Van Vliet Climbing Wall - University of Alberta - Edmonton, Alberta
Posted by: 
wildwoodke
N 53° 31.435 W 113° 31.673
12U E 332429 N 5933527
Located in the southwest corner of the "Butterdome", The Universiade Pavilion, this climbing wall is free to UofA students, but does have public access. The butterdome is located on the west side of campus in Edmonton, Alberta.
Waymark Code: WMDP6T
Location: Alberta, Canada
Date Posted: 02/09/2012
Views: 7
A relatively unused corner of the butterdome was converted to hold a climbing wall facility that is open to students and the public. There are strict controls on the facility and new users are recommended to go through the proper process to gain access and ensure their own personal safety.
The Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation website has the following with respect to the climbing wall:
Introduction
The climbing wall consists of versatile, modular climbing structures that are among the highest in the country. We are driven by a passion for climbing and are commitment to promoting physical activity as a healthy lifestyle.
We provide a range of climbing experiences:
- Bouldering: over 30 metres of continuous traversing to a maximum height of three metres
- Top-roping: 11 ropes on four separate climbing walls to a maximum height of 15 metres
- Lead climbing: four ropes on two of our main climbing structures
We offer
- drop-in climbing opportunities,
- instructional programs for groups from youth to adult
- group bookings
- private lessons for groups and individuals
- events and competitions
We do not have staff available to belay drop-in climbers
Important
- Assumption of Risk Agreement must be signed by parent or guardian of an under 18 participant
- Participants over 18 must complete a Waiver of Liability Agreement
- All climbers must check in at the climbing wall customer service desk, hand in their valid access card and picture ID, and make payment
- Although the access card is a one-time annual cost, payment of an admission fee is required for every visit
- Climbers over 13 years of age can obtain a top rope card if they are successful in the top rope test which can be administered during regular hours
- An appointment for a lead check is required to obtain a lead card
- In all cases, climbers 15 years and under must be supervised by an adult
- Children 15 and under may be belayed by an adult who has successfully completed the top rope or lead test; children 15 and under are not permitted to belay an adult with their top rope or lead access card
- All climbers are required to have their top rope or lead access cards to belay each other, except as per the above circumstances
- An appointment for a lead test is required to obtain a lead card. Email leadtest@ualberta.ca to arrange
Top
Facility Reservations for Groups
We cater to a wide variety of group requirements including birthday parties, community groups, team building, custom bookings, and rappelling
- Minimum two weeks advance notice for bookings
- Minimum booking length - two hours
- All bookings require prepayment one week in advance and at this time participant numbers must be confirmed
- No refunds issued if there are fewer than the confirmed number of participants on the day of the booking
- No bookings for more than 8 participants after 6 p.m. on weekdays
- We have no party room available to rent with your booking
- All participants are required to submit their completed waiver of liability or assumption of risk forms at the time of their booking
- Acceptable methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard, debit, cash and cheque (made out to the University of Alberta climbing wall. No post-dated cheques.)
How to make a booking
See Climbing Wall Hours for available booking times. Booking times are available from 0900-1600 from Monday to Friday in addition to hours posted for regular drop-in operations.
Fees
- Prepayment one week in advance when participant numbers must be confirmed
- Requests for refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the supervisor with a minimum of one week's notice from time of booking
- Facility booking rates (PDF)
Instructional Climbing Programs
The climbing wall offers a number of instructional climbing programs for children, adults and youths. All programs fees include facility entrance fee and all required equipment rentals
Register for climbing programs at the Activity Registration Zone.
Detailed information about climbing courses and classes is available online and on campus at
Activities Guide are produced three times a year (summer, fall and winter) during the academic year and are available online at the Campus Recreation website.
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Access requirements
Access cards: Bouldering, Top Rope or Lead
| Type of Access |
Cost of Test |
Annual Re-test
|
| Bouldering |
$0 |
$0 |
| Top Rope |
$3 |
$3 |
| Lead |
$6 |
$6 |
Access Card prices include GST
- Purchase an access card, valid for one year
- For top rope and lead tests, you must successfully pass our examination in order to receive your top rope of lead access card
- You may retake the test the following day if you are unsuccessful
- Participants in any of our instructional programs are required to wait one day after receiving instruction to take their test
- You must complete an Assumption of Risk or Waiver of Liability form to receive your access card
Present the access card with one piece of picture I.D. with payment option each time you use the climbing wall
Undergraduate Student Free Climb
- Wednesdays - 1200-1600
- Open to all current University of Alberta students at no cost (rentals included)
- Undergraduate Free Climb is made possible by the Campus Recreation Enhancement Fund
- Current access card required for admission
- Not available during spring/summer terms, exams, set up week for Tour de Bloc, Butterdome craft sale, Reading Week or winter closure