The market for climbing gyms - Italy

1.2 A growing global market

The market is mainly dominated by the indoor climbing segments, which account for the majority of revenue due to their year-round accessibility and the safety they provide in a controlled environment. The bouldering segment, in particular, holds a significant share of the market because of its dynamic and inclusive nature, where athletes climb *.*-meter-high walls without ropes in a limited amount of time and with as few attempts as possible. In terms of geography, North America is the region with the largest market share, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. This is due to the presence of well-developed infrastructure and the popularity of climbing as a recreational activity.

The global market for climbing gyms is growing rapidly. In ****, the value of the market was estimated at about $*.** billion. Projections for the future indicate continued expansion, with a compound annual growth rate (***) of **.* percent from **** to ****, expecting to reach a value of about $**.* billion by ****. This growth is driven by increased awareness about fitness and healthy lifestyles, increased participation in recreational and sport activities such as climbing, and the inclusion of climbing events in the Olympics.

Global Market Value of Climbing Gyms World, ****-****, in US$ billion ResearchAndMarkets

Sport climbing is a modern ...

1.3 The European market

The market value of climbing gyms in Europe is expected to grow significantly between **** and **** with CAGR of *.*%. Starting from €*.** billion in ****, it is expected to grow steadily to reach €*.** billion in ****. This represents an increase of about ***% over an **-year period.

European climbing gyms market value Europe, ****-****, in billion EU€ TransparencyMarketResearch

In ****, Europe dominated the world climbing circuit, contributing**% of the medals, while the rest of the world contributed only **%. This figure highlights Europe's strong position in sport climbing, reflecting both broad participation and a high level of expertise and infrastructure developed on the continent. European supremacy is attributed to several factors, including the long tradition of climbing in countries such as France, Italy, Germany and Spain, which boast some of the best climbing facilities and schools in the world. Medal contribution to the world climbing circuit World, ****, in % Gitnux

1.4 The Italian market

Italy is home to *,*** clubs dedicated to fitness, spread throughout the country. This abundance of clubs creates a network of opportunities for entrepreneurs, enabling the creation of unique spaces and the provision of personalized services for an increasingly health and wellness-conscious public. Currently, *.* million Italians are gym members, supported by about ***,*** instructors. On average, there are *.** facilities for every ***,*** inhabitants, with Lombardy recording the highest number, counting *,*** gyms(***).

Italian Market Value Italy, ****-****, in millions of € Businesscoot elaboration For this graph, we estimated the value of the Italian market through the number of Federclimb members times the average annual membership price of the main climbing gyms with the quropean compound annual growth rate of *.*% (***). The graph does not take into account individual whole and promotional revenue in gyms but only monthly and annual subscriptions. Number of members Average annual price Italian gyms Total annual value (***) ***** ***€ **.* The value of the Italian market is expected to grow significantly from **** to ****. Starting from €**.** million in ****, the market is expected to reach €**.** million in ****, an overall increase of about **.** percent in six years. In detail, the market is expected to increase to **.** billion in ****, continuing to grow to **.** billion in **** and **.** billion in ****. In ****, the ...

1.5 Inflation suffered by the sector

The recreation and sports services industry in Italy has responded to inflation through several strategies. Companies have raised prices to cover higher operating costs, implemented promotions and special offers to attract customers, and diversified their services to maintain attractiveness. They also improved operational efficiency through the use of advanced technologies and focused on service quality and customer experience to justify higher prices. These adjustments have enabled the industry to maintain a steady flow of customers despite inflationary pressures.

Price index for recreation and sports services - enjoyment as a consumer practitioner for the whole community (***) - monthly data Italy, ****-****, index Istat

The price index shows considerable variability, starting from a value of ***.* in June ****. After peaking at ***.* in August ****, the index fell to ***.* in October ****. From November **** to March ****, the index remained relatively stable around ***.*, with a slight increase to ***.* in May ****. In subsequent months, the index continued to rise, reaching a new peak of ***.* in August ****, followed by a decline to ***.* in October ****. In ****, the index remained fairly stable, hovering around ***.*. Overall, from the peak in August **** to April ****, the index increased by *.* percent.

2.1 Overview of demand

The Italian climbing federation Federclimb groups all associations, centers, and sports clubs that offer climbing. In ****, there were ***** members, that is, those who are registered in a sport activity society that includes climbing, throughout Italy.

