With the weather turning bad soon, I'll have to stop the via ferrata (klettersteig) and switch to indoor climbing.  I'll probably go somewhere in Lausanne 2-3x per week, with occasional trips to Genf.  I do have a car.

The only problem is that I'm a complete beginner, so I'm probably not a good partner for you (yet).  I might be able to help with the transport problem at least.

yeah i know there is a good climbing center near lausanne (you can only access it by car)

I would be keen to go climbing once, but as richardm said i'm quite the beginner

what branch are you studying in the EPFL ?

alex

I've been climbing for a couple of years now. I learnt in the UK, so do all the trad' climbing using gear, including leading pitches. 

I'd be up for some indoor climbing over the winter.

I'm visiting Gecko on Monday.  Next week I'll report what I find....

I would be keen this saturday, have no car tho.

How was Gecko? seemed pretty good

Gecko was great.  It's in a cows-outnumber-the-people tiny village with poor transit service.  The instructor was friendly, the walls were busy but not full, and there is a nice climbing shop and a cafe on-site.  Give them a call and schedule a class...  You don't need to take a partner since your instructor will suffice.  They will loan all of the equipment.  All you need is yourself and comfy exercise clothing.

Web site here (doesn't work properly in Google Chrome).

Can you go there to climb without having to schedule a class? I've been climbing for years now and am looking for somewhere indoor to go when the mood takes me...

It looks like you can just walk in, seem like a person who knows what he is doing, and start climbing.  I don't think they have any kind of certification or approval process.

There are no automatic belay devices, so you'll need to go with a partner.  Or else head to the bouldering area....

Thanks a lot for that,

the prices are on the site I take it?

Yes, I think it's 12sfr for bouldering and 18 for climbing.

Just found this site, after trying to organise some climbing on another forum. I'm really keen to get involved, i'm not a complete beginner but haven't much experience (about 5+-6a indoors - English grades, and only once outdoors). I'm a PhD at EPFL, no car though but been looking at Gecko and it looks pretty nice.

Let me know if you want to organise some trips

Belinda xx

oops, 20 for climbing, not 18sfr.

I just returned from my second visit.  The bouldering is crap if you're a beginner.  There's almost nothing you can do if you're not strong enough to support a good chunk of your bodyweight with pinch grips.  Very frustrating tonight.  I guess I'll stick to the top-rope routes.

I'd be happy to drive someone next time I go.  I'll let you know.

Anyone know what the chavornay walls are like...? Theyre accessible by train (only 25 mins from REnens/Lausanne!)

I've never been but I've heard it's good there.

Cheers Matt, I'll have a look some day and let you know!

Hi, 

I've been to chavornay, they have a bouldering area (not tried it yet) and climbing routes (both toprope and without), it's easily accessible (5 minutes from the train).

I can't compare it to gecko or anything else around though it seemed good to me (but maybe it's just because I don't have a car, so no other choice ;-) I've done a few (french) 5a,b,c and there's lots of harder stuff. I have no idea how that translates to english grades (didn't know there was such thing) ... so I can't tell you if there will be a lot to do for you. 

Did you have a look at the climbing wall at the epfl-sports-center? How is it?

Hi Martin,

do you know if they have ropes in chavornay for leading, or if you have to bring you own rope?

Thanks

Martin, Sottens (Gecko) has bus service but it's a long ride and I don't think it runs on Sunday.  Chavornay does look interesting....

Lili, unfortunately I don't. I always brought mine. There are some routes where you could remove the top-rope that is there, and reuse that to lead. (It's ok to remove the ropes if you re-place them but I don't know if they---for some reason---prefer if you use your own rope to lead).

Richard, I remeber looking that up at some point, and it took quite some time to go there with public transport (more that 1h, I think).

Hello climbers and climbing newbies. I'm also a newbie that
would like to start practicing it more frequently.

Richard when it will be your next visit to Gecko? We could
schedule a (small) Glocals event to go there. What do you
think?

Best regards,

Ricardo

Sounds nice.  I'm going Monday night but we've booked an instructor for a specific purpose and I won't be climbing at all.  My body is HURTING from four climbing activities in the last five days.  A Glocals thing a bit later in the week might be nice.

Better yet, call them and ask on what night they are the least busy.  I've been there and had to stand around and wait for a top-rope to become available.  If we go as a group for 4-5 people, we might be disappointed that there isn't enough room for us to stick together.

