Route Setting
-
Variety
(in the holds and wall features used, and the climbing techniques required)
-
Consistent Grading
-
Interesting Sequencing
-
An artistic flow
Route setting is the artful arrangement of climbing holds on a climbing wall to produce a route or problem.
A high-quality indoor climbing experience is the synthesis of three fundamental elements: walls, holds, and route setting. Aim too low on any one ingredient, and the climbing suffers.
Our walls were designed, constructed, and installed by Bend, Oregon’s Entre Prises, arguably the most influential climbing wall builder in the world and the official climbing wall supplier for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Olympic debut for the sport of climbing.
We use holds by Kilter, a Boulder, Colorado hold maker who took home the prestigious Grand Prize of the Annual Grip List in 2014, and every year from 2016 through 2021 (the Grip List is the Oscars of the climbing hold manufacturing industry, and is produced by the Climbing Business Journal, “an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry”). Kilter was also the only American brand selected for the Tokyo Olympics.
Route setting truly is an art and the best route setters showcase their talents on every route or problem they set.
Route Setting Philosophy from Volta co-owner and Head Routesetter, Jesse Cameron
At Volta, we’re fundamentally outdoor climbers, so it’s no surprise that we are passionate about creating climbing movements that translate well to climbing progression outdoors. Our facility aims to produce climbers. Now you can train year-round in Downeast Maine and have success, not only with the fantastic climbing in Acadia National Park and surrounding areas, but around the world, and have the confidence that the climbing movements we set on Volta’s walls have prepared you for whatever you encounter, no matter the rock type or grade.
There are three basic questions that our route setters keep in mind:
Is it fun? ● Does it feel real? ● Is it visually beautiful?
If the answer is “No” to any of those questions, the line gets worked until the answer is “Yes” to all three. Plain and simple.
Come in, have fun, try hard—and know that if your goal is to see progression with your climbing, the route setting at Volta is here to support you. Cheers!