**** data:

The regional breakdown is as follows:

On the other hand, regarding the purchase of sporting goods, so including equipment, clothing and accessories needed for sport climbing, we have the following graph:

Average monthly household expenditure on sporting goods [***] Italy, ****-****, in current &euro Istat

In ****, spending was €*.**, gradually increasing to €*.** in **** and €*.** in ****. However, in ****, there was a decrease to €*.**, probably due to the impact of the COVID-** pandemic. In ****, spending increased slightly to *.** euros, and then peaked at *.** euros in ****. Overall, from **** to ****, an increase of ** percent is observed.

Evolution of Household Expenditure on Recreational and Sports Services:

Average monthly household expenditure on recreational and sports services Italy, ****-****, in current &euro Istat

Average monthly household spending on recreational and sports services in Italy decreased by **.* percent, from €**.** to €**.**. After a relatively stable trend from **** to ****, there is a significant decline in ****, with a **.* percent reduction from the previous year, influenced by the COVID-** pandemic. In ****, spending is further down by **.* percent, reaching ...

2.2 Demand drivers

The public has a strong preference for mountain climbing, but there are still some mixedil practitioners. The reasons for people to practice both in the mountains and in gyms are:

Top reasons for participating in indoor climbing World, ****, in % Source: ****

The main reasons why people participate in indoor climbing worldwide are diverse. **.**% participate in indoor climbing either to train for outdoor climbing or for the intrinsic interest of the activity itself. Another **.*% engage in it primarily to keep fit for outdoor climbing, while **.**% find the activity interesting in itself. Only *.**% of participants do it for other reasons. This indicates that most indoor climbers appreciate the activity for its usefulness and appeal regardless of preparation for outdoor climbing.

Climbing appeals to people of all ages and skill levels, not just elite athletes with impressive upper body strength, because it is easy to get started. Since you don't need fancy equipment right away, anyone can show up at a local gym and start climbing. Indoor climbing is excellent for both beginners looking for a safe place to start and experienced climbers who want to challenge themselves. These are the main benefits of getting started in this sport: You work your whole body Building ...

2.3 Breakdown of demand by gender

A recent study by Coop Italia is interested in the number of sports practitioners in Italy, among the various results are those regarding the practice of climbing. The results show that climbing is the *th most practiced sport in Italy, these results take into account the cumulative percentages of men and women.

The breakdown between men and women practicing the sport is as follows:

Climbing practitioners Italy, ****, in % Source: ****

Regarding the results obtained, it can be seen that the percentage of male practitioners is only slightly higher than that of female practitioners. So it is not a sport exclusive to either sex, but overall well distributed.

2.4 Trends in demand for climbing gyms

Analysis of the Trend of Climbing Searches in Italy (***):

Climbing Search Trends Italy, ****-****, index Google Trends, Businesscoot processing

The trend of searches shows considerable variability. In June ****, the index was at ** and peaked at **.* in August ****, reflecting an increase in interest during the summer. This peak was repeated in August **** with the same value. During the winter months, interest declined, reaching a low of **.** in December ****. In ****, interest showed steady growth starting in February (***). In subsequent months, the index maintained relatively high values, stabilizing around **-** in the summer periods. Beginning in October ****, the index began to decline again, reaching **.* in December ****, then stabilizing around **-** in early ****. This trend shows a seasonal interest in climbing, with peaks during the summer months and a decline in the winter months.

In terms of searches by region, there is a strong concentration of interest in a few specifics. Valle d'Aosta leads the ranking with an index of ***, followed by Trentino-Alto Adige with **; these two alpine regions are the main centers of interest in climbing. Piedmont and Veneto follow with indices of ** and ** respectively, while Liguria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia register slightly lower indices, around **-**. Lombardy, despite its large population and the presence ...

2.5 New trends in demand

New trends in the climbing gym market reflect a growing focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusiveness. Here are some of the main emerging trends:

Interactive Panels and Virtual Reality: Some gyms are introducing interactive walls and virtual reality applications to provide a more immersive and immersive climbing experience Performance Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems, such as RFID wristbands, allow climbers to track their climbs and compare performance Eco-Friendly Practices: Many gyms are adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy, implementing recycling programs and reducing waste Recycled Materials: Using recycled and sustainable materials for wall construction and equipment Programs for All Levels: Offering climbing courses and programs for all age groups and skill levels, including special programs for children, families, and people with disabilities Female Climbing Promotion: Some gyms are implementing specific initiatives to encourage female participation and create a more inclusive climbing environment Social Events and Competitions: Organizing social events, competitions and gatherings to encourage the creation of a cohesive and active climbing community Conviviality Spaces: Creating common spaces within gyms where climbers can socialize and share experiences Walls with Adjustable Angles: Climbing panels with adjustable angles to provide a variety of challenges and adapt to the needs of users of ...

