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Grand Opening: Gritstone Climbing + Fitness in Morgantown, WV
As Miley Cyrus told us, it's all about the climb. Thanks to the August 8 grand opening of Gritstone Climbing + Fitness, just minutes from Morgantown homes for sale, climbers of all ages and levels of experience can enjoy both the challenge and social aspect of this popular activity year-round.
The Road to Gritstone
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Gritstone Climbing + Fitness has been a true labor of love for husband-and-wife team John and Aira Burkhart. In 2016, the pair set out with a goal of building nothing less than the largest full-service climbing facility in West Virginia.
The Burkharts were joined in their project by close friend and partner Chris Bailey, owner of Rising Sun Construction. Chris explains that, as veterans of many area gyms, he and John have taken careful notice of what works and what doesn't in creating the plan for Gritstone.
In their quest to create a truly elite facility, John and Chris enlisted the services of Jason Kehl. As an award-winning professional rock climber for more than a decade, Jason uses his unique qualifications to design wall shapes and holds that accommodate climbers across a full range of skills, from beginner to expert. (Learn more about Jason at his website, Cryptochild.)
Take a Sneak Peek
Boasting a total of 20,000 square feet, Gritstone is poised to be the premier gym and climbing facility in Morgantown. Even if you're not a rock climber (yet), there's first-rate equipment and classes to satisfy devotees of other fitness activities.
So what can you expect to find when you visit Gritstone?
- At a total of 13,000 square feet, climbing surfaces make up more than half of the facility. In this space, more than 9,000 square feet hold 61 total rope lanes, with upwards of 100 roped routes. Lanes are divided into 44 top-rope and 54 lead-able, along with two speed-climbing lanes. Wall heights vary up to a maximum of 49 feet.
- Kids will love the education-based Learning Zone on the second floor. Novices can develop their skills in a space featuring rope climbing up to 29 feet and bouldering up to 12 feet.
- Tone and strengthen your muscles with a full selection of weight-training equipment from Rogue Fitness. The assortment includes three lifting platforms, along with squat racks, benches, dumbbells, and kettlebells.
- Rock climbing requires all-over fitness, so Gritstone has equipment for cardiovascular conditioning.
- Daily yoga classes help you develop mobility and flexibility needed to tackle the most challenging climbing routes. Thanks to its emphasis on the mind-body connection, regular yoga pays benefits in your everyday life as well.
- All members receive a complete orientation, along with free classes in climbing and leading. Classes are available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Fitness During a Pandemic
Based on their previous experience, John and Chris already knew they wanted a facility that exceeds basic cleanliness standards. The staff has been thoroughly trained on frequent cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and high-contact surfaces. In addition, climbing holds are cleaned in an ultrasonic washing machine during route changeovers.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Offer
Get in on the ground floor of Gritstone, in a manner of speaking. Become a Founding Member and enjoy perks such as full access, free classes, unlimited free first-time guests, discounts on gear and apparel, and invitations to private events.
With deep roots in the community, our real estate agents are proud to support small local businesses. Be sure to check out our list of top climbing destinations around Morgantown.
If you're buying or selling a home in Morgantown, contact us at Heritage Real Estate for all your needs.
Bill Porter, Broker
(304) 612-3746207 Aurora Dr
Morgantown, WV 26508
WEST VIRGINIA LICENSES BROKER WVB240300963
AGENCY 010271-00
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Office License No. 010271-00