"It's the least expensive form of climbing," he added. "Also, a climber doesn't need to know all about the knots or ropes or about anchor systems."

Bouldering also does not require ropes to belay climbers. Any slip generally results in a fall, which indoors means a short fall onto 10-inch padded mats.

As noted, climbing walls come in various heights and difficulties. When climbing indoors, there are anchored ropes attached to a harness worn by the climbers. The other end of the rope is held by a second person. In case the climber falls, the rope stays secure and the climber is held suspended in place.

The message instructors try to convey early on to new climbers is that even if they do let loose of the handholds, they need to relax, "you're not going to fall."

Each of the walls is dotted with handholds of different shapes, sizes and colors. On beginning routes, the holds are larger and easier to grasp and stand on. On more difficult routes, the holds are smaller, thinner and more difficult to reach.

Nielson said there is a full range of climbing routes, ranging from beginner to expert. The choice is up to the climber, "but everything is set up to allow a person to reach the top," he added.

There are, of course, good reasons people choose to climb indoors, aside from safety, weather and convenience.

On particularly hot days, outdoor climbing can be difficult, uncomfortable and not at all friendly to equipment.

Climbing shoes, for example, heated by the summer temperatures and hot rocks, can come apart. Also, sweaty hands make it difficult to hold onto narrow grips.

"It's also possible to get in a good workout in three to four hours indoors, where the same level of workout may take eight to 10 hours outdoors. It takes time to set up ropes and, if it's crowded, then you have to wait your turn," Nielson said.

It is also a fact that climbing provides both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Constantly moving arms and legs offers aerobic advantages, and pushing up with legs and pulling with arms requires strength for anaerobic exercise.

As far as climbing technique, Nielson said one of the first lessons taught to beginners is to focus on legs and not arms.

"We tell people to use their arms as little as possible and the legs more than they think they should. The legs are stronger and used to carrying the body weight. You don't want to pull yourself up, but instead push yourself up with the legs. Do this and you can climb longer and better," he said.

Climbing fees depend on the particular gym. Basic fees at Momentum are $15 for an all-day pass for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. The center also offers private sessions for birthdays and company gatherings.

Here in Utah, and in other states with inclement winter weather, indoor gyms make it possible to climb year-round.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com