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GOT QUESTIONS?
GOT QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
DO I NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION TO CLIMB?
You do not need a reservation to come in and climb . Reservations are only necessary for specific bookings that involve our staff such as birthday parties, Just Climb packages, and custom group events).
If you have climbed before and want to top-rope belay in our facility (must be 12 years or older), you will be asked to pass a belay test prior to using our ropes. We use Petzl GriGri 2’s in our facility and supply these. Please leave your own belay devices at home as these cannot be used for top rope climbing in the gym!
If you would like to lead climb in our facility, you will similarly need to pass a lead test first. This requires advanced notice to coordinate appropriate staff to be on-site. Please email us at lead@guelphgrotto.com to arrange a time.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO CLIMB?
There is not an age limit to climb. That said, adult supervision is required for children under 13 years of age (this is not the case if they are taking part in a program or booking that involves staff presence), and only children 13 and up can take our top rope course (and belay in our gym).
Also, our auto belays have a minimum weight requirement of 25lbs. Otherwise, anyone of any age can (and is welcome to!) climb.
CAN I BRING KIDS THAT ARE NOT MINE?
You can, if they have a waiver on file that has been filled out by their parent or court appointed legal guardian. Note that for insurance purposes, a "guardian" refers to a specific legal entity, and does not just mean a grandparent, sibling, or person watching the child for the weekend. We don't like having to turn anyone away, but there is no exception to this rule.
CAN I DROP OFF MY KIDS?
You can, if they are over the age of 12, or 12 and under but supervised by someone 16 or older at all times. If you are dropping them off for a booking or for programming that involves our staff (birthday party, PA Day Camp, Climbing Team, etc.), this does not apply as they will be under staff supervision.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN CLIMBING?
You should wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you can move easily in.
On your feet, clean, dry, closed toed shoes can be worn to climb. We also have climbing shoes available for rental, for those looking for the full experience. They are not required, but will help with your climbing.
If you want to do top rope climbing or use our auto belays you will need to wear a harness (either brought from home, or rented from us).
If you have long hair, and plan to do top rope climbing or use our auto belays, we suggest tying your hair up with an elastic (we usually have some extras at the desk).
DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE TOP?
Absolutely not! While staff will always encourage climbers to strive for their best, we also recognize that everyone has different levels of ability and that fear of heights is very real. Climbers are always in control of when they come down, and in that way climbing can be a great way to engage with your fear of heights in a controlled fashion.
I'M LIVING WITH PHYSICAL OR MENTAL BARRIERS, CAN I STILL CLIMB?
Absolutely! There's a whole segment of the climbing world, called Adaptive Climbing, that focuses on helping people overcome their particular barriers and get on the wall. Staff at the Grotto are committed to doing whatever we can to make climbing possible for you. Everyone's circumstances are different, so it's best to give us a shout at info@guelphgrotto.com to discuss how we can meet your needs.
DO YOU OFFER BIRTHDAY PARTIES?
Yes we do!
Rock climbing offers a rewarding, physical activity for kids both young and old, and the Grotto's birthday party packages let you focus on the climbing and celebrating, while our staff takes care of the rest!
You and your guests will get 1 hour of vertically challenging fun in our gym, with help from our qualified belay staff, followed by 45 minutes in our air-conditioned party room to refuel.
We provide tables, chairs, plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, water, pizza (your choice of pepperoni or cheese), candles, lighter, and knife. You bring your own cake, snacks, and other party goodies.
DO YOU OFFER HOURLY OR HALF-DAY RATES?
Rather than hourly rates found in other sports and activity centers, we offer very reasonably priced day rates for our customers to enjoy our facility and amenities without time limitations (during our hours of operation).
WHAT TYPES OF DEVICES ARE ALLOWED FOR BELAYING?
The Petzl GriGri is the only belay device allowed for belaying of any kind (top rope or lead) at the Grotto. All of our top rope routes have GriGris affixed to our ropes, and climbers must provide their own GriGri for lead climbing.
Anyone caught using any other belay device (ATC, etc.) will be asked to leave the facility. There are no exceptions to this rule.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
CAN I FREEZE MY MEMBERSHIP?
EFT members can freeze their membership, with the freeze taking effect the next billing date (the 15th of the month). Like any membership change, the freeze must be requested in writing prior to the day of billing. There is a freeze charge of $5 per month.
Prepaid members cannot freeze their memberships.
Members with a 10 punch pass need not worry, as punches never expire.
HOW DO I ADJUST MY MEMBERSHIP?
Using our Membership Change Request Form, members can freeze, unfreeze, or terminate their membership, update their billing info, and more.
Any changes to membership must be requested in writing prior to the day of billing.
WHAT BENEFITS DO MEMBERS GET?
EFT Members get:
- Unlimited climbing
- Access to member-only hours (M-F 6:00 AM - 11:00AM)
- Free member only events
- 1 pass per calendar month to Junction
- 1 pass per calendar month to J2
- 1 guest pass/month
- 10% off gear and apparel
- Membership freezes
Prepaid Monthly Members get:
- Unlimited climbing
- Access to member-only hours (M-F 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
- Free member only events
- 1 pass per calendar month to Junction
- 1 pass per calendar month to J2
Prepaid Yearly Members get:
- Unlimited climbing
- Access to member-only hours (M-F 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
- Free member only events
- 1 pass per calendar month to Junction
- 1 pass per calendar month to J2
- 1 guess pass/month
HOW DO GUEST PASSES WORK?
Applicable to EFT and Prepaid Yearly members only.
Once per month members can bring one guest to the Grotto, and their day pass will be on us.
They will need to fill out a waiver (or have one filled out by their parent or legal guardian, if they are under 18), and they will still be charged for gear rentals if required. If they know how to belay, they will still need to complete a belay test with one of our staff.
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