ABC Origins 2026

ABC ORIGINS: A YOUTH BOULDERING COMPETITION

ABC Origins is back for it's 2nd year! We are proud to be hosting a unique youth climbing event designed for all levels of climbers. With two distinct experiences, the Recreational Round and the Competition Round, climbers can pick what best aligns with their goals and experience level—whether that’s testing their skills in a cutting-edge competition or exploring climbing challenges in a fun, arcade-style format!

WHO?

• Ages 4 to 12
• Experience level: 0 to 4 years
• Excellent celebratory experience for climbers in ABC's classes and clubs (Monkey, Super Monkey, Club)
• Great opportunity for non-ABC climbers who are interested in a fun and accessible arcade-style climbing challenge
• A history of climbing gym day-pass or camp is helpful but not required!

WHAT?

• Designed for youth climbers who want to engage with the sport in a fun and challenging way. This category focuses on exploration, problem-solving, and skill development without the pressure of scoring. Climbers will work through a variety of bouldering challenges and stations, tracking their progress with a bingo-style card that can be redeemed for prizes! Ideal for introductory to intermediate climbers looking for a unique, once in a lifetime experience!

WHEN?

• Check In: Opens 8:45am
• Round begins: 9:00am
• Round ends: 11:00am
• see full schedule below

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY CATEGORY?

• ABC Kids Class & Club climbers ages 4-12
• Non-ABC Climbers ages 6-12 with open gym or camp experience looking for a fun challenge!
• Category is based on age of climber

WHO?

• Ages 6 to18
• Experience level: 2+ years

WHAT?

• A competition that loosely follows the format of USA Climbing youth events. The qualifier round follows a modified redpoint format.
• There are 3 levels to choose from based on experience. The lowest level, Intermediate, is a great spot for climbers new-to-competition looking for a fun-focused experience.
• Competitors in the Open category will have the opportunity to advance to finals, where the top 6 will compete in an exciting 3 boulder, World Cup-style onsight round. This category is best suited for elite climbers who want to put their skills to the test against Colorado’s best youth climbers!
• New as of this year, we’re redefining what Open can look like with two height-based categories, giving every athlete the chance to fully showcase their creativity, and skill. Expect harder, more intentional climbs for shorter competitors and an experience designed to push everyone to perform at their peak.

WHEN?

New in 2026: Competitors will compete in 2 separate rounds:

• Open Category: Check-in starts at 10:30am. Qualifier Round 11:30am-2:30pm.
• Intermediate and Advanced Category: Check in starts at 2:00pm. Climbing 2:30pm-5:00pm.
• see full schedule below

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY CATEGORY?

• Category is self selected based on skill level of climber (and size for the Open category only)

Intermediate (V2-4) is reccommended for:

• ABC Club 7-9, ABC Club 10-11, ABC Club 12+ climbers
• Team ABC Super Stars, Rock Stars, and All Stars
• USAC U13 and younger (U11) QE level climbers
• Climbers on a youth program who have not yet tried a competition (no prior competition experience necessary–this is a great first step!)

Advanced (V4-7) is reccommended for:

• Team ABC Select U13-, Junior Varsity, Varsity, some Select U15+
• USAC U13-19 & Regional to Divisional level climbers

Open Short (V7-12+) is reccommended for climbers under 4'8"

• Team ABC Select U15+
• USAC U15-19 Divisional to International level climbers
• Climbers 4'8" to 5'0" may choose the size category they feel most excited about

Open Tall (V7-12+) is reccommended for climbers 5'1" and taller

• Team ABC Select-Track U15+
• USAC U15-19 Divisional to International level climbers
• Climbers 4'8" to 5'0" may choose the size category they feel most excited about

See below for general category reccommendations based on experience level. We encourage you to reach out for guidance in determining what option is best for you. We will also accept a day-of category changes on a case-by-case basis.

Routesetting

ABC Origins is an event where creative and innovative routesetting will shine! For the Recreational You can expect to see everything from traditional boulders to new-age cordo. Led by Head Routesetter Francesco Frankie Military, the team brings a wealth of high-level youth competition experience and a shared passion for crafting climbs that inspire and showcase the future of climbing.

More information and additional routesetters will be announced as details are finalized!

Prizes

• All Recreational climbers will accumulate points for completing boulders & challenge stations which can be redeemed for small prizes!
• All Competition climbers who sign up before 4/27 will get an event t-shirt & goodie bag! The top 3 Competitive Open Finalists will be awarded a cash prize as follows:1st - $250, 2nd - $150, 3rd - $75

We are seeking volunteers to help this event run smoothly! Stay tuned for sign up.

All participants and spectators must have a current waiver on file. Adults can create an account on our website and add a "student" to their account for any youth participant.

Click here to create an account.

At ABC, we don't just teach climbing-- we aim to shape the future of the sport. Home to Team ABC, one of the most decorated climbing teams in the nation, our walls have seen the rise of champions, the perseverance of young crushers, and the passion of a community that celebrates each step.

ABC Origins is a showcase of the next generation of climbers pushing limits and writing the next chapter of youth climbing in the U.S. From the youngest boulderers sticking their first dynos to national champions, every move is a step toward something greater.

This is where it all begins.

This is ABC Origins.

Info: World Cup Style

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

ABC Kids Climbing, 1960 32nd Street, Boulder, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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