High Altitude Fitness, Lake Tahoe's athletic club in Incline Village, features its climbing wall with world famous John Bachar and Lynn Hill at a grand opening Friday and Saturday

Today and Saturday, High Altitude Fitness, will be hosting a grand opening of its spectacular new climbing wall. Formerly the Incline Athletic Club, is Lake Tahoe's newest Fitness Facility.

On Friday, Jan. 16 John Bachar, world famous free climbing soloist, will be featured in a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Previous to Bachar, there will be Dyno competition (meaning dynamic motion on the climbing wall) at 5 p.m. with prizes to the winners. There will also be raffle prizes and throughout the gym there will be several featured artists' works, plus libations and hors d'œuvres. Saturday will include a climbing adventure slideshow, and the world famous free climber Lynn Hill. Show at 7 p.m. and $10 admission; beer and wine tasting, appetizers and raffle tickets.

The state-of-the-art facility is over 13,000 square feet and includes locker rooms, a weight room, cardio theater, two group fitness studios, a new lobby, all new equipment, and climbing wall.

High Altitude will offer climbing classes to get you started:

Belay Lesson

A 1-hour class designed for those with very little or no
experience. They will teach you the basic rope skills and safety needed to climb and belay in the gym. Call for reservations. Must be 14 years old or older to belay. Cost: $35 (includes day pass and gear rental).

Beginner Rock Climbing Course: An in-depth introduction to gym climbing. The Beginner Rock Climbing Course (BRC) is a 4-week introductory course to rock climbing. It consists of 4 lessons; the first lesson shows you how to belay and basic safety techniques. In the weeks afterward, you will learn efficient climbing techniques, bouldering, climbing terminology and more.

The BRC also includes membership to the gym for the duration of the 4-week course. Plus, High Altitude will waive the initiation fee if you choose to join High Altitude Fitness at the end of the course. The BRC starts every Wednesday evening at 7 pm. Please call to reserve your spot.

Cost: $129 includes harness and shoe rentals for class nights and access to the gym for one month. High Altitude is located at 880 Northwood near Village, 775-831-4212.