12 Indoor Bouldering Adventures for a Rainy Holiday When the holidays roll around, bringing chilly air and inevitable rainy days, the craving for adventure doesn’t disappear, but it does move indoors. For climbing enthusiasts, a rainy holiday break is the perfect excuse to trade damp, cold crags for the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of an indoor climbing gym. Bouldering, in particular, offers a quick, high-intensity escape that fits perfectly between festive meals and holiday shopping. Here are 12 ways to maximize your rainy day bouldering sessions this holiday season.
1. Start a Themed Holiday ProjectTurn a mundane gym session into a game by setting a goal to climb 12 distinct routes over your holiday break. Treat each climb as a “gift” to yourself, focusing on variety, such as working on a technical slab, a powerful overhang, or a tricky dyno. Document your progress, maybe even taking a picture at the top of each “12 days” boulder.
2. Host a Holiday Gym HangoutGet a group of friends together, even those who don’t climb often. Many gyms offer special, lower-priced day passes, making it easy for beginners to join in. Spend the day laughing, trying easy routes, and finding the best spots to grab a coffee or hot cocoa in the gym’s lounge area afterward.
3. Focus on Technique Over PowerRainy days are perfect for developing skills that are hard to master outdoors. Dedicate a session to practicing precise footwork, delicate balance, or efficient movement on slabby, vertical, or technical terrain, which is often less physically demanding than steep, overhanging routes.
4. Learn to Love the High-Intensity CircuitIf you’re stuck indoors, make it a cardio workout by setting up a circuit of 5 to 10 relatively easy problems. Climb them back-to-back with minimal rest, building endurance and strengthening your heart, which will help you feel more comfortable on longer, more taxing climbs in the future.
5. Explore New GymsThe holidays are a great time to explore, so visit a new climbing gym you haven’t been to before. Different gyms have unique routes and setter styles, which can help break you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to new techniques or different styles of movement.
6. Take a Specialized Technique ClassMany gyms offer workshops, clinics, or private lessons, especially during the slower, rainy times of the holidays. Sign up for a class to improve specific skills like jumping, finding better handholds, or mastering specific, advanced techniques that you’ve been wanting to learn.
7. Focus on Core StrengthWhen you’re not busy hanging from the walls, you can use the gym’s other facilities to strengthen your core. Many gyms have pull-up bars, ab-rollers, and other exercise equipment that can help you build the strength needed for more demanding bouldering, which will make your next outdoor trip more enjoyable.
8. Try a New Style of ClimbingIf you’re typically a boulderer, try a few top-rope or lead-climbing routes, even if it’s just for fun. Different styles of climbing offer new challenges and can help you build endurance and improve your, making you a more versatile climber overall.
9. Watch and Learn from Experienced ClimbersIf you’re feeling intimidated, take a break from climbing and watch the experts. Observing how other climbers tackle, move, and solve problems can teach you a lot about technique and strategy, and it’s a great way to learn from those who are more experienced.
10. Set a Goal to Try New GradesIf you’re comfortable with a certain grade, take advantage of the safe, controlled environment of an indoor gym to try a harder grade, perhaps one that you’ve been eyeing for a while. The worst that happens is a quick, safe fall onto a soft, padded mat.
11. Work on Your Mental GameRainy days can be a bit gloomy, which is a perfect time to focus on your mental strength. Try to stay calm, focused, and positive, even when you’re struggling on a difficult route. This can improve your focus and confidence, both on and off the wall.
12. Make It a Social EventClimbing is a social sport, and the holidays are the perfect time to meet new people. Many gyms have a friendly, welcoming, and supportive community, so take this opportunity to introduce yourself to other climbers and maybe even make some new climbing partners.
No matter which of these 12 activities you choose, indoor bouldering offers a fantastic way to keep your body moving and your spirit high, even when the weather outside is less than ideal. With the right mindset, rainy days can become some of the best days for climbing. Embrace the opportunity, climb hard, and enjoy the unique, festive energy that the holiday season brings to the gym.
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