On behalf of the ASCEND community, we eagerly welcome the climbing industry to our great city of Pittsburgh! We know our mountains aren't as big, but we promise to show you a good time and all that our region has to offer in the way of world-class climbing.
ASCEND Climbing
CWA Summit Events
Hey Climbing Industry Peeps...
Welcome to The 'Burgh!
Join Us For The
Setter Showdown
These events are held at ASCEND South Side.
NOTE: The South Side facility will remain open to the public during this event, though, the Arch will be closed during Monday + Tuesday from open to 5p. Also, for part of the time during the day before 5p on Monday + Tuesday, part of the rope wall area will be closed for a private training.
Kick off the week with Louie Anderson's legendary collaborative competition for routesetters. They do all the hard work, and then us climbers get to climb 45 exciting problems designed by a collection of the top routesetters from across the country and see how they continue to push the industry forward through new techniques and strategies!
The setters will set all day Monday 5/15 and then the public (you) will get a chance to climb the new set and rate the boulders! This feedback will play a role in the winners of the Showdown. Get involved anytime from 5-11p! Also from 5-11p, Velum Fermentation, an awesome brewery located RIGHT BELOW ASCEND SOUTH SIDE, will be open to grab a couple brews (or N/A bevs) to wind down. And from 5-9p, Bull River Food Truck will be sling tacos with both vegan and gluten free options!
Then on Tuesday 5/16, we'll do it all again, minus the voting. So if you didn't get a chance to visit on Monday, fear not, and have fun climbing brand new problems on our immense arch boulder all night long. Velum will also be open this evening and Uncle Sleepy's Food Truck will be there also with vegetarian and a gluten-free options!
CWA attendees are invited to the climbing sessions! Entry is only $5, which is in turn donated to ASCEND’s Equity + Outreach Fund.
No need to register ahead of time, but do yourself a favor and create an account before you arrive to save some time and stress.
CWA Summit
Closing Party
This event will be held at ASCEND Point Breeze on Friday 5/19 from 5:30-10:30p.
Note: ASCEND Point Breeze will be closed to the public from 3p-close for this event. You must have a ticket to attend the event!
Free for CWA Attendees
50% off for ASCEND Members
Get ready for one of the most unique climbing events you’ve ever been to! ASCEND Point Breeze will be visually transformed using state-of-the-art lighting and projection mapping, creating a truly unforgettable and immersive experience. Whether you’re climbing, or just enjoying a drink in good company, it’ll be the perfect capstone to an epic week at the CWA Summit. We really hope you can make it!
Attendees can expect:
An open format event where you can climb and/or relax and unwind.
Free shuttles from 5:30p-10:15p to and from the the convention center.
Live music by Pittsburgh’s beloved "future-brass-thunder-funk” band, Beauty Slap, from 8:30-10p.
Free delicious food (including vegan options), courtesy of Condado.
Thirst-quenching drinks (including N/A options), courtesy of Velum Fermentation, Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, Guayaki Yerba Mate, and more! Your first drink is on the house, courtesy of the CWA and OnSite!
A free, custom designed event shirt to remind you of your time here in Pittsburgh. Oh, and it will be screen-printed right in front of your eyes, OMG!
A free copy of AAC's Latest Guidebook.
A mega sweepstakes hosted by our closest partners! We’re talking HUGE prizes, not just keychain carabiners and koozies.
Maybe some athletes?
And so much more!