Good morning Glocals,

Ok, I'll call them to check for the less busy day and later I'll post the result.

Best,

Ricardo

Later in the evening is better, too.  The crowd thins a bit closer to 8PM.

I'm excited that the wheels are in motion for organising something... I'm going to have a look at the wall at EPFL this week but I imagine if you need a rope then looking is all I will be doing! I'm keen to set up a regular climb day, Chavornay is always easier for me sans car.

B

Quick update for those of you who want lessons...  The English-speaking instructor at Gecko works Mondays and Tuesdays.  His name is Jan (pronounced "Yann") and he's good.  Friendly, enthusiastic, vibrant personality, and patient with beginners.  Typically they typically schedule lessons for clients at 7PM.

Belinda: if non-students can use the wall at EPFL, it would be awesome.  Driving to Sottens is a bit inconvenient for all of us.

arrgh, one "typically" was enough.

I think the EPFL bit is limited (not sure, just seen the vid on youtube), but the Chavornay wall is only 25 mins by train... I just have to hope they hurry up with my sbb demi-tarif card!

Hello climbers and climbing newbies.

Belinda, Chavornay is indoor? 

About Gecko, I talked with a friend that usually goes there and he told me that the less busy slots are Sat and Sun in the morning.

Richard, I also have a car and if we schedule something to Sottens I can take mine sometimes.

BR,

Ricardo

I might go Thursday.  This weekend: via ferrata!  14C is warm enough...  =)

Belinda, Haha, I also found the youtube video of the EPFL wall today. I will have a look at it in reality though, maybe it's enough to quickly stop by for a short bouldersession in the evening.

Richardm, As far as I understand you have to register with the sportscenter of EPFL and UNIL and to do so you have to be a employee or current or former student of one of the two. 

I've attached the video for those that did not see it yet.... 

just had a look at epfl wall tonight, its good considering that it's free, but they only loan ropes at certain times (and the only evening session is 5-7pm). unfortunately my day finishes after 6 so I only had a little boulder.

ricardo, chavornay is indoors, and easy to get to, I thought it was pretty good.

Belinda, but one needs a unil/epfl sports subscription, right? Doing a little bouldering after work sounds good!

Probably, but I don't have one yet and I just wandered through... No one asked me for any ID or what I was doing there, which I thought was a bit strange. I have no idea what the repercussions are if you just use the equipment without being a member - perhaps you aren't insured against injury. It's worth finding out!

All: There is a Glocals event for a beginner's lesson at Gecko on Sunday afternoon.  The event is full, but I think I'll be climbing there around that same time.  I can give someone a ride if needed.

I'm going to take a camera up the wall and see if I can get some good shots of the new climbers.  90% of the photos taken in a climbing gym are of the person's backside since that's all you can see from the ground.  Stay tuned for the Glocals thread where I ask about Pentax repair in Switzerland.  =)

Hi,

I would be keen to come along on sunday to Gecko if someone is available as a partner. I've done enough climbing so that I don't need instruction. (Well, not on how to belay..!!.)

Richard - are you definitely going?? Any others?

Cheers

Kathy

Count me in Kathy. :)

Best regards,

Ricardo

Kathy: I'm thinking about going around 3:30-4PM.  It looks like we're all stuck doing indoor stuff this weekend anyway.

Hi all.

I've relocated from the UK this summer and I'm also looking for climbing partners indoor ( lead or not) /outdoor.

I've been climbing for a while, but not as much recently so I'm happy to join in for preatty much anything you're up for....

Hope to hear from you 

Giada

Giada/Kathy/Ricardo, et al: I'm trying to reach Sottens at least 1x if not 2x per week.  I have a colleague who is also going from Lausanne at least 1x per week.  I'm sure I'll go this week, just not sure when...

I still have a problem foot so can't wear climbing shoes at the moment :-(

This week will be out & next I'm in the UK. Hopefully the one after...

Let's climb at Gecko tomorrow (Friday).  I am taking the day off, so I can go during the day or in the evening.  Who's in?

I couldn't today, but I'm thinking about going to either Chavornay or Gecko on Sunday...should anyone be interested, let me know..!

Giada

I haven't seen Chavronay yet.  They close at 1800h so arriving around 1530-1600h would be nice.

It sounds good, shall we meet at 15:30 there? I can take a rope if you want...

I'm not lead-climbing yet.  Only doing top-rope, so no rope is needed.

I'll send a private message...

