Bouldering, climbing on boulders at jump height, has experienced a real boom in recent times. Bouldering is also a good way for children to get used to the rock. We have a few tips for you on how to make bouldering fun for the whole family.
The number of bouldering gyms is exploding worldwide and new boulders are also being diligently cleaned and developed on the rock.
For climbing parents, bouldering is often the easier and less stressful way to pass on their passion for climbing to their children. After all, there is no belaying and no fear of heights, which are key factors in rope climbing. Nevertheless, there are a few things to bear in mind when bouldering with children:
Bouldering with children in the hall
In the beginning, the gym is the perfect introduction to the world of climbing. Some halls have dedicated children's areas with boulders, holds and even slides suitable for children. A real adventure playground. The children's areas are also not as high, making falling and jumping off much safer.
There is nothing to stop children climbing in the normal bouldering area. However, they should not climb all the way up and should always be spotted by an adult.
Spotting means giving the child protection and support so that they always land with their feet on the mat in the event of an unintentional and uncontrolled fall. The child should not be caught, as this is usually not really possible.
However, a few rules must be observed in the bouldering area. Children running around is very dangerous and has led to many a hair-raising incident. To climb in the adult bouldering area, children need to have a certain understanding and sense of responsibility. Parents are very much in demand here. After all, most injuries in climbing gyms now occur in the bouldering area due to uncontrolled falls.
Bouldering with children on the rock
You can also boulder very well with children on rock. However, the approach and jump area should be suitable for children.
Bouldering with children - up onto the boulders, photo: Matthias Bader
The world-famous Silvapark bouldering areain the Paznaun Valley above Galtür even has its own children's course.
The ideal time of year is midsummer. Due to the altitude, the temperatures are often pleasant. You can get to the area either by cable car or by car. It is permitted to drive up the gravel road to the paid parking lot. The first blocks can be reached after a 10-minute walk suitable for children. Crash pads and equipment can be hired.
The second bouldering area suitable for children is Mandlersboden in Pitztal.
Some of the boulders are quite low and therefore ideal for children. All boulders are marked and are idyllically situated in the forest around a beautiful picnic meadow. The approach is quite short and therefore very suitable for children.
In the climbing mecca of Imst, there are two family-friendly bouldering areas in close proximity to each other for active families:
On the one hand, there is Hualig Almeck with boulders made of perfect high mountain limestone, scattered in a finely climatized mushroom forest high above Imst. Ideal for families, the boulders can be easily reached in 10 minutes from the middle station of the Imst cable cars. Especially now, in the hottest season, the blocks are an extremely pleasant destination with their location at over 1,400 m above sea level.
On the other hand, the family-friendly Reithle bouldering area with boulders up to 15 meters high in the shady forest awaits conquerors young and old.
General tip
As always, don't overtax children and don't force or pressure them to do anything. The children should simply have a good day and a great experience, then the enthusiasm for bouldering will come sooner or later all by itself.
