With heavy hearts, we need to share an important update regarding our Eastside location. After nearly 30 years of operation, our Eastside gym will be closing its doors on January 1st, 2026. The Downtown location will continue operations, and will become the home for Boulders moving forward. 

Prices have been rising, and an uncertain economy has led to reduced revenue and traffic. We’ve attempted to renegotiate rent terms with our landlord, though they understandably expect to receive their full rent which we’ve proven unable to pay. In addition to this, we’ve been carrying significant debts for many years that have hindered our ability to cover our basic current expenses, despite our efforts to reduce operational overhead. Our team has gotten smaller, we’ve been operating more efficiently, and we’ve reduced spending across the board. While these changes helped, the weight of historical debt and lagging revenue proved too much, and it became apparent earlier this week that we had to make a swift and significant change. In the face of either closing both of our locations, or moving forward with one and continuing to support the community that we love, the choice was clear. 

Our hearts and memories will always be deeply invested with the Eastside, but there were a number of significant factors that led to the decision of its ultimate closure. Thirty years of wear and tear is apparent on the aging infrastructure, repairs are constant and expensive, and the space lacks the accessibility by bus line or walking that our downtown location possesses. Our landlord Downtown has offered us flexible rent, which better positions us for long-term success and financial stability, and the projections of a Downtown-only business model show that we can achieve and maintain profitability, which is critical for the future of Boulders.

We’re heartbroken. Countless people climbed their first route at Boulders East, and countless others made friendships that will last a lifetime. Many of our staff members grew up at the Eastside location, and we know many climbers have made that space their home over the last three decades. Our community is more than just a building. Though the doors are closing, the heart of Boulders lives in the people who have made this space so special. We are hopeful that Madison climbers can weather this substantial change together, and can continue to flourish at our Downtown gym.

Operating a single location will be a big change, but we’re optimistic we’ll be able to honor our commitment to the Madison climbing community with renewed vigor by consolidating our resources and focus on our Downtown facility. Youth and adult programming will both continue to operate with as little impact as possible. Yoga, events, and groups will remain staples of our work. We’re planning on adding additional training and workout space, and are actively working on solutions to make parking easier, and ultimately free during our peak hours. As this change begins to improve our cashflow, we’ll be better stocked, with better amenities, and better positioned to provide you with an excellent experience. 

We know this is difficult news to receive, and we thank you for your understanding and your trust that we’ll continue to serve Madison’s climbing community passionately. We hope that you’ll join us in this next step in Boulders’ history and continue offering your support through this challenging shift. We’ll carry the lessons we learned, and the connections we made, into a new chapter in a new year. 

There will be more information and answers to come. Feel free to email us at info@bouldersgym.com with feedback, questions, frustrations, or a kind memory.

Max Beavan, CEO/President, and the Boulders Management Team

Yes, Individual monthly memberships will now cost $84/month. Student rates will remain the same, and students are encouraged to apply for Climb4Community memberships if they need reduced rates.

If you’re able to continue climbing with us, we can offer half of your remaining membership in additional months, at no additional cost. For example, if you bought an annual membership in July, we can offer 3 additional months of membership to compensate for the loss of the east side halfway through your membership cycle. If you are unable to continue climbing downtown, please reach out to info@bouldersgym.com.

Yes, we are working with our landlord to get an option for parking downtown. Details will be made available as soon as possible, but we will likely be able to offer free parking after 5pm and on weekends. Downtown Boulders is also conveniently located close to public transportation and the bike path, so we encourage climbers to use those options for coming to climb.

The East Side’s last official day will be December 31st.

All youth programs families received an email on Friday, December 12th outlining these changes and what to expect moving forward. Team, Club, and Homeschool club will all continue in varying capacities and with some scheduling changes. Rates will be reduced for Team memberships. Please reach out to erin@bouldersgym.com if you have additional questions regarding programming.

The downtown location will receive an influx in climbing holds and a new, dedicated workout space. The space will be located on the lower level of the ULI building and will provide opportunities for programming, climbing-specific training, and general fitness.

We will hope to continue with yoga instruction. The final schedule will be made available as soon as possible.

Intro to Bouldering, shared psych, and adult team will continue in some capacity. The final schedule will be made available as soon as possible.

As always, you’re able to cancel your membership with us at any time by emailing info@bouldersgym.com, or talking to folks at our front desk. Our Climb4Community program is always available if financial barriers are part of your decision to end your membership with us.