I have been climbing on/off at the Core for 20~ years. As of 2026, the gym has taken big steps to…read morerefresh itself, making it a fantastic place to train. The boulder cave is frequently updated with new routes and holds, and there are good, securely-affixed mats to land on. They added an autobelay system and an adjustable overhanging wall; there are multiple hangboards, a pegboard and two campus boards. They've fit in as much as possible! And this is all besides the dedicated gym spaces, which include powerlifting, freeweights, a few standard machines + benches, a stretching/pilates room, plus showers, changing stalls, and lots of stretching/band/rolling equipment.
1/ Currently (hopefully changing soon), there is no pass hold for monthly memberships. Right now, at the Core you pay $50 "startup fee" each time to re-start a monthly membership. Others have noted the lack of options for residents/regulars, and apparently this will change in 2026.
2/ As for bouldering, routes are graded tough, and can be a bit sandbagged. I have grown to like this, but some technical variation would be nice in lower grades to teach technique. This is a preference, and so I offer constructive feedback here, as it's about the progression of teaching progression itself in the climbing community. They say the ultrapower style is for an "authentic outdoor experience" but as someone who has been climbing in the S2S all my life, I'd take this with a grain of salt. If you're not already a decent climber, there isn't quite the progression of grades for teaching technique that I find at other gyms. I feel this is where the gym could learn from teaching and training developments in the broader climbing culture. Still--this place will work you hard, which is GOOD. Just take care of your hands, and remember to bring liquid chalk (available at the counter, of note).
3/ The staff are AWESOME, quite understanding, all love climbing, all climb better than me (lol), and if there are queries they cannot handle, the owner--a super well-respected, route-setting OG climber who developed CalChek crag--can be reached via email.
Overall I love how the Core has progressed as a climber's training centre in Whistler and look forwards to returning!