SOUL
This is Who. We. Are.
FOUNDER & CO-FOUNDER
Hi. My name is Gabe, and this is my son, Ever. We can be ridiculous together. When we moved to Bellingham eleven years ago, Ever was three and already enjoyed climbing. It was apparent our new home was somehow missing an integral piece of its already-incredible community; a climbing gym. The idea was born.
During a serendipitous moment in high school my closest friend, Jon, introduced me to climbing. Unbeknownst to me, my life was set on a new trajectory. Jon died in a car accident two years later. From here, I centered much of my life and career as a photographer (www.RogelMedia.com) around climbing. Countless connections made with incredible people and a million miles of adventures later, my hope is to share a bit of what climbing did to my life, with yours.
What this facility represents, is the planning and work which has ensued since. I’m building this climbing gym for Ever and I’m building this climbing gym for Jon. But I’m also building this facility for the community I’ve grown to love in Bellingham. My hope is this space will be so much more than just a place to climb. Whether an individual, a kid, a couple or a family, I hope this space helps you grow a part of yourself, connect with friends and loved ones, and fuels your fire for adventure and exploration of this wild and vast world.
OUR MANTRA
Through movement, we find health. Through quiet, we find center. Through connection, we find community. Through intention, we find a better world.
OUR MISSION
We believe in the generative power of climbing. Arête provides spaces and programs nurturing personal evolution through connection to self, connection to community and hopefully inspiration to connect to our natural world.
OUR VALUES
INCLUSIVITY - We believe there should be no barriers to the sport of climbing. EVERYONE, from every walk of life and every ability, is welcome. We promise to do everything in our ability to make climbing accessible and make our members feel welcome, supported and included on their journey.
COMMUNITY - We. Love. Bellingham. We hear our community and are here for our community. We are a place to connect with our neighbors and meet new friends. We are one thread in a vibrant fabric of local businesses and we will support our local partners.
PROGRESSION - We are never finished evolving as a business, as climbers, and as humans. We will always learn from our members, listen to our members, and do better for our members. Our business is adaptable and will adapt to the needs of our members and our broader community.
INSPIRATION - We will keep our members inspired. Our educational programming and personal training will ensure members set goals and reach them. Whether brand new to climbing or a seasoned pro, we will inspire our members and support them in reaching their climbing and wellness objectives.
OUR PLANET - Our sport exists in concert with our planet. We will care for our mountains, our ocean and everything in between. We will listen to our experts and we will organize opportunities to volunteer, to educate and to take action for our planet.
OUR SPORT - We are ambassadors for the sport of climbing. As our community continues to grow we will be at the forefront of conversation, invention, and adventure. We will honor the sport’s history while looking forward to its bright and bold future.
1%
1% of our revenue will go to environmental causes we believe in.
COMMUNITY LOVE
(We love you, too, Bellingham!)
“I AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!! Bellingham has been sorely lacking in the (rope) climbing gym department. Climbing is my favorite activity and due to our climate, we really need an indoor place to climb in town. I can't wait to get my son (21 months) hooked on it, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” - Kate
“Gathering space. Kid friendly. Coffee/smoothie. Yoga. Sunlight.” - Jodi
“Do the bouldering and free weights well. If I can replace my gym membership with one climbing membership, hallelujah!” - Bradley
“Welcoming environment for beginners!” - Celeste
“Dry sauna to stretch those achey muscles and showers for people who want to climb before work.” - Adam
“Inclusive route-setting. Safe space for all people, not just white males. Fostering a community minded environment. Giving back to the community.” - Anthony
“I would love to see some womxn's specific programs or offerings. Also any events that get people together in order to make more lasting relationship (organized outdoor climbs or the like). I cannot wait!” - Natalie
“Kids after school activity.” - Sachin
“General workout equipment, treadmills, bikes, etc. Great lounge space, coffee shop.” - Kyle
“Auto-belays so I can go by myself and classes for improving technique.” - Erin
“Food truck! Hosting competitions, general community engagement events. BIPOC special events, scholarships, and nights.” - Olivia
“I am so pleased to hear that you will be creating space for holistic health practitioners! Definitely womxns programs. I have been waiting for this type of space to exist in Bellingham! Big cheers to you!!!” - Mel
"Climbing teams for youths, both competitive and non-competitive. They socialize and lift each other up. It is a safe place for all and great fun.” - Kathleen
“Thrilled (understatement) you are opening. Maybe any indoor/outdoor walls like Seattle or Planet Granite SF.” - Carolyn
“We are so excited about your climbing gym! We moved here a year ago with a three year old that loved the climbing gym and definitely felt the absence of one in Bellingham. Can't wait to see what you guys put together!” - Ryan