Black Hills Basecamp offers training for climbers in the off season
Rock climbing will make its debut in the 2021 Olympics in July. If you have been wanting to try out the sport in a controlled environment, Black Hills Basecamp is an indoor climbing, training facility.
Black Hills Basecamp was born a year ago when Laura and her husband Andrew wanted to train in the off season.
Black Hills Basecamp
Black Hills Basecamp
Basecamp offers three different climbing rooms with vertical varying steepness, training wall and a vertical treadmill or tread-wall that moves along with your body weight.
They also have a standard gym.
They are aiming to cultivate a climbing community to not only train but also help others begin new adventures to test out the terrain.
Laura Bellisle, General Manager Black Hills Basecamp, says, “Because it’s fun and it’s got the best community of any sport that I have been involved in – the people really make it what it is but it is also something that encompasses your mind and your body.”
Laura says that anyone at a baseline fitness level can try climbing – all you need is the proper shoes and an adventurous spirit.
Basecamp features 45-50 set routes that are in a 6 week rotating basis – lots of options for training because here in the Hills there are plenty of climbing opportunities.
Laura adds, “We’ve got a pretty special place here, we’ve got granite and limestone and sandstone. We’ve got sport climbing and we’ve got ‘trad’ all within a 45 minute drive of Rapid City.”
Climbing with experienced friends is always a plus, for safety reasons and to enjoy the spectacular views.
Sarah Ponwith, Photographer & Trainer at Black Hills BaseCamp, says, “It is very addicting – you are challenging your mental and physical abilities. It’s so beautiful if you are sport climbing and you are up, thousands of feet -you’re just so isolated up there from the world and you just feel so small and it’s just such a beautiful thing.”
They have a kids club that teaches climbing safety and technique.
Basecamp is open on weekends for those who want to try it out – book online because of COVID precautions. They host competitions throughout the year as well.
They also partner with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service in the Black Hills, SD for climbing excursions.
