Climbing gym takes shape at Whitefish mall

Whitefish local Shaun Olcott is taking his passion for climbing and fitness and flipping it into a new business venture that’s set to open next month.

Shaun, with help from his brother Jason Olcott, is in the middle of constructing a 12,400 square-foot indoor climbing gym at the center of the Mountain Mall in Whitefish. The plan is to marry the new climbing facility with an existing 24-hour fitness center that will share the same space. The combined gyms will be called RockFish Climbing and Fitness.

“I’ve always liked the idea of having a fitness gym with a bouldering gym,” said Shaun Olcott. “It’s going to be a good match.”

Shaun is partnering with Belinda Kreitman and Darren Stone in the business.

The climbing gym will cater to all ages and abilities, and include more than 3,000 square feet of climbing surface up to 14 feet high. Prominent features include a prow, overhanging cave, slab areas and a kids boulder with a slide. Nine inches of padding will cover the floors. Strictly a bouldering gym, there will be no roped climbs.

The 24-hour fitness gym with free weights, machines and cardio equipment will be in a separate space at the back of the facility. Membership will provide access to both facilities.

Jason Olcott is leading construction and design of the bouldering area, having helped build three climbing gyms in Portland, Ore., and another in Arkansas. A good climbing gym, he says, is designed with a certain flow and spacing of features that appeals to a variety of abilities.

“There are a lot of climbers in the valley who have been waiting a long time for something like this to open,” said Jason. “Then there are new climbers who don’t yet know they like climbing. Some people might even find themselves using the bouldering gym all the time but never climbing outside.”

Climbing routes at RockFish will change on a constant rotation, with a route typically staying up for five to six weeks.

Gym assistant manager Alex White will be in charge of setting the bouldering routes and keeping the gym interesting for all abilities.

“Mom, dad and the kids can come here together and have fun,” he said.

White hopes to start a climbing team, offer kids programs and lessons, and host some climbing competitions.

“And a big part of this gym is creating a community space,” White said, adding that the gym will host social gatherings, such as birthday parties.

RockFish is hosting a sneak preview party Friday, June 24 from 4-8 p.m., with discounted memberships available. A climbing movie will be shown at 7 p.m. Call 862-8955 for details.