The first Saturday of every month, Edgeworks offers “Military Night” discounts for military service members and their families.
5pm – 10pm | Valid military ID required.
Price includes access lower level bouldering for those with little to no experience. Top rope climbing is available to those who pass our belay test.
Click here for more information about our belay certifications and gym rules.
by Maryanne Saechao, Edgeworks
What are your favorite things about the OHM II?
In general, the Edelrid OHM makes me feel much safer when belaying climbers who are heavier than me. Specifically, the updated OHM II’s new swivel joint is a standout feature for me. This improvement ensures that no matter how you clip it into a quicklink or bolt, you don’t have to worry about back-clipping or incorrect feeding.
What type of climbing did you use the OHM II for?
I primarily used the OHM II for lead climbing in the gym, but it’s certainly suitable for outdoor climbing as well.
Is it comfortable/easy to use?
Once you grasp the basics, the OHM II is incredibly easy to use and provides added peace of mind.
Is there anything you don’t like about it?
I absolutely love the OHM II. The only minor drawback for me is the color of the carabiner, but that’s easily remedied with a simple switch.
Key features of the Edelrid OHM II:
Looking to gear up for your next climb? Swing by Edgeworks’ Pro Shop! We’re your go-to spot for all things climbing, with a large selection of indoor and outdoor gear, including the popular Edelrid OHM II. Come see us in Seattle, Bellevue, or Tacoma and get ready for your next adventure!
By Truc Allen, Edgeworks
What is your favorite thing about the harness?
My favorite thing about the Petzl Hirundos harness is its combination of weight, packability, durability, and simplicity. The harness features only a single buckle, elastic leg loops for easy layering, and gear loops that strike a balance between functionality and comfort. The front gear loops are stiff, while the back loops are flexible, making it easy to access gear even when wearing a pack. Overall, the Hirundos offers a great balance between weight and comfort.
What type of climbing did you use the harness for?
I’ve used several Petzl Hirundos harnesses over the last 15 years for a variety of climbing activities, including single and multi-pitch climbs, mixed/dry tooling, and hanging in them for extended periods while shooting photos. I’ve found the harness to be reliable and versatile, even in demanding situations such as climbing Washington’s Infinite Bliss with a full rack of gear.
Is it comfortable?
Comfort is not always my top priority when choosing a harness, but the Hirundos has been surprisingly comfortable for its weight. While some reviews suggest that comfort is a mixed bag, I believe that for its weight, the Hirundos offers a good level of comfort. However, it’s important to note that this harness is not designed to prioritize comfort over weight. If comfort is your primary concern, you might want to consider a harness like the Petzl Adjama or Sama, which are more focused on comfort but are heavier.
Is there anything you don’t like about it?
There isn’t much I dislike about the Hirundos. However, the suitability of the harness depends on what the user is looking for. For beginners, I recommend trying out harnesses like the CAMP Energy CR3 or the Black Diamond Momentum, which offer more comfort and are more budget-friendly. It’s crucial to try out harnesses in person to ensure a proper fit, as an ill-fitting harness can be uncomfortable and unsafe.
Petzl Hirundos key features:
If you’re in the market for a new harness, be sure to check out Edgeworks’ Pro Shop. As a leading retailer of climbing gear, Edgeworks offers a wide selection of harnesses, including the Petzl Hirundos. Visit us in Seattle, Bellevue, or Tacoma and start your climbing adventure today!
Climbing camps for beginner, intermediate and advanced youth climbers of all ages!
Whether you’re looking to be introduced to the sport of rock climbing or want to push your climbing skills to the next level, our camps are a fun way enjoy the sport of rock climbing.
Edgeworks is committed to increasing equity and inclusion in climbing; working to build a culture where adventure is accessible to all.
As part of this commitment we accept scholarship applications for participation in the following Summer Camp Programs for 2024; deadline to apply is April 30, 2024.
Each location (Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma) offers up to one scholarship per type of camp, which includes:
Application deadline: April 30, 2024
In addition to summer camps scholarships, we also offer Youth Program scholarships for programs that run throughout the year.
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!
All competitors must register in advance. Registration is $30/each, with proceeds benefiting the Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC).
South Bouldering Bay will be open to competitors only but all other areas of the gym will remain open to other climbers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If registration link doesn’t load via the Instagram link, please access through the web browser on your phone or computer.
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:
DETAILS:
CATEGORIES:
Male/Female (sign up with the gender category you identify with)
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.
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.
We will work to keep the closures as minimal as possible.
After years of planning, a few roadblocks, and tons of incredible support from all levels of the Edgeworks staff, we can finally say THE WAIT IS OVER!
We are excited to announce that the new expansion space and renovation areas are OFFICIALLY OPEN, including:
Grab your harness and belay partner and come climb the new walls with us.
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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.
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:
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.
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4 years (complete; permits issued)
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 climbing walls for the Olympics. This new addition will bring us to a total of 31,400 sq ft of climbing!
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Summer 2023 – Winter 2024 (complete!)
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:
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Summer 2023 – Winter 2024 (complete!)
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:
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Fall 2023 – Winter 2024 (complete!)
Details: Designed and constructed by EP USA, we’re excited to provide our community with more rope climbing terrain, featuring:
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Stay tuned here and/or follow our social media pages for regular updates:
Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Threads
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.
Follow the Edgeworks BRB Instagram account for more updates!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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If you have additional questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below or send them via our online Customer Feedback form.
We’ll continue to add to this feed as more questions and details emerge.
YOUR GUIDE TO AIARE AVALANCHE COURSES
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.
WHY CHOOSE EDGEWORKS AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATION COURSES?
1. Expert Guidance
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.
Members can (and should!) use their FREE guest passes to introduce their friends to climbing at Edgeworks.
Each member receives:
*Free guest pass use is limited to 1/every 30 days for guests.
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.
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.”
There are several online options available including:
