Rooted in Community
Driven by a commitment to learning, growth, and putting community first, we cultivate an inclusive space where climbers of all levels can thrive and share an unforgettable climbing experience.
Mission
Objectives
Mindset
Our Senior Leadership Team
Alison: Director and Head Route Setter
Alison grew up in Kamloops making her a rare breed, BC born and raised. Alison started climbing at the age of 6 with influence from her father, a mountain guide, and took the sport to an international stage representing Canada at a variety of World Cups in lead, speed, and bouldering. She has worked in a variety of roles in the climbing community, from belayer to assistant manager to routesetter to programs director to gym owner. Alison made the move out to Squamish in May 2021 and has been working at Ground Up since July 2021 and became a part of the new ownership team in April 2023. Alison is also the Head Route Setter at Ground Up!
When Alison isn’t at Ground Up, you will probably find her romping the trails on her mountain bike, in the boulders, or binging the Bachelorette. Fun fact: Alison held a Canadian speed climbing record until May 2019 of 10.83 seconds!
Meghan: Operations Manager
Meghan is the operations manager for Ground Up, taking care of our facilities and front desk. She got into climbing as a teenager at her local climbing gym. Shortly thereafter, she transitioned to climbing outdoors and fell in love with Squamish granodiorite. When she is not working or climbing, she is off in the woods riding her mountain bike.
Claire: Head Coach
Originally from Vancouver Island, Claire discovered climbing 15 years ago at Stelly’s Secondary School and has been part of the climbing community ever since. She has competed across all three disciplines and has an extensive outdoor climbing resume, including establishing FFAs on Vancouver Island and climbing in New Zealand, France, Wales, Joshua Tree, Joe’s Valley, Leavenworth, and England’s Peak District.
Claire has worked across many areas of the climbing industry, including Head Coach, Head Setter, gym operations, and guiding. She also holds degrees in Gender Studies and Secondary Education, bringing a strong educational and athlete-centred approach to coaching.
Most recently, as Head Coach at Brentwood College, Claire introduced hundreds of youth athletes to climbing while overseeing programming, coach development, operations, and route setting. Her coaching philosophy focuses on long-term athlete development, balancing performance with confidence, resilience, and healthy habits.
We’re thrilled to welcome Claire back to Ground Up and have her helping shape the future of our Youth Team. Outside of climbing, Claire spends her time with her rescue dog, Mellow!
Izzy: Community Engagement Manager
Izzy joined the Ground Up team as Community Engagement Manager in April 2026 and looks after our community partnerships, events, and social media. You’ll often spot her around the gym putting up posters, chatting with members, or trying to capture the perfect photo or questionable reel for Instagram.
Originally from the Lake District in the UK, Izzy started trad climbing as a teenager and spent her early years ticking off local classics close to home. Since then, she’s developed a love for everything from European limestone sport climbing to Welsh slate slabs, although Squamish granite cracks are slowly growing on her too.
Happiest when outdoors, if she’s not climbing you’ll find her skiing, hiking or enjoying a sunny afternoon at Brohm!
Theo: Assistant Operations Manager
Theo began climbing around 10 years ago while bouldering in London gyms. After discovering outdoor sport climbing while travelling, he never looked back, spending several years chasing the next destination and the next climb across Europe, Asia, Australia, and now North America.
A dedicated sport climber and projector at heart, Theo loves the mental and physical challenge that projecting demands – particularly the focus, determination, problem solving, and perseverance required to work through difficult routes.
As Assistant Operations Manager at Ground Up Climbing Centre, he supports the day-to-day running of the gym and helps guide the front desk team, aiming to create a calm and welcoming environment for climbers of all levels.
Outside of climbing, Theo enjoys running, chess, and a good game of Scrabble.
Join Our Team
Ground Up strives to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting an inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous applicants, all genders, nationalities and persons with disabilities.
While we don’t have any open positions at the moment, we are always eager to connect with passionate climbers and community members. If you’d like to be considered for future opportunities, submit a general application here.
Our Partners
these incredible companies. These companies share our passion for the outdoors, our excitement for rock climbing and our love of Squamish
Proud member and partner of
Proud to Support
We are also proud to support Canadian athletes in collaboration with Canadian Sport Institute.
Interested in partnering with us? Please get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a short list of frequently asked questions related to rock climbing at Ground Up Climbing Centre.
If your questions are not answered by this list, please reach out to us.
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, Everyone who would like to enter the main space of the facility must sign a waiver and acknowledge the risks and the rules. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. You can fill it out online before you get here, print off the legal-sized waiver, and bring it to us on your first visit or on one of our tablets in-house.
All individuals under 19 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign their waivers.
Youth Policies
Youth 6 and under:
1 adult : 1 child supervision ratio is required. The supervisor may not climb and must remain within arm’s reach of the child. Youth in this age range are still developing awareness and the ability to understand potential risks. Kids under 4 climb for free!
Youth 7-11:
1 adult : 2 children maximum supervision ratio. The supervisor may not climb and must be closely supervising their child(ren).
What is belaying?
Belaying is a term taken from sailing and in other words means to “hold fast”. However, in rock climbing parlance, it means to manage a rope for a climber using a dynamic friction device. Within our facility, we allow the use of tube belay devices and Gri Gris. In addition, we require the current manufacturer standard for the use of those belay devices. If this is new to you and something you are interested in learning, see our lessons page to learn more. If you are looking to lead climb, you must complete a toprope check and then a lead check.
How old do I have to be to belay on my own?
In order to belay without adult supervision, individuals must be a minimum age of 14 years old. For lead belaying and lead climbing the minimum age is 16 years old. All belayers must pass a belay check.
I already know how to belay. How can my friend learn?
If they are looking to learn to top rope, our Ground School course is a great option! If they are looking to break into lead climbing, our Learn-to-Lead course is for them.
Any teaching in the facility must be done by Ground Up ACMG-certified instructors (ie. your climbing buddy can’t teach you here)
What does a belay check cost?
Belay checks are included with gym pass or membership.
Do I need to bring my rope?
Nope! We provide all of the ropes on site and regularly inspect them.
Do I need to bring my belay device?
You are welcome to use your own certified belay device. Otherwise, we rent GRIGRI’s for $3 and loan out ATC’s in exchange for some collateral (such as a piece of ID)