At Green Mountain Rock Climbing, participants are taught proper climbing techniques and given specialized climbing equipment that is crucial to their safety. In Rutland, Vermont—one of two locations, the other being Quechee—there is a 25-foot ceiling and more than 30 top roping stations. The facility is ideal for families and experts alike. The Rutland center offers a wide variety of classes and programs, including self-belay, climbing techniques and efficiency, and an introduction to rock and lead climbing. In Quechee, the center is the tallest indoor climbing experience in Central Vermont. The facility has 24 top ropes, 14 lead lines, and a rock wall that is ideal for beginners. There are also overhanging walls to challenge more experienced climbers. Guests can visit the center for private lessons, leagues, and clinics.

Guests can also sign up for a guided rock-climbing excursion with Green Mountain Rock Climbing guides who work in outdoor rock-climbing clinics that cover climbing, movement, and self-rescue techniques. They even offer ice climbing courses in the winter. Check the Vermont Adventure Tours website for details on availability and pricing.

Once visitors are ready to climb, they must agree to comply with the facility’s rules and regulations. A taping system is used to discern each climbing route. Start holds of a climb are marked with two pieces of tape angling or pointing to the holds. The goal is to follow one color of tape; climbing holds are a uniform color for a specific climb as a means of indicating each route. The Yosemite Decimal Grading System is used. Top-roping climbs are rated 5.5 through 5.13s, with the occasional 5.14. For the bouldering caves and routes, there is a gecko scale designed for younger or beginner climbers. Then the V Scale of bouldering is implemented. Featured are VO through V8s.

Summer hours include Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 7 pm; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 9 pm; and Saturday from 12 to 5 pm. For rates, passes, lessons, policies, and membership, visit www.vermontclimbing.com.