Frequently Asked Questions

Climbing FAQ

Do I need a waiver?

Yes. Everyone entering ALTA must have a current waiver, whether they're climbing or not. Guests under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to complete their waiver.

Do I need climbing experience?

No! ALTA welcomes beginners. Staff will help you understand the basics and get comfortable in the gym.

Do I need to be a member?

No. Anyone can visit ALTA. Options include day passes, punch passes, and memberships.

Do I need my own climbing equipment?

No. Climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags are available to rent.

What does a day pass include?

A day pass provides access to ALTA's climbing areas and training spaces, along with fitness, yoga, indoor cycling, and community offerings where applicable. This is valid for all 3 locations.

Can I climb at all three ALTA locations?

Yes. ALTA memberships provide access to Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale.

Can children climb at ALTA?

Yes. Children under 14 can climb or boulder with direct and active adult supervision.

Can my child belay?

Participants must be 14 or older to belay or clip themselves in, unless they meet one of ALTA's approved exceptions.

Can I use the fitness equipment?

Participants must be 16 or older to use exercise equipment, with exceptions for approved ALTA Climbing Team members.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. To ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for our diverse community, and to align with national facility standards, Alta requires all climbers and guests to wear a top or shirt at all times.

Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, athletic crop tops, sports bras, and sleeveless athletic shirts. Clothing must provide secure coverage during movement and cannot feature offensive, discriminatory, or explicit graphics/language.
Footwear: Proper footwear/shoes are strictly required in all training areas at all times. Climbing shoes are required for climbing and are available to rent.

Note: Gym temperature is actively monitored; if you ever feel warm, let our staff know so we can adjust ventilation and fans!

Can I bring food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not permitted on the climbing mats, but can be kept in cubbies or approved seating areas not on the mats.

What if I have a question while I'm climbing?

Ask! ALTA staff are there to help. If you're unsure about equipment, a route, safety procedure, or gym rules, stop by the front desk.

Membership FAQ

Thinking About Becoming a Member?

Membership isn't required to climb, but it can be a great option if you plan to visit regularly.

What does an ALTA membership include?

Membership includes unlimited climbing—including ropes, lead climbing, and bouldering—plus unlimited yoga, fitness classes, and indoor cycling. Members also receive a free Intro to Climbing + Bouldering class, two free guest passes each month (one for a friend who has never been to the gym before and one for who ever you want), towel service, access to community events and social clinics, 10% off climbing classes, and 10% off retail purchases.

Where can I use my membership?

All ALTA memberships are valid at all three ALTA locations: Gilbert, Chandler, and Scottsdale.

Can I freeze my membership?

Yes. Memberships can be frozen for $10 per month.

What membership options are available?

ALTA offers monthly memberships, prepaid annual memberships, one-month prepaid memberships, family memberships, student memberships, discounted military/first responder/teacher/nurse memberships, and corporate memberships. Corporate memberships require a minimum of five employees.

Is there a startup fee?

Monthly memberships have a $50 startup fee. Members also pay prorated dues through the end of their first month, with monthly billing occurring on the first of each month. Prepaid annual and one-month memberships have no startup fee at enrollment.

What is the student membership?

Student membership is available to youth 18 and under or full-time students. Student members must provide proof of enrollment annually. Full-time undergraduate students must take at least 12 units, while graduate students must take at least 9 units.

Who qualifies for a family membership?

Family membership is available to parents and their legal children 21 and under who are part of the same nuclear family and live at the same address. Roommates do not qualify.

Is there a military, first responder, teacher, or nurse discount?

Yes. Eligible members can receive the discounted rate and must provide proof of employment or a military ID.

What is the prepaid annual membership?

The prepaid annual membership provides one year of access without a startup fee. Individual, student, military/first responder/teacher/nurse, and family options are available.

What is the one-month prepaid membership?

The one-month prepaid membership is designed for out-of-state visitors. A startup fee will apply if you later convert to a standard monthly membership.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes. Members receive two free guest passes each month (one for a friend who has never been to the gym before and one for who ever you want). This is limited to one use of a guest pass per month.

Are climbing classes included with membership?

Members receive a free Intro to Climbing + Bouldering class and 10% off climbing classes.

Are yoga, fitness, and cycling included?

Yes. Membership includes unlimited yoga, fitness classes, and indoor cycling classes.

Do members receive discounts on retail purchases?

Yes. Members receive 10% off retail purchases.

Do memberships include youth programs?

Membership benefits and program fees vary by program. Check the individual youth program for details about what is included.

RULES & WAIVER

New to ALTA or have a question? Find everything you need to know in one place—from completing your waiver and orientation to gym rules, safety guidelines, memberships, and frequently asked questions.

