Community Spotlight: ASCEND Erie

By: Chris Rosato Jr.

ASCEND Erie opened in 2023 and is one of three locations owned by ASCEND, which was founded in Pittsburgh. ASCEND gyms take a holistic approach to fitness, promoting climbing alongside a full yoga schedule and a fitness area. The indoor climbing gym is the first of its kind in Erie, offering Erieites access to bouldering (climbing without a harness on shorter walls), auto-belays, top roping, and sport climbing (climbing with ropes on walls as tall as 52 feet). In addition, the gym provides a "third space" for folks from every area and background within the county. It costs nothing to show up and exist in this space.

ASCEND Erie regularly hosts free Affinity sessions on the second Saturday of each month for communities that were historically excluded from the climbing and outdoors industries. Each month alternates between an Affinity group for those who identify as Queer, Femme, Trans, and/or a Woman; and an Affinity group for those who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Sessions are totally free, including gear and instruction from staff.

This summer, ASCEND Erie opened its doors to the community, offering a free day pass and rentals to any Erie County resident visiting for the first time. Other great discount options include $5 Fridays, ASCEND club meetups (check out Queer Scouts, Women on Walls, Many Colors 1 Route, and Sustainability Club among others!), Big FREE Yoga and great membership promos! Come take a free, no-obligation tour to see what we have to offer. Find us at ascendclimbing.com/locations/erie. Everyone can climb - yes, even YOU!