Hi,

to resurrect this thread...

Is anyone interested in going indoor climbing sometime over the next few days???

I could go this evening (very optimistic!) or perhaps sometime at the weekend??? 

I've got my own gear & don't need one of the introductory lessons :-)

Cheers

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I'll be climbing again in a few days.  My last three weeks have consisted of travel, sick, and sick again.  Probably better that I've had a break because I think I did some tendon damage last time on the wall.

I'll let you know....

Sounds good :-)

I'll resurrect this one to let you know that:

recently I found a newly opened place in bussigny (for bouldering / escalade only) it's called le cube (see http://lecube.ch/).

PS: I'm not affiliated with them so don't ask me for details ;-)

Thanks Martin, I have pretty much given up on trying to organise climbing - trying to match schedules is too difficult! So a bit of bouldering could be good, especially as it's near-by. Happy climbing!

Hi Martin,

How about monday evening at the cube? i'm better at spotting than bouldering, but should do some training before it gets warm enough to go outside.

Rick

Hi guys!

The weather is great and it's time to finally go outdoors!

We (me and my boyfriend) have already opened this climbing season, going a couple of times to St. Loup during last weekends. This Sunday we plan to do some long route in haute-savoie - close to Annecy.

We would also like to meet some new people who climb as well, to go to falesie together in evening during the week or somewhere farther during the weekends maybe.

It would be also great for me to find somebody (preferably a girl :)) to climb together easy routes in mountains (my boyfriend climbs much better than I do). I have already 2 years of experience climbing different multi-pitch sport and alpin routes, including leading on alpin IV+ grade in Dolomities :). This is to say, I'm fully capable and experienced in safety techniques and protections, but I'm not very sportive and strong and need to improve a lot to climb such grades as 6a. I also have all equipment, including the ropes and belaying stuff. Please do contact me if you have similar background and you want to climb leading in the mountains and not only top-rope in climbing halls!

On the other hand, my boyfriend is quite an addicted climber, enjoying long (up to 1000m) traditional climbing routes (up to VII grade) as well as sportive ones (up to 6c grade).

Together we climb something moderate (around 6a or V, so I can enjoy it too :)) and we'll be happy to share these trips with people with similar climbing level.

Kristina

P.S. we speak english, italian and russian; I know the climbing terminology only in italian, sorry for mistakes if any

Kristina, my crew (five of us) is probably not ready for what you guys are doing.  We just started leading indoor about two months ago and we have no outdoor lead skills yet.  Later in the summer we might be able to accompany you. 

Unless you and your boyfriend feel like dragging multiple seconds up the cliff all day long.  =)

:) good to know there are people around!

we can still organize some outdoor falesia climbing day! it's not necessary to have much experience for climbing in falesia and we can look for a place with both easy and difficult pitches

(I'm quite a newbie myself, but I definitely prefer climbing outdoor than indoor)

I'm always up for some climbing. I have some ropes and bits of gear, nuts and the like. 

Being from the Uk, I'm used to Trad' climbing rather than sport bolted stuff, but getting out is what it's about.

I'd also be about doing some bouldering as well

Hi everybody!

It seems that weather is going to improve next week and give us a sunny hot weekend! yeahh!:)

So I was thinking we can organize some climbing event outdoor :)

I found a beautiful place 1h away from Lausanne: Lac de Taney (has anybody been there?)

It has climbing sectors for children (very easy routes! maybe even too easy)) but also some medium ones (according to epfl topo: 5a-6a)

What do you think?

I personally liked this place because it seems to be beautiful and calm, ideal for spring sunny day (it's 1400m high and it's shouldn't be too hot either). We could combine climbing and picnic/ other relaxing activities.

Some links: epfl topo http://clubmontagne.epfl.ch/files/content/sites/clubmontagne/files/Topos%20escalade/Kletterfuehrer.pdf

lac http://www.leschouchoux.com/article-lac-de-tanay-51042285.html

description https://docs.google.com/open?id=1PT3jY5cnjm4P3eW4C4BsOrCPO2oX4BEeanxdXQlM2ymCvkw671wT0LJp8XJ9

Interesting, never been there, but have been to Sechon and cornets de bises. It might just still be a bit cold, which day are you thinking?

Saturday is out for me due to Lausanne 20k but Sunday could be possible.

Well, we can always choose the day when most of the people are free.. Or when the weather is better.. We will need to check this closer to the date anyway. I just wanted to know how many people in principle like the idea.

