FAQ

General FAQs       

  • Do I need a partner?

If you are climbing routes (height climbing requiring ropes), you will need a partner every time you climb. Bouldering does not require you to have a partner.     

  •  How can I find a partner? 

There are many ways to meet a climbing partner:    

- Ask around at work or other activities. You might be surprised at who has always wanted to try climbing.    

- Come boulder and meet other climbers!      

- At Allez Up, we have a list of members looking for partners. You can either add your name to the list or take down a number and call.      

- There is a Facebook group where some of our members like to find partners online. 

   

  • I've never climbed. Can I just drop in? (a.k.a I'm not accredited, can I climb?)

For your first time, you will need assistance from one of our experienced staff . For more information on trying it out visit the try climbing page.  Following this activity, you can then make a reservation for the Learn to Belay Course in order to become autonomous. Our course maximum is 6 people and we require a MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE in order to give a course - we accept single reservations. Reservations are mandatory for assisted sessions and courses. 

Your other option is to simply start bouldering, which does not require an accreditation.  

  • I've climbed a few times. Do I need to do a course? 

In order to become autonomous in climbing, you must take an Learn to Belay Course, available from Monday to Friday at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday at 9:30am. A reservation is required for this course.  Reserve at 514-989-9656. 

  • Do I need to pass a test?

Every autonomous climber at Allez Up (including those who have taken a course with us), must pass an accreditation with one of our instructors. This is a short but thorough evaluation of a climber’s knowledge of belaying and knot tying.  

  • Do you have student discounts?

Allez Up offers a student discount on term passes of: 1, 3, 6 and 12 month. Valid student ID is mandatory at the time of purchase in order to receive the discount. For more information on prices, please see the pricing page.   

  • Can I bring a friend?

Experienced belayers of legal age (18 years of age or older) are permitted to bring a maximum of 2 friends per visit. Newly accredited members must visit Allez Up 10 times before being permitted to bring a guest. Keep in mind that any climber under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by his/her parents.

Guests climb for the same price as our accredited members.

Members are not permitted to teach knot-tying, belaying or any other safety techniques to their guests. Only Allez Up instructors are permitted to teach in the gym.

Members aged 17 and under cannot bring unaccredited guests to climb. They can only climb with other accredited members.    

  • I just want to boulder. Do I have to pass an accreditation?

At Allez Up, we allow climbers to boulder without passing the accreditation test. You simply need to fill in a waiver.  

  • Do you have Kids Programs?

Allez Up offers a recreational and a competitive Junior program.

If you do not wish to commit to an entire program, but still want your child to climb, you have 2 options: 

- Schedule a one-hour appointment with one of our staff (minimum of 2 people). For more information visit this page.

 - If you or a friend of legal age is accredited, you or your friend can belay your child. (see can I bring a friend?)  

  • What do I have to do to become a member?

A member is a person who has successfully passed the accreditation at Allez Up. For more information on accreditations, visit this page.

If you wish to commit to climbing, you can purchase a term pass of 1, 3, 6 or 12 months.  

  • I climb (or am accredited) in another gym, does that mean I can climb here too?

Because of our commitment to creating a safe climbing environment, every climber who wants to belay at Allez Up must pass an accreditation, regardless of their status in other gyms.  

  • Do I need special gear to climb?

For route climbing, you will need a harness, climbing shoes, a belay device and a chalk bag. You can purchase your own, or, you can rent equipment at Allez Up.  

  • Do I need a partner to take the Intro to Belay Course?

You can take the Learn to Belay Course alone. However, after the course if you wish to climb routes, you will need a partner. It takes two to route climb. It is also necessary to have a partner for the accreditation.  

  • What do I need to wear/bring for the Intro to Belay Course?

All the climbing equipment is provided for your Learn to Belay Course. You simply need to dress for sports. It is a good idea to bring a bottle for water and a lock.

Minors must bring a waiver signed by a parent.  

  • How strong do I need to be to take a lead course?

In order to sign up for a lead climbing course at Allez Up, you must be able to climb at least 5.9+/5.10 comfortably.  

  • What should I wear to climb?

Comfortable loose or flexible clothing is most recommended. If you are not renting climbing shoes, please wear a closed, clean and dry shoe. Long hair must be tied back.

  • Climbers should avoid the following:

- Long nails

- Short shorts

- Jewelry (best left at home altogether)

- Flip flops / sandals / slip on shoes

Birthday Party FAQs

  • What is the cost for a party?  

$20.00 per climber, taxes included, for the first 8 climbers, $17.50, taxes included, for the ninth climber and each climber thereafter taxes also included. Also included in this price is a safety harness for each climber and belayers.

  • I see on your prices page it says $9.00 for children. Why am I paying $20.00?

The difference between the prices is for the following: we charge $8.00 for children when an accredited member, such as a parent, belays the child; we charge $20.00 per child when a member of our staff belays the child. 

  • How long ahead should I call to reserve?

Reservations are first come first served. It is best to reserve as soon as you have chosen a date for the party due to high demand for weekend spots. 

  • What if the number of climbers changes after I've reserved?

You can change the number of climbers up to 48 hours ahead with no penalty. We do not ask for a deposit. However, we do book staff to work your party, therefore your minimum charge will be the number you've confirmed before the 48 hours. 

  • The time I want to book is not during Allez Up business hours; can I still book?

These types of bookings are available for large groups. Just contact the gym (514) 989-9656. 

  • What should the kids wear to climb?

Comfortable sports clothes are perfect for climbing in, with lace-up or Velcro CLEAN AND DRY closed-toe shoes. Climbing shoes can be rented ($2 tax inc.), however we have a very limited number of smaller sized shoes. 

  • How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 1 hour. For groups of 15 or more, the activity lasts 1.5 hours. 

  • How many belayers do we get?

We book 1 belayer for 4 climbers. For a fee, you may book an extra belayer. 

  • Do I have to sign a waiver?

 A waiver must be signed for EACH climber. Our waiver (for minors) can be downloaded from our website.

  • I would like to serve food and cake. Is there an area reserved for parties?

A table is at your disposal for a period of 30 minutes for cake and food after the activity. Also, pizza can be ordered and delivered directly at the gym. Parents are responsible for bringing plates, cutlery, napkins tablecloths, glasses and other accessories. 

  • Can I start the party earlier, and have the kids eat before the climbing?

No food can be eaten prior (at Allez Up) or during the party - all food can be consumed after the climbing session in a special designated area. 

  • Can I arrive early to set up the party area?

It's a good idea to arrive 15 minutes prior to party time so we can harness the children. If you arrive late we cannot guarantee full allotted climbing time. Also, by arriving early, you can do all your party setup should the area be free. 

  • I want to bring decorations, is that all right?

You are free to put up minor decorations that can easily and quickly be taken down, however no noisemakers allowed - the noise disrupts the climbers. 

  • Is there parking available in your area?

On-street parking is available around the gym. 

  • I saw a training wall on the mezzanine. Can the children climb there after they're done eating?

There is no climbing once the activity is ended. The wall on the mezzanine is not a training wall - it is a bouldering wall; a more difficult type of climbing, with a higher possibility of injury.  

  • Where are you located?

Guests can find a map on our web site (see the Contact Us page). Should you have any questions please feel free to visit our gym at 1339 Shearer or call us at (514) 989-9656. 

  • OTHER IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:

For everyone's safety, we ask parents and party hosts to cooperate in enforcing the following rules:  

- Children are not allowed to run around since the gym is open to other climbers - it is dangerous for both the children and other belayers and climbers.  

- Children must not pull on or play with ropes, and must also avoid stepping on them.  

- Children must NOT, at any time, climb the walls without a rope or instructor.