help! A simple announcement such as this will have you climbing with a new friend in no time:
“Attention Edgeworks members and guests, if you were hoping to rope climb with someone today, it’s your lucky day! We have someone at the front desk who is looking for a belay partner. Come on up to the front desk for an introduction.”
JOIN AN ONLINE GROUP.
There are several online options available including:
Be an awesome belayer. Chance opportunities to climb with new partners are more likely to turn into long-term partnerships if you’re a solid belayer and taking our Intro to Climbing course is a great way to meet other new climbers. This course is offered free for members; click the link to sign up online.
Look for a group of three. Look for groups in the rope areas with an odd number of climbers and ask if they would like another belayer. There is always a chance that the odd person out would be happy to get climbing sooner.
Warm up on the boulder walls. Bouldering provides an easy way to be on the lookout for other climbers just like you. If you are unsure how to approach a group of boulderers, try getting in line to start working a popular problem near them. Usually, other climbers are happy to share what they may have figured out about a particular problem and help you solve the puzzle.
Shop small. Shop local. Save BIG! We’re offering specials and discounts on something for everyone – from punch passes and gift cards, to climbing gear! Edgeworks has something for all the climbers and adventure seekers on your list this year.
Buy a GIFT CARD, Get a FREE DAY PASS!
The perfect gift! Gift cards can be used to purchase anything in the gym – day passes, memberships, gear, instruction courses, and MORE.
Receive a FREE DAY PASS with purchase of Gift Cards valued at $50+ Day pass expires 01/31/2024 | 1 pass per gift card purchased
SAVE up to $92 on an experience the whole family can enjoy! Up to a $290 value, this package includes a total of 10 PASSES accepted at all 3 gym locations – Bellevue, Seattle + Tacoma; plus 1 FREE Intro to Climbing Course at the location of your choice.
Transferable | Course participants must be 14+ | 3-year expiration
Accessories: 20% off Boulder Brushes, Compact Clippers, Piranha Knife, All Crack and Belay Gloves, Hand Repair & Care Items, Belay Glasses, Grip Savers, Crash Pads, Stick Clips, Boot Bananas, Nail Clippers, Nut Tools, and training items!
Harnesses + Helmets: 20% off All brands/styles included.
Climbing Shoes: 20% off All brands/styles included.
Chalk Bags + Chalk: 25% off All brands/styles included.
Edgeworks Logo Wear: 30% off Tanks, Tees, Youth Tees, Hoodies, Hats, and Face Buff.
Offer valid on select, in-stock items only; excludes special orders. Quantities limited at varying locations; call in advance for specific items. Offer ends December 31, 2023.
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour features the best of mountain culture films with high-octane action, deeply thoughtful stories and tales of arduous adventures.
Immediately following the festival held each year in Banff, Alberta, the World Tour hits the road. With stops in roughly 550 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, these evenings celebrate amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide!
Be inspired, be energized, and celebrate the spirit of adventure with us this December.
DATE: Monday, December 4, 2023 | 1 Night Only!
LOCATION: Rialto Theater | Downtown Tacoma
TIME: 6:45pm – 10pm
COST: General Public: $35 /ticket | Members*: $30 /ticket
PURCHASING OPTIONS:
–> Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 1 at 11am
Mountaineers and Edgeworks members as well as Puget Sound Outdoors faculty and students receive a discount on tickets. Please check your email for the promo code or contact us for more details.
Additional ticket fees will apply; purchase over the phone or in-person at the box office for fewer fees. Per ticket fees: – Online: $5.25 handling fee + $2.50 Tacoma Venue + Event fee – Phone + In-Person: $2.75 handling fee + $2.50 Tacoma Venue + Event fee
NOTE: The film rating is Parental Guidance; films may contain coarse language.
RAFFLE PRIZES:
Every year the Tacoma Banff Team secures some pretty SWEET raffle prizes from outdoor retailers and local businesses. Winners will be drawn during intermission. Don’t miss your chance to win these or any of the other amazing prizes provided by the Banff team!
SHOW TIMES + SEATING:
Doors open at 6:00 pm | Shows start at 6:45 pm | Seats are festival style ~ first come basis
LOCATION:
Rialto Theater, 9th and Broadway downtown Tacoma. Map it!
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Tacoma Banff on Facebook! It’s the best way to stay up to date on the events and special offers.
