The climbing gym market - Spain

The global climbing gym market has been exhibiting strong growth, with expectations to expand from a valuation of US$5 billion in 2022 to over US$9 billion by 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 12.5%. This surge is partly attributed to the popularity of outdoor activities, which has seen an uptick following the pandemic, with national parks in Spain reporting a 30% increase in visitors in 2020 compared to 2019. The Spanish market, a subset of this global growth, witnessed a remarkable 78% increase in Federación Española de Montaña y Escalada (Fedme) licensees between 2010 and 2019, and a further 10% uptick in 2021. This has translated into a high estimate of €250 million in sales for the climbing sector in Spain during 2021.

The sector is experiencing a feminization trend, with women representing 35.26% of total Fedme licensees, and a growing interest among young enthusiasts, as reflected by climbing being the second most chosen discipline in middle-grade sports studies in 2020. The leading players like Top-30 (Climbat and Dock39), Indoorwall, Sharma Climbing, and Sputnik are capitalizing on this trend by investing millions in expanding and establishing multi-complexes that combine various climbing disciplines. Additionally, the emergence of a nature sports trend, where Spaniards dedicate an average of 3.7 hours a week to outdoor activities, has reinforced the popularity of indoor climbing facilities that serve as social hubs offering additional services to enhance community and foster loyalty.

Climbing Gyms in Spain: A Rising Trend Among the Young and Social

Climbing, both as an outdoor and indoor activity, has seen a significant upsurge in popularity across Spain, becoming a fashionable discipline that appeals to a young and dynamic audience. With climbing gyms mushrooming to meet this growing demand, the market dynamics in Spain reflect a youth-driven enthusiasm for the sport, further kindled by the trend of socializing in such settings post-pandemic. The Spanish market, as outlined in the provided analysis, paints a picture of a sport that has struck a chord with millennials and Generation Z, turning climbing gyms into modern-day social hubs. These facilities are not just about climbing; they are places where young adults gather, creating a community feel that goes beyond the activity itself. As evidence of this burgeoning trend, one may note the participation increase in university climbing championships and the substantial number of younger students taking up the sport. This has resulted in climbing gyms becoming a part of the regular urban landscape, with major gym operators like Top-30, Indoorwall, Sharma Climbing, and Sputnik competing in a market estimated to be worth between €200 and €250 million in 2021.

Spain's climbing gyms market is inclusive, with a noticeable feminization: women account for over 35% of the climbing and mountaineering federation's licensees. This marks an increase in women's participation from previous years, contributing significantly to the market's growth. Furthermore, the overall enthusiasm for nature sports, amplified post-lockdown with people flocking to national parks and engaging in outdoor sports, has had a paradoxical effect: a rise in indoor climbing, as enthusiasts seek year-round access to climbing facilities. The geographical distribution of climbing practices correlates with the vicinity to mountainous regions such as Catalunya and the basque country, with a high number of licensed climbers and clubs. Moreover, the climbing gym market presents a structured hierarchy of main players, with larger multi-complexes offering the three Olympic climbing disciplines: speed, difficulty, and bouldering. From a revenue perspective, the Spanish indoor climbing trend draws on insights from the mature US market, where equipment sales constitute an essential part of revenue streams for these facilities. In Spain, while concrete data on income breakdown is not detailed, it can be assumed a diversification of revenue lines is pursued, including equipment sales, subscriptions, and additional services. As the market continues to expand, climbing gyms are bound to further their appeal by focusing on community building and offering.

Climbing Higher: The Key Players Scaling the Heights of Spain's Indoor Climbing Market

Spain's indoor climbing market is experiencing robust growth, driven by a surge in enthusiasm for climbing sports and lifestyle-oriented fitness options. Let's take a closer look at the main market players who are not just creating spaces for physical activity but also fostering vibrant communities around the sport.

• Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada (FEDME) - As the national federation for mountain sports and climbing in Spain, FEDME plays an instrumental role in organizing events, establishing safety standards, and promoting climbing among Spaniards. They don't operate climbing gyms directly but significantly contribute to the sector's development through advocacy and training programs.
• Top-30 (Climbat and Dock-39) - By combining the innovative Climbat and Dock-39 centers, Top-30 offers an extensive range of climbing facilities that excel in both variety and quality. Their centers cater to climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience.
• Indoorwall - Positioned as a prominent chain of climbing gyms, Indoorwall provides enthusiasts with an array of indoor climbing experiences. With several locations and plans for expansion, they are keenly focused on bringing high-caliber facilities to climbers across the nation and even internationally.
• Sharma Climbing - Founded by world-renowned climber Chris Sharma, these gyms embody the passion and expertise of climbing at its best. Sharma Climbing offers a holistic climbing environment, blending massive climbing spaces with a strong community vibe, making it a beacon for climbers of all ages.
• Sputnik Climbing - Distinguished for their modern and friendly approach, Sputnik Climbing centers are not just about the vertical challenge but also about the social experience. Incorporating cafes and community events, Sputnik is a trendsetter in shaping climbing gyms as a place for comfortable socialization and lifestyle engagement.
• Climbing Planet - A smaller yet significant player in the market, Climbing Planet caters to the climbing community with a more intimate approach. Their centers focus on providing quality over quantity, ensuring that each visitor has a fulfilling and safe climbing experience.
• Entre-Prises - Renowned for manufacturing state-of-the-art climbing walls, Entre-Prises has significantly contributed to the development of high-quality climbing infrastructure.

They are key suppliers for many gyms, helping operators offer the best possible climbing surfaces and experiences.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 24/01/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Sales growth in the climbing gyms market
• Estimated sales based on number of licensees
• Breakdown of students enrolled in "Grado Medio" Sports Education by discipline
• Mountain climbing federation members by gender
• Breakdown of sales by product
• Number of mountain and climbing clubs by region
• Number of climbing clubs
• Average number of members per climbing club
• Number of climbing gyms per chain
• Breakdown of climbing gyms' revenues by source of income