Have fun, no pressure: climbing with children

Three Rock Climbing Areas for beginners in the Ötztal valley

The Rock Climbing Areas at Oberried, Tumpen and Oetz in theÖtztal valley are ideal examples. Not only do they have a very child-friendly beginners’ area – with a playground in Tumpen and Oberried, no less – but also a wide selection of easy routes.

The right kit for children

We’ve all been there: skiing in boots that are too small or too big is no fun. It’s the same with climbing – only the stakes are higher.

Especially for children, the equipment must fit their height. A climbing harness that’s too big or too small isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous. After all, the child’s life depends on it.

The joy of climbing

For children to enjoy climbing in the long term, they need to have a good time first and foremost. Under no circumstances should they be overwhelmed or pushed into doing anything. How much, how difficult or what they have climbed is secondary – swinging on the top-rope is usually a greater experience for them than reaching the top.

Unwarranted ambition on the part of parents has all too often had the opposite effect, particularly with children. Children need time. The focus should be on the experience on the rock or in the climbing hall – sporting ambition then usually comes naturally.

Meet like-minded people

There are lots of families who climb and lots of children who climb. Everything’s easier amongst like-minded people: the children can play and spur each other on – and the parents get a chance to have a go at climbing too. What’s more, you can share equipment, which makes it much cheaper to get started.

Visiting the climbing centre with children

In principle, the same applies at indoor climbing centres – plus: read and follow the centre’s rules. Indoor climbing centres are sports facilities, not children’s playgrounds. In the bouldering area in particular, children running about regularly lead to dangerous situations.

Climbing centres often have a dedicated children’s area. It’s the perfect place for children to take their first steps up the wall: child-friendly boulders, child-sized holds and sometimes even a slide.

In summary: climbing is the most natural thing in the world. The most important thing is to give children time and not to push them into anything. Everyone feels a bit of fear and respect for heights at the start – and that’s a good thing. With a bit of guidance, the right kit and the right environment, climbing is the perfect sport for the whole Family.