PILATUS INDOOR — Local services in Root

We were forbidden to climb top rope by the lady at the front desk. After seeking for explanation no clear reason was given. Paid training on site was suggested to be allowed to climb there. Although latter on the lady contradicted to that statement, saying that no formal training is required. We were hoping our capabilities can by judged by their instructor. We were told they are around on weekends. It was Saturday, although that day instructor decided to not be there.

In the end we had no chance to demonstrate our capability to belay, had to pay full price and were not allowed to climb. That was a disappointed given the object itself seems...

It’s a very nice climbing gym, with a variety of routes, good facilities, some bouldering and exercise areas (albeit not very large ones) and plenty of autobelays (7, I think). Admission price is alright too. Downsides are it’s fairly far (from Luzern, in my case) - not terribly, but not around the corner either, if one doesn’t own a car. And it's fairly popular - even at not the busiest hours, finding a free autobelay could be a problem. Partially because there are regular rope routes mixed with what's allowed for autobelays, so roped climbers often occupy the spot. Still,...

The best indoor climbing I have seen (ok, I did not see that many but I have seen few... 😉) Its 13 m high and I guess over 100 routes of all difficulty levels. There is also pretty big bouldering area. The main problem is that it is over crowded on week days evenings (17-20) in winter. Boulder is not crowded. There is also a small equipment shop next to the entrance now. There is enough payed (4 CHF for 4 hours)...