3.1 The market structure

Analysis of Stability of Sports Gyms in Italy:

Active Enterprises under code [***] management of sports gyms Italy, ****-****, in number Istat

The data shows an overall stable trend with some fluctuations, in ****, the number of enterprises was *,***, slightly decreased to *,*** in ****, marking a decrease of *.*%. In ****, there is a significant increase of * percent from the previous year, reaching *,***. However, in ****, the number drops to *,***, a decrease of *.* percent. In ****, the decline continues with businesses decreasing further to *,***, showing a *.* percent decrease from ****. In ****, there is a positive rebound with an increase of *.* percent, bringing the number to *,***. Over the period, the number of active enterprises grew by *.* percent.

Distribution of Legal Forms of Sports Gyms: Legal form active enterprises under Ateco Code [***] "Management of sports gyms" Italy, ****, in % Istat Limited liability companies (***), have a marginal presence.

Fluctuations in Number of Employees in Sports Gyms in Italy: Number of employees working in the management of sports gyms Italy, ****-****, in number Istat Over the period, the number of employees decreased by *.* percent, from *,*** in **** to *,*** in ****.

3.2 The Italian climbing societies

The number of amateur sport climbing clubs in Italy varies widely among regions. Lombardy ranks first with ** clubs, followed by Emilia-Romagna with ** and Lazio with **. Piedmont and Trentino-Alto Adige have ** and ** gyms, respectively. Tuscany and Veneto have significant numbers with ** and ** respectively, while Liguria and Abruzzo show a moderate presence with ** and ** companies. Marche, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Sardinia follow with * and * each.

Southern Italian regions, such as Apulia, Sicily and Umbria, have a smaller number, each with *. Valle d'Aosta has *, Campania *, while Basilicata and Molise have one company each. Calabria is the only region without, highlighting a disparity in the spread of this discipline among the various Italian regions.

3.3 The main actors

The main gyms present in Italy are:

Kundalini Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica: This is one of the leading climbing gyms in Milan and Italy, located in Pero, with **** members. Known as "Milano Climbing Factory," it offers a wide range of facilities for climbers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. The facility has walls for bouldering, lead and top rope climbing, as well as a fitness area for specific muscle strengthening. The gym hosts classes for children, teens and adults, and organizes climbing events and competitions. Via Antonio Gramsci, **, ***** Pero MI

B-Side Climbing: Gym located in Turin, considered a reference point for fans of the sport, in fact it is second in Italy for number of members with ****. Founded in **** and affiliated with F.A.S.I./Coni, the gym offers a wide variety of activities and courses, suitable for all ages and skill levels. The facility has *** square meters of climbing area, *** lines including circuits and boulders, and more than *,*** holds and volumes. Via Amedeo Ravina, **, ***** Turin, Italy

Intellighenzia Project: One of the leading indoor gyms in Padua, present since ****. The sports association has continuously improved its facilities, offering new panels, holds and spaces. The gym is run by a group ...

3.4 Main manufacturers of climbing equipment

The main companies producing accessories and hagliamento are as follows:

La Sportiva: This is an Italian company founded in **** by Narciso Delladio in Tesero, Val di Fiemme, Trentino. Its origin dates back to the small workshop "La Calzoleria Sportiva," which specialized in making shoes and boots for the region's farmers and woodcutters. Over the years, it has grown into a leading global brand of footwear and technical clothing for outdoor activities such as mountaineering, climbing, trail running and ski mountaineering. Today it maintains production in Ziano di Fiemme, where nearly *** employees work in a state-of-the-art factory. Dedication to innovation has led the company to develop iconic products, including the Mythos and Solution climbing shoes, and Trango mountaineering shoes. Continuous evolution and technological improvement are at the core of the company's philosophy, as evidenced by the opening of its new innovation center in ****. It is strongly committed to environmental sustainability. In ****, the company obtained the certification "*% For the Planet," allocating *% of its apparel sales to social and environmental responsibility projects. In ****, it published its second sustainability report, highlighting its green practices. The company has spanned generations of the Delladio family, with Lorenzo Delladio and his daughter Giulia continuing to lead the company ...

