The Innsbruck KI climbing center has developed into a meeting place for the international climbing scene. Athletes from all over the world come here to prepare for competitions. The driving force behind it is Reini Scherer. This is his recipe for success.
For Reini Scherer is clear: "If you want to climb hard, you have to climb hard." He presents his screwed routes in his climbing gym like an artist presents a personal exhibition: 8a+, 8c, 8c+, 9a+, 8b, 8c - the list of routes is endless.
From East Tyrol to the top of the world in climbing
Born in East Tyrol, in a small village in the middle of the mountains, Reini started climbing at the age of 14. As early as 1985 he caused a sensation in the climbing scene with first ascents up to 8a in famous areas such as the Verdon in France.
With the development of the first 8c routes in Austria, Reini soon arrived at the top of the world climbing sport. Although Reini has already drilled more than 1500 lines in the rock, he still charts routes with the same enthusiasm as on the first day.
Training on difficult routes
Ironically, however, it is not the numerous rock routes that have had the greatest influence on the sport of climbing. Reini's most important contributions include the im Climbing Center Innsbruck twisted routes that bring great joy to climbers from all over the world.
As a mentor and coach of the Austrian Climbing Team in the early 2000s, Reini had long seen the need for a new climbing gym where his athletes could train on difficult routes.
"In the end, it took more than 10 years to build the Innsbruck climbing center as it is today."
Reini Scherer
As early as 2007 he began to hold initial talks with the city of Innsbruck in order to make the dream of a climbing hall of this size come true.
Mix of skills and cultures
However, Reini clearly emphasizes that the right route can be found for every climber in the KI. "It was always important to us to bring performance-oriented and "normal" people together when climbing," says Reini.
«A person who climbs 6b should be able to climb in the same place as Jakob Schubert. We want to show the world how cool climbing is."
Reini Scherer
It is this diverse mix of skills and cultures that makes AI very special. No matter the level, the KI offers a home for all climbing enthusiasts.
“After all these years, however, I have come to realize one thing: it doesn't matter how hard you climb. It's just important that you put your heart into it."
Reini Scherer
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Credits: Text: Black Diamond, Cover Photo Jess Glassberg