
From conquering the rock wall at local Madison gyms to traveling the country in search of the most challenging climbs in the country, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization that wants to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both teach and pass on their knowledge to others. We love teaching new members or even just getting people together to all go climb, whether it be at Devil's Lake or as far as Red River Gorge in Kentucky. We run both club trips and more relaxed unofficial trips for last-minute planners! If you're more experienced (or looking to improve), we also offer a climbing team!
A membership with Hoofer Mountaineering gives you access to our gear locker, as well as discounts at the climbing wall in the Sett and 20% off climbing gear at Fontana Sports in Madison.
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join, head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You must be a Union Member to join. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Mountaineering Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofermountaineering.org
Contact Us
News

What’s up climbers! This trip was an intro to sport climbing trip to the Red River Gorge, Kentucky!
Upcoming Events
Gear Office hours
Meet at the Gear Locker Rm B123 (Hallway across from bathrooms just before Outdoor UW Office)
Check out or check in gear, take a gear rating, learn or practice a skill.
**Note to enter the Memorial Union you must have a green Badger Badge** If you are a comunity member and do not have a UW ID or are not elligable to seek Covid-19 testing through the UW system please reach out to a club officer for alternate arrangements.
"Horizontal" Into to Sport Climbing
This introduction to Sport Climbing clinic will be an on the "ground" simulation to cover some basic information. (NOT at a crag) We will be indoors at my Barn with plenty of space to physically distance and practice techniques. (**Allergen notice - There are cats, dogs, horses, hay and dust**)
This clinic will NOT provide you with all information and experience needed to get a Sport rating. It is an excellent preparation for a new climber to learn, meet other climbers, and discuss crag etiquette before attending an outdoor clinic.
To get the most out of this clinic it is recomended to have a Top Rope rating.
This clinic will cover:
Clipping (Draws and Rope)
Sport/lead Belay
Standard Comunication
Simulated Sport climb/Belay on the ground
Safety Discussion
Hillbilly Hollow Sport Climbing Clinic
We will be having a sport climbing clinic at Hillbilly Hollow to teach anyone interested how to sport climb.
You will need your top rope rating to participate in this event.
Gear Office hours
***Last Thursday Office Hour for semester*** Summer locker access by appointment email gearmanager@hoofermountaineering.org
Meet at the Gear Locker Rm B123 (Hallway across from bathrooms just before Outdoor UW Office)
Check out or check in gear, take a gear rating, learn or practice a skill.
**Note to enter the Memorial Union you must have a green Badger Badge** If you are a comunity member and do not have a UW ID or are not elligable to seek Covid-19 testing through the UW system please reach out to a club officer for alternate arrangements.
Intro to Anchor Building (rain or shine)
This introduction to Anchors clinic will be an on the "ground" simulation to cover some basic information. (NOT at a crag) We will be indoors at my Barn with plenty of space to physically distance and practice techniques. (**Allergen notice - There are cats, dogs, horses, hay and dust**)
This clinic will NOT provide you with all information and experience needed to get an anchors rating. It is an excellent preparation for a new climber to learn knots, meet other climbers, discuss crag etiquette before attending an outdoor anchor setting clinic.
This clinic will cover:
The basic knots (figure 8, figure 8 on a bite, bowline, water, girth hitch, overhand, over hand on a bite, clove hitch, barrel knot, double fisherman's)
Uses strengths (and weaknesses) of soft gear
S.E.R.E.NE.
Different ways to set up soft gear and equalizing a 3 point anchor
Slinging natural objects
General Crag Safety Discussion