With peak trading season in full swing, gyms across the continent have been plugging their new years offers to attract customers before inevitable price rises kick in. Central Europe powered this month’s report with plenty going on in France, Switzerland and Poland.

The League is a collaboration between EP Climbing and Circle Climbing, and powered by the Grptonite app. TWL represents an attempt to connect climbers worldwide through a shared set of boulders, without imposing a standardised competition format on gyms.

Even with the busy winter season in full swing, gym owners were still busy behind the scenes with new developments. There were several large projects showing notable progress across the continent, plus a transition for Mountain Network, a power move from The Font and a bold one for UpZone360!

November was a slow burner for the continent, with the majority of developments streaming through in the second half of the month, projects were completed, new builds announced and unexpected (mostly temporary) closures rounded out the variety.

Across the more gym-dense cities of Europe, a subtle but consequential shift is gaining traction: grades are softening. What used to be a shared language of difficulty is becoming increasingly inconsistent, influenced by commercial pressure, competition between large operators, and the industry’s rapid expansion.

The month saw continued growth across a large stretch of the continent, whilst the majority have now turned their focus to a cultivating strong winter for their businesses and maximising customer numbers.

NICAS, a UK-based charity, also known as the National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes, continues to make waves in the world of climbing education and inclusion. With over 300 accredited climbing centres worldwide, NICAS provides structured pathways that help climbers of all ages and abilities progress safely and confidently through the sport.

September had a strong theme of refurbishment and renewal, gyms across the continent were frantically completing works ready for the traditionally busier winter season.