showdown: youth & Open Competitions

Unleash your inner send at this weekend of competition and fun.

On Saturday, December 5th, we will host our annual Stonetree Showdown Youth and Open Competitions. This beloved event began in 2015 and continues to be Helena, Montana’s best (and only) indoor bouldering competition. The Showdown features categories for Youth and Adult climbers, with exciting prizes for each category thanks to our incredible event sponsors.

Competitors compete across “waves” which allows us to spread the crowd out between 2 different times. Youth participants may sign up for Wave 1 or Wave 2 time slots. Showdown results will go towards The Last Best Bouldering Series Competition. We will score and tally the whole division, so it does not matter which wave your climber competes in. Please choose the time that works best for your family. We will host food trucks, drinks, raffles, and awards after the comps.

NOTE: Helena and nearby participants, we HIGHLY encourage you all to sign up for Wave 1. This allows those traveling from afar to be in Wave 2. It also provides you with the freshest holds and clear minds for morning sends. Youth events typically sell out, so register early.

The competition peaks at finals where the top four men and women from the the Adult Open go head-to-head on our gym’s most challenging problems. Finalists preview the routes and enter isolation before taking the wall. Since these competitors cannot scout each other’s attempts, this round is all about strategy, stoke, and strength under high stakes. The Showdown Finale is action packed off the wall as well. We’ll have food, drinks, bumping music, and a gym full of high-energy onlookers. The atmosphere of community and competition fuels epic sends and unforgettable moments. Come ready to get loud, bring the psyche, and watch our best climbers throw down in the ultimate SHOWDOWN.

The community pump off

Nothing calls for community like stonetree’s community pump off.

On Sunday, December 6th, we will host our annual Community Pump Off. Launched in 2021, this spirited indoor bouldering competition is a local favorite. Open to statewide competitors, the Pump Off is not just a competition; it's a celebration of climbing in all its forms. At Stonetree, climbers are not just competitors; they are family.

When you sign up, you will do so within a V-Grade category allowing you to only compete against those at your level. Categories are: V0-V2, V3-V4, V5-V6, V7+. Base your selection on what you can typically climb in one session. Awards will be given to climbing categories, but more importantly to the Best Dressed (costume), Marathon Sender (most attempts), Dark Horse (best performance with a day-of waiver), and Super Sandbagger.

We have a registration fee of $30 for the comp, and you’ll also need a day pass, punch pass, or current membership for the climbing. These fees get you a score card, access to food & drink, awesome raffle prizes, and all the party you can handle. All proceeds from the event will go to buying new holds for the gym.

Starting in 2021…

We joined forces with local artist Goodson Designs to create the Stonetree Showdown competition poster series.

MOVING TO 2022/2023…

We added to the series with Goodson inspiring with his art, adorning the walls in your home, office or elsewhere.

Continuing IN 2024…

We offered limited runs of 2024 along with our remaining 2021-2023 designs. Posters are solely offered at Stonetree Showdown & Community Pump Off.

Beginning in 2025…

We offered 2025 Showdown shirts for pre-order at limited quantities alongside the year’s traditional screen printed posters.