WSU Presents Region’s Premier Climbing Festival
OGDEN, Utah — For 11 years, Weber State University’s Outdoor Program has hosted an annual climbing festival that brings together climbers of all skill levels. The Petzl Ogden Climbing Festival presented by Black Diamond and Beehive Cheese will be held April 13-14 with events at various times and locations throughout Ogden.
The two-day festival, hosted in conjunction with GEAR:30 and the Front Climbing Club, will include clinics, equipment demonstrations and a keynote presentation from a nationally renowned climber.
“When we started the Ogden Climbing Festival 11 years ago, I never imagined this success,” said Daniel Turner, Outdoor Program coordinator. “The Ogden Climbing Festival is a community event that focuses on education. From beginners to professionals, there is something there for everyone.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Emily Harrington, a professional rock climber and adventurer. Harrington has climbed for most of her life, making her a leading figure in the climbing community. Her achievements include years of success in the USA Climbing Team on the national and world competition circuit, as well as summiting Everest and becoming the first female to ascend some of the world’s hardest technical routes.
Harrington will present April 13 at 7:15 p.m. in Ogden Union Station (2501 Wall Ave). The presentation will include food, beverages, music and raffles. Due to limited seating, general admission tickets will be sold in advance for $15, and any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $25 paid in cash only.
The Ogden Climbing Festival is the largest in Utah. Novice and experienced climbers of all ages and abilities are invited to learn new skills in the festival’s friendly environment.
“One can arrive new to the climbing community and be welcomed in, rubbing shoulders with climbing legends, and not even know,” Turner said. “That’s the beauty of Ogden, Utah. The climbing history is so deep, yet few people really know what is right under their nose.”
Schedule of events:
April 13, evening. – Emily Harrington presents at Union Station. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7:15 p.m. A raffle and poster signing will follow. Tickets are limited and may be purchased at weber.edu/ogdenclimbingfestival. Those who purchase VIP tickets are invited to a social from 6-7 p.m.
April 14, 8 a.m. to noon – Volunteers can participate in trail work and crag cleanup at the trail systems above 22nd St. and the boulder field. Participants will meet at the Saint Joseph High School Parking lot (1790 Lake St.) at 8 a.m. A light breakfast will be available for purchase, and Lucky Slice pizza will provide a free lunch noon to 1 p.m. following the cleanup. Volunteers may sign up now at volunteersignup.org/THBTM.
April 14, 1-5 p.m. – Education climbing clinics offered at the lower Ogden Boulder Field. Participants will park and check in at Saint Joseph High School. To view the variety of clinics or pre-register, visit weber.edu/ogdenclimbingfestival/education.
April 14, 6-9 p.m. – Equipment demonstrations and the Citizens Climbing Competition held at The Front Climbing Club (225 20th St.). The climbing competition, which is open for anyone to register, will run from 5-9 p.m. Attendees can purchase tickets here.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Daniel Turner, WSU’s Outdoor Program coordinator
801-626-7354 • danielturner1@weber.edu