I can go.  Either day is fine.

Oops, I lied.  Only available Saturday.  I'm committed to a via ferrata on Sunday.

In the end, will probably go anyway Sunday to Dorenaz or St-Triphon, weather is looking better for Saturday though for those who can;-)

Hi again, everybody!

I think the idea with Lac de Taney we can postpone for now (the weather is not so good as I hoped and there are not so many people that want to go climbing for now...)

So what about Les Avants this Saturday instead? (some friends told me it's a nice place for begginers, but I don't have a topo unfortunately - though it should be on Remys' guide). http://www.camptocamp.org/sites/217627/fr/les-avants

It's 30min by car from Lausanne (also reachable by train - 50min). We can go in the morning or in the afternoon (that is, for half-day), as you prefer.

For now I don't have anyone to go with, so I hope you'll join me! :)

Kristina

Hi,

I'd be keen to go to Les Avants Saturday afternoon. Will send you a pm.

Cheers

Kathy

Hi,

Sorry I can't make it Saturday:(

Just to say, I've been to Les Avants and round there, a few times, and it's ok in summer, but surrounded by trees and with possible seepage if there's still a bit of water around. it is very roadside too, although the road is not busy...

A similar place, same distance from LS, accessible by train, good for beginners without so many trees, South face so it dries straight away and a bit away from the road (250m) is Verchiez, near Ollon. Good for after work too when it gets warm. Also in the Remy Guide.

Hope that is useful information;-)

Rick

Thanks Rick,

I heard about Verchiez. My friends were saying there were often a lot of vipers o_O. After hearing that I didn't want to go there anymore...

Sorry about Saturday, but as you said, it seems weather will be better this day. It also should be quite warm (+22 they say) so I hope it won't be so wet and trees could even be an advantage :)

Can I hijack the thread for a moment?  Where do you guys get your DEET (insect repellant) spray?  Migros doesn't seem to have any...

Yes, I've been to St. Loup.  I've learned the hard way.

look for a product called tiptop, last bought it at place chauderon, pharmarcie under the rolex building, just before ave Echallens. it's 30% deet. Boots in the uk do a 70% version which is more effective. To get good advice on Lausanne, go to the polyclinique at CHUV, "medecin de voyage", they might give you something super strong. When we went to Vietnam they gave us some drugs that were classed as experimental in other countries to take in case we got malaria;-)

Anyone want to climb saturday ? dorenaz could be a good option.

I am looking for a climbing partner in Lausanne (or surroundings). I am staying 6 weeks in Lausanne this summer and most of the time I will work (boyfriend lives there and I am doing a PhD in the Netherlands) but in the evening I would like to go indoorclimbing. Here in the Netherlands I climb 5b/5c. I climbed once in Chavornay and I liked it and it is easily accessible by train from Lausanne. I am also in for outdoor climbing but I have no experience, I am thinking of doing a beginnerscourse during a weekend, so if you have tips (or want to joing me) let me know! [email protected]

I'm looking to climb outside at Mijoux or St. Cergue today around 4PM.  Anyone?

Casual, easy stuff.  Mijoux has 8 routes rated under 5a; hardest is 5c+.  St. Cergue has a bit of everything.

Anyone want to go climbing saturday, Dorenaz? train 10h45 lausanne, change at St Maurice for Vionnaz, 10 minutes walk to Dorenaz. routes of all grades.

Same as last time..  The weather should clean up on Wednesday, I'm thinking Mijoux or St. Cergue again.  After work...

Probably going to the clochetone de Mieville Wednesday night, not sure how many of us there will be.

Anyone up for Sixt-fer-à-Cheval tomorrow?  We need a 4th climber... I can provide transport...

Anyone up for climbing tonight at Chavornay?  I can't leave work early enough to climb outdoor...

Hi all,

I´ve climbed some last year at Vittam parc (outside geneva), some via ferrata and a few times outdoors. Me and my bf manage good by ourselves indoors, need to practice outside.... Anyway, we have a car, live in Morges. So, we´d be keen on going with someone more experienced to climb outdoors, probably weekend is best. If we go indoors on a weeknight I can post it here also, and anyone keen can just tag along....

Cheers,

Emely

Thinking about Gecko or Chavornay tonight, around 20h... Need a partner; all the usual ones are on holiday!

Anyone for Gecko or Chavornay tomorrow (saturday)?