VITAL Climbing Gym - Upper East — Local services in New York

By far the best bouldering gym I have ever been to for the staff and repeat visitors alone. The people climbing who frequent this rock gym were incredibly supportive, motivational, and helpful. They kindly offered suggestions, cheered us on, and showed us how it's done! It was a wonderful experience to see strangers coming together in this rock gym, something that does not occur at many others. There was only one staff member working but he was awesome, super friendly and funny. He helped us with everything we needed help with including climbing questions, choosing chalk brands, shoe brands, etc. This is where I went my very first time climbing about a year ago, which is the experience I am describing, and it is what started my love for this sport. I have been back since and will continue to come every time I am in the area. Incredible place! Check it out!

Update: the current female employees are not nearly as nice and welcoming as the male who was there on my first few visits. I came into this rock gym last month after recovering from a hand injury. I'm basically back at square one and felt intimidated as a beginner, like I was being stared at by staff, (because I was,) and when I left after only about an hour of climbing, she stared at me with a confused, unhappy face. You got your money, don't judge my climbing abilities or how long I...

I love that I have a climbing gym around the corner from my apartment; it means I can use it just like anyone else would go to a typical gym multiple times a week no problem. But I wish it weren't so expensive for the size and crowdedness. I mean...it's Manhattan, I guess you can't expect more, place has gotta pay the rent. But it's still a hard pill to swallow, especially when it's not really an option for me to visit the West Side gym that (they claim) makes the membership so "worth it".

Good routes (though the grading is all over the place) , reset monthly. Decent variation of walls for the limited space. Often half the gym is closed on weekends for bday parties, so plan around them. The staff and regulars keep the place friendly and lively. It's my neighborhood bouldering wall, so I'm making...

Colt at VITAL is incredible. I wanted to purchase a gift card for a family member this month and while the staff was nice, the phone communication was frustrating and inconsistent. The first time I called the staff member was unable to help me (not possible to order on their website) and after speaking to his manager advised me to check back at a later date. The second time I called I was told to go to a different website. The third day I called I spoke with Colt-thank goodness! Unfortunately their phones were having issues so we continued to get disconnected, however he was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, patient with the multiple calls and 100% able to accomplish my gift card purchase. 3rd time is the charm!...