In this week’s episode, Scott Rennak interviews Jason Haas, co-founder of G1 Climbing + Fitness. Jason shares his extensive journey in climbing, from his early days on Michigan sandstone and dirtbagging out of a Saturn to climbing on nearly every continent. He reflects on his work as a prolific first ascensionist with over 700 routes, authoring 12 guidebooks, contributing to the early development of the Boulder Climbing Community nonprofit, and replacing aging bolts across Colorado in partnership with organizations like the American Safe Climbing Association.
Jason discusses balancing a 15-year teaching career alongside his climbing pursuits, as well, and how that experience shaped his perspective as a gym owner. He dives into the challenges of launching G1, including navigating multiple failed locations, zoning hurdles, and ultimately opening just one week before the COVID-19 shutdown. The conversation also explores Jason’s role in developing the Climb Pass to foster collaboration across the Colorado Front Range, his views on auto belays, gym-to-outdoors stewardship, and his grit-first philosophy on building both a business and a life in climbing.
General Topics Covered
- Jason Haas’s path from climber to gym owner
- Opening G1 Climbing Gym and overcoming development challenges
- Navigating COVID-19 as a new gym owner
- Industry collaboration through the “Climb Pass” initiative
- Stewardship and involvement with American Safe Climbing Association and Boulder Climbing Community
- Gym responsibility in safety, education, and community building
Show Notes
- G1 Climbing + Fitness
- The CLIMB Pass
- Boulder Climbing Community
- American Safe Climbing Association
- Climbing Boulder’s Flatirons (Jason’s guidebook)
Thank you Cascade Specialty, Rúngne, Climbing Wall Association, Essential and Approach for your support!
And thank you Devin Dabney for your music!