3.5 Main distributors

The main ones are:

Oliunìd: An Italian company specializing in the sale of climbing and outdoor equipment, founded in **** as an online store. Founded by a group of young passionate climbers, it quickly became a national reference point for climbing and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to the wide range of brands sold and efficient and friendly customer service. In ****, the company began opening physical stores to provide a more direct experience for customers. The first store was opened in Vicenza, near the headquarters located in the foothills of the Dolomites. It later opened additional locations in Padua, Milan (***), Verona, Finale, Arco, Turin, and Bergamo. These stores allow customers to see and touch the products, supported by knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Campo Base: Italian company founded in ****, specializing in the sale of outdoor and climbing equipment. Based in Rome, it has become a reference point in Lazio for mountaineering, trekking and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The company's philosophy is based on offering high-quality technical solutions and attentive and competent customer service. It has a wide range of products, including technical clothing, mountain shoes, climbing equipment, tents and camping accessories. In addition to the physical store, the company also has a strong online presence, ...

4.1 Supply analysis

Climbing gyms within them offer:

As for manufacturers, they make available:

4.2 The price analysis

trends in the Price Index for Recreational and Sports Services in Italy:

Consumer price index for recreational and sports services for the whole community (***) - annual averages Italy, ****-****, index Istat

The price index for consumer recreational and sports services in Italy increased by *.* percent, from ***.* to ***.*. The index showed steady growth until ****, with a particularly marked increase between **** and ****, when it rose from ***.* to ***.*, representing a *.* percent increase. In ****, the index remained almost unchanged from the previous year, reaching ***.*. However, in ****, there is a slight decrease of *.*%, bringing the index to ***.*.

Climbing is a sport that requires a range of specialized equipment and membership in specialized facilities such as climbing gyms. A comprehensive survey of climbing participants found that **.* percent of respondents spend between *** euros and *,*** euros per year on climbing activities and equipment.

Average spending on climbing-related activities World, ****, in % Source: ****

Prices for equipment in detail

The prices charged in the market for the purchase of necessary equipment can be summarized by the table below:

Regarding the subscription itself in a gymnasium, an example of prices charged is as follows:

In addition, on average the prices for a daily entry to a gym is between **€-**€ with equipment, while ...

4.3 Rehabilitative climbing walls

Climbing gyms are increasingly integrating advanced technologies to enhance the user experience:

Interactive Panels and Virtual Reality: Some gyms are implementing interactive walls and virtual reality to provide a more immersive and immersive climbing experience. This allows users to simulate real climbing routes and improve their skills in a controlled environment. Performance Tracking Apps: Mobile apps and performance management software help climbers monitor their progress, analyze their performance, and plan workouts. Eco-friendly Materials: Gyms are using sustainable materials for their facilities, such as holds made from recycled materials and climbing panels constructed from FSC-certified wood. Renewable Energy: Many gyms are adopting renewable energy sources to reduce their environmental impact, such as installing solar panels. Collaborations with Other Sectors: Collaborations with fitness gyms, yoga centers and other sports activities to offer combination packages and attract a wider clientele. Multifunctional Spaces: Creation of areas that can be used for different activities, such as dedicated bouldering areas, yoga rooms, and fitness spaces. Clinics and Workshops: Offering workshops and clinics on specific climbing techniques, safety and physical preparation.

In Italy in ****, the first climbing gym with a rehabilitative wall designed, first and foremost, for children with disabilities was inaugurated. It is a prototype that has ...

5.1 Regulations

General Regulations:

Certifications and Insurance: Gyms must be certified by recognized bodies and have adequate insurance coverage for accidents and liability. UNI EN ***** standards regulate safety requirements for artificial climbing structures. Safety of Facilities: All panels and structures must be regularly inspected and maintained to safety standards. Holds and surfaces must be safe and well maintained. Staff Training: Staff must be properly trained and certified to ensure assistance and safety for users. Instructors must hold valid certifications in climbing and first aid as required by law Dec. **, ****, No. ***.

Rules for Users:

Registrationand Access: All users must be registered and sign a liability waiver. Access to the gym is allowed only during official opening hours. it is important to comply with privacy regulations according to Regulation (***). Equipment: Users must use approved equipment in good condition. Climbing shoes are mandatory and the use of a helmet is recommended, especially for beginners and during rope climbing activities. Belaying: During rope climbing, the use of an appropriate belaying device is mandatory. Users must be trained on how to use it properly.

Gymnasium Behavior:

Compliance with Rules: Users must follow all staff instructions and abide by gym rules. climbing outside designated areas or using equipment improperly ...

6.1 Segmentation of actors

The companies listed below are those with the most members in the year ****.

• A1 CLIMBING SOCIETA` SPORTIVA DILETTANTISTICA S.R.L.
• Kundalini Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica
• B-Side Climbing
• Intellighenzia Project
• Monkey Island
• La Sportiva
• Montura
• Black Diamond
• Oliunìd
• Bergzeit
• Campo Base