This article comes by way of The Sopris Stars, a new monthly youth publication powered by The Sopris Sun.
Halfway through its season, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) climbing team is building momentum. Numbering over 50 participants in 2025-2026, the team prioritizes not just individual improvement but also the formation of a community — one that happens to enjoy scaling walls together.
Freshman Mia Rivers talked about her experience as a first-year climber, stating, “It’s been great! The entire team just cheers me on. Whenever I’m up there all I hear is, ‘Mia, yes! Good job! Keep going!’”
Captains, and seniors, Hazel Lazar and Ethan Flynn also shared some reflections with The Sopris Stars. Having grown up climbing with her father who has a background in mountain guiding, Lazar wasn’t a stranger to the sport. At CRMS, the team aspect is what really strikes her.
“I think the climb team culture is really special in the way that you get to meet people from all different grades and backgrounds that you wouldn’t necessarily talk to otherwise,” she said. “As a freshman, it was terrifying talking to seniors, but asking them for help on a climb was like no big deal.”
When asked about how climbing has impacted him outside of the gym, Flynn shared: “It’s gotten me to really just take the opportunities that are given to me.”
At CRMS, the climb team isn’t just about getting the highest scores, but helping others.
After resting their fingers over break, the Turtles will set out for a competition in Gunnison, Jan. 24-25. Regionals kick off in February, followed by Nationals in March.