Before You Arrive

Save time at check-in by completing these two steps before you arrive.

Watch the Orientation Video

The orientation covers important safety information and introduces you to how ALTA works. Watch it here.

Complete Your Waiver

Everyone entering ALTA must have a current waiver on file—even spectators who aren't climbing. Guests under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete their waiver. Sign the waiver now.

Plan Your Visit

Choose your location, purchase a day pass or membership, and rent any gear you need. You can find all of that in the First Visit page.

Climbing Orientations & Tests

Get oriented, climb safely, and know what you’re doing before you get on the wall.

Gym Orientations (FREE)

Your first gym visit requires an orientation. ATLA offers three complimentary orientations based on the type of climbing you want to do:

Autobelay Orientation — Learn how to correctly use ALTA’s autobelays.
Belay Orientation — Learn the basics of top-rope belaying.
Fall Orientation — Learn best falling and bouldering practices.

Lead Climb & Belay Test (FREE)

Every climber MUST pass our lead belay test in order to belay. Upon passing, you will be given a blue belay tag that you must have present on your harness at all times. Upon arrival and purchasing your Day Pass, ask one of our team members for a belay check. We will be looking for:

Bring your own rope (40 meters or longer) and your own GriGri. GriGri’s are the only belay device allowed in our facility. Don’t have one? You can rent one.
Correctly operating a Petzl GriGri. During the test, climbers will be required to lead up to a 5.10-, take a fall, and demonstrate proper lead climbing, clipping, belay techniques, and slack management.
ALTA requires the PBUS (pull, brake, under, slide) style of belaying for all climbers.

Ready to lead? Lead tests are free for both members and guests.

Lead climbing: 14+ years
Lead belaying: 14+ years

Schedule your lead test here.

Pro Tips

Every climber MUST pass our belay test in order to belay. We have Fixed GriGri +’s on all of our top ropes. You will be given an orange belay tag that you must have present on your harness at all times. Upon arrival and purchasing your Day Pass, ask one of our team members for a belay check. We will be looking for:

Correctly tying in with a figure-8 follow through knot with sufficient tail on the rope.
Correctly operating a Petzl GriGri +.
ALTA requires the PBUS (pull, brake, under, slide) style of belaying for all climbers.

What to Expect

Your First Visit, Step by Step

Check In

Stop at the front desk when you arrive. Staff will confirm your waiver, help you purchase your pass, and get you set up with rental equipment if needed.

Get Oriented

After you've completed the required orientation, staff can help you get familiar with the facility, including auto-belays, climbing areas, route ratings, and basic gym etiquette.

Get Geared Up

Don't have climbing gear? No problem. Rental climbing shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags are available.

Start Climbing

Choose a route or boulder problem that looks fun, take your time, and ask our staff if you have questions.

Know Before You Climb

ALTA Gym Rules

These rules help keep ALTA safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

General Facility Rules

Our full list of rules are posted throughout the facility and are expected to be followed at all times. A few pointers:

All climbers must sign our waiver before entering the facility.
We are an inclusive facility and have a wide range of climbers. If you’re a 5.13+ climber, be cool and help the 5.9 climber progress.
We follow a monochromatic style of route setting (follow the colors).
We use a, b, c, d in our facility vs. -, solid, +. Example: 5.11a could be 5.11+.
All volumes are on all the time.
Headphones are allowed in our bouldering area. NO HEADPHONES are allowed while on a rope or belaying.
We have a lot of kids and families. Please watch your language.

Check-In & Orientation

Everyone must check in at the front desk.
First-time participants must have a waiver on file.
Anyone climbing without staff assistance must complete the required safety orientation.

Age & Supervision

Climbers and boulderers must be 14+ to participate without adult supervision.
Children under 14 require direct, active adult supervision.
Participants must be 14+ to belay or clip themselves in, unless specifically authorized through an approved team or program.
Participants must be 14+ to lead climb or lead belay, with specified team exceptions.
Participants must be 16+ to use exercise equipment, unless they are approved members of the ALTA Climbing Team.

Climbing Safety

Only authorized participants may top-rope, belay, or lead belay.
Climbers and belayers must double-check their systems before every climb.
Use commercially manufactured climbing equipment that is in good condition.
Never climb directly below another climber.
Don't run, swing on ropes, or engage in dangerous behavior.
Do not adjust or move climbing holds without authorization.
Report loose holds, damaged ropes, or other potential hazards to staff.

Facility Rules

No food or drinks on climbing mats.
Climbing, bouldering, and belaying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
Vulgar language and inappropriate conduct are not permitted.
Do not grab pipes or structural supports at the top of the walls

Still Have
Questions?

Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Our team is happy to help. Just email info@altaclimbing.com