Head Route Setter
Methow Spires | Twisp, Washington
Who We Are
Family owned and community rooted, Methow Spires is a new climbing gym in the heart of Twisp, built to serve the community of the Methow Valley. Offering both bouldering and roped climbing, our mission is to make climbing accessible to everyone — from first-time climbers discovering the sport to experienced athletes pushing their limits. At our core, Methow Spires is a community space: a place where families gather, friends climb and events happen. Our vision is to become a hub for the valley — not only the best place to climb or train, but a space where community thrives and adventure begins. As a small independent gym, every team member helps shape the culture we are building. We are looking for a head route setter that can help shape our gym.
The Role
The Head Route Setter is responsible for leading and shaping the entire climbing experience at Methow Spires. This role oversees all aspects of route setting operations, climbing product quality, safety systems, wall maintenance, and the development of a thoughtful and inspiring climbing experience for our members. The Head Route Setter will help define the climbing culture of the gym while mentoring future setters and ensuring every climber — from beginner to advanced — feels challenged, supported, and excited to return. As one of the core leaders within a small family-owned business, the Head Route Setter plays a major role in helping establish the identity and long-term success of Methow Spires. This role is a part time position but open to discussing up to full time supplemented with other duties and responsibilities such as coaching, youth programs and/or front desk.
Responsibilities
The Head Route Setter will oversee all aspects of the climbing product including:
- Setting 1-2 days per week
- Create engaging climbs across a broad range of grades and abilities
- Set regularly as part of weekly setting rotations, set schedules, crew coordination
- Lead forerunning sessions and final route approval
- Train, and mentor assistant setters and future setting staff
- Maintain strict adherence to all route setting safety protocols
- Manage hold inventory, workspace organization, and hold and setting equipment maintenance
- Help manage future hold purchasing and equipment planning
- Coordinate with other managers, collaborate with team
- Participate in gym events, clinics, youth programming, and competitions
- Help shape the long-term climbing culture of Methow Spires
Qualifications
- Previous commercial route setting experience for bouldering and roped climbing
- Strong understanding of movement variety, grading consistency and progression systems
- Ability to work at heights using rope access systems safely
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
- Passion for mentoring others and contributing to community growth
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly throughout workday
- Flexible schedule including some weekends and evening work when needed
Preferred but not required:
- USAC certification
- Competition setting experience
- Experience training newer setters
- CWA Certifications such as CWI
Perks and Benefits:
- Part time position but open to discussing full time supplemented with coaching, youth programs, front desk and instruction hours
- Free gym membership
- Family membership benefits
- Flexible schedule when possible
- Pro deals
- Paid travel opportunities for training or competitions (if applicable)
- Access to outdoor climbing in one of the most beautiful climbing regions in the country
- Direct influence in shaping the culture and future of the gym
Compensation
- Hourly Rate: $22 – $25 depending on experience and additional roles/responsibilities
For inquiries or to apply, contact: mac@methowspires.com
Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
Start Date: Early September 2026
About the Methow Valley
Nestled on the eastern edge of the spectacular North Cascades, the Methow Valley offers an unmatched quality of life for those who thrive in mountain communities and outdoor adventure. World-class granite climbing, alpine objectives, and endless backcountry exploration in the North Cascades sit right outside your door, while miles of legendary singletrack make the valley a destination for mountain biking all summer long. Winters bring some of the best Nordic skiing in North America, endless backcountry skiing opportunities, and a tight-knit mountain culture built around adventure and connection. Add in fly fishing, river access, trail running, paddling, vibrant local businesses, a thriving arts scene, and a deeply connected community that values both independence and belonging, and the Methow becomes more than a place to work — it becomes a place to build a life. For those who love climbing, the outdoors, and small-town community, there are few places like it.
