USA Climbing is excited to announce that Reno, Nev. will host the 2021 Youth National Championships, July 13-18, and the inaugural Youth Climbing Festival, July 9-11. The events will be run across two fantastic facilities with the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Mesa Rim Reno hosting the next generation of climbing talent.

The Youth National Championships will combine the separate Bouldering and Sport & Speed championships of the past into one complete event. Young athletes will have the opportunity to compete in bouldering, lead and speed over the course of the six-day competition. Taking place days before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Championships will be a showcase of talent and could start to identify some of the young stars who will one day vie to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“We are thrilled to bring all of our Youth National Championships together in Reno as part of our realigned 2021 National Calendar,” said John Muse, VP of Sport for USA Climbing. “And we are especially looking forward to the inaugural Youth Climbing Festival and the developmental opportunities it will present for C and D level members.”

Building on the strategic recommendations of the USA Climbing Competition Task Force, USA Climbing restructured the youth season in early 2020 to increase inclusiveness, athlete well-being, sport growth and international success. One byproduct of the transition is the new Youth Climbing Festival, which will consist of fun, skills-based competitions and convention-style presentations and workshops for athletes, coaches and parents from top climbers, industry leaders, experienced coaches and other experts. All C and D category climbers who qualify for and compete at Regionals will be eligible to attend the Festival; C climbers who qualify for Nationals will need to choose between competing at Nationals or attending the Festival.

“Reno Tahoe is proud and excited to welcome USA Climbing’s Youth Nationals and Youth Festival. As a destination that is known as a mecca for exceptional climbing experiences, outdoors and indoors, this is a perfect fit for both USA Climbing and Northern Nevada,” said Shelli Fine, Director of Sports Development, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. “We can’t wait to welcome competitors and their families for a phenomenal week of climbing and entertainment!”

“We are delighted to be partnering with USA Climbing as the host facility for the 2021 Youth National Championships! This is such a crucial year for the sport, and for our industry, and we’re honored to help push both forward. Mesa Rim has always held a special place for youth climbing competitions and we are optimistic for a bright future ahead!” said Ian McIntosh, CEO of Mesa Rim.

The event schedule and more details can be found on the Nationals and Festival webpages. To learn more about the beautiful Reno Tahoe area, please click here.

More information will be available soon. For questions, please contact info@usaclimbing.org.