The Front Climbing Club

1470 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA

Address:	1470 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
Phone:	+1 801-466-7625
Site:	frontslc.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Clint Merrick

I wouldnt recommend this gym to anyone who is going for the first time, or looking to take classes here. I encouraged my wife to take rock climbing classes because I felt shed really enjoy the sport. She reluctantly agreed to sign up. On her first day, during the first 15 minutes of her introduction to rock climbing, the instructor had my wife climb the wall. Nearly zero instruction was given to her. She thought he was spotting her and he kept telling her to climb higher and higher. Eventually she reached the very top, but didnt know what to do and lost strength and fell. By this time, the instructor wasnt paying attention and she landed on her feet, and then her back. It was at that time she felt and heard two Pops. The instructor eventually came over to check on her and she described how she fell and how she was in a lot of pain. He said that it was normal and then walked away. Eventually the class got over, and the instructor told my wife (who was still immobile at this point) that the class was moving areas) and to join them later if she was feeling better. Of course she was in tears already, but I dont think he knew what to do, so he just left her there by herself. She couldnt get anyone from the staff to help her, so she eventually had to hobble by herself out to the car. The staff saw her crying because she was in so much pain, but they did nothing. She called me to pick her up because she couldnt drive. By the time I got there, both ankles were swollen to twice their normal size and purple. We went to the doctor and it turns out that she had shattered both of her ankles. After trying repeatedly to contact the gym, no calls were answered and they essentially pretended like nothing happened. What a horrible experience. How do they not know what to do if someone is injured? And how do you take a beginners class, and get pushed to climb a wall, with no supervision, no training, and no ropes?!

John Vest

Great climbing gym and health club, great community. Tons of bouldering in the old building and on the new side, huge top rope and lead walls as well as the gym and training areas in the new building. Since the new construction is well, still pretty new, the place has been constantly evolving since I joined in late 2016, with the new yoga studios on the 3rd floor having opened and the new kids/teaching walls also on the 3rd floor now available. Just last week on the Summer Solstice the central outdoor "park" area was opened with benches and tables to sit and relax. Ive found the staff and the community to be very friendly and the vibe is great, though I will say that as others have mentioned the place can be a little intimidating at first or for the novice. Partly because its so big and probably partly because the level of the climbers is so high. Its truly a world class climbing gym, and I love that, but at first can cause some serious "gymtimidation". My recommendation if youre just starting out and youve joined is to take the Bouldering 101 class, its a great intro to technique and a good all around orientation. Finally the kids programs and Summer camps are great... my son has been in the after school program before and taken 3 different Summer camp sessions the past 2 Summers, hes loved them and he really likes his instructors. With the new 3rd floor area open this year they really have a nice spot for the kids now.

William Daniel

Loved it while going there. But make sure to read their cancellation and membership policy carefully before committing. I ended up having to pay for a whole month extra just because I didnt send my cancellation notice on time: they have a 30-day policy where a member has to give 30 day notice before cancelling his/her membership. I sent the cancellation email on April 19th--after being unhappy about being billed for April in the first place--and just got billed again for the month of May today May 22. I know policy is policy but have some human decency. As it stands, Im paying for 2 months worth of membership (around $150) when im not even physically there for 3/4 of the duration. TL/DR; Cancelled on April 19 so had to pay for April AND May because of stupid 30-day policy that they seem to stick by the letter. The gym/climbing club itself is fine but this experience does leave me a bit bitter. Personally, I will NOT be renewing my membership upon returning to SLC.

Joel Kushlan

Great gym, with great routes, it kind of sucks that they dont have any TR or lead climbing but theyre building a giant addition to fix that problem. The setters do a fantastic job making hard interesting climbs that will help you get better and there are also a lot of strong climbers. The workout equipment is pretty nice I especially like the rubber weights they have for cleaning, dead lifts and the like. They dont have a declined press, incline press or military press all of which would be nice. They have a bench and barbells which mostly covers that issue except the bench doesnt do decline either. All in all a good Gym with a good atmosphere. -1 star for the stuff disappearing, I lost a pair a shoes and chalk bag which I think (cant remember for sure) that I left there and they disappeared. Either way I know they tend to get rid of gear thats left pretty quickly. Edit: 5 stars because this place kicks ass with the new weights and lead walls.

Lisette Winner

A friend of mine recently joined The Front and invited myself and my kids to try it out on a guest pass. It was my first time rock climbing and I really enjoyed the experience. I went without any expectations (Mostly to let my boys climb and get out some energy!) but I was surprisingly impressed. My kids loved it, and nobody seemed to mind them being there, even though they were restless kids with a little too much energy! Cody was extremely helpful and kind enough to walk me through belaying.I felt he went out of his way to share his knowledge and expertise with me, and I really appreciated his time and customer service. Everyone at the front desk was very helpful and friendly. I will definitely be back, for my kids and to challenge my fear of heights!

Colt R

Gym is alright itself, nothing real special. I do like that they also have some work out machines and a small weight room. Really my biggest quarrel isnt about the gym, rather an unsatisfactory experience I had with a staff member. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR STUFF THERE. I left a pretty expensive camelbak waterbottle there for only about 5 days and they sold the damn thing for 2 bucks! I saw a guy with it and was a total jerk to him because he was drinking out of my water bottle. He told me he bought it at the desk. I asked the front desk lady. She said yea we sell them if you leave them here. I told here it was only here about 5 days. Her response "...well i guess you shouldnt leave your stuff here then." in a pretty bitchy tone. Screw you lady!

T. C.

Nice gym. Tons of bordering space. Nice and clean. Friendly staff. Huge walls. Most of the boulder area is really challenging. They just need a few more easy problems for when you are tired and want to still bolder. There is workout equipment too. NOTE: They have added a lot of space recently so you may want to look at other recent reviews since old ones are basically for a way smaller space. Edit June 2017: This place is not adequately staffed during busy times. Estimates wait for a top rope belay check was 15 minutes. Also at $22.50 for a day pass it is by far the most expensive rock gym I have been to. There is no lower bouldering only price. There are no auto belays so if you go by yourself you are paying 22.50 to boulder.