Outdoor Pursuits
Fort Lewis College

Equipment rentals through OP is FREE! To rent equipment, the Outdoor Pursuits member must be present and have a valid FLC SkyCard with a current OP membership sticker. 

Equipment rental list

Check-out policies

• OP’s Equipment may be rented for two-day periods
• Equipment rented Monday is due Wednesday.
• Equipment rented Tuesday is due Thursday.
• Equipment rented Wednesday is due Friday.
• Equipment rented on Thursday or Friday is due back the following Monday.
• Contact OP for information about checking-out equipment during break periods.
• Equipment limit of one item per rental period per person (i.e., only one pair of skis, boots, and poles can be rented per person; the only exemption is avalanche transceivers).
• Returned equipment must sit for a day before the same user may rent the equipment again (i.e., equipment returned on Monday cannot be rented again by the same user until Wednesday).
• Late fees will be charged for any equipment returned after the due date.
• Resource library materials may be checked out for up to seven days.
• Fees for equipment damage, loss, or replacement will be assessed.

Outdoor Pursuits staff manage the climbing wall in the SLC. Only members of the SLC can use the climbing wall; no OP membership is necessary. Guests may climb at the wall if they purchase an SLC Guest Pass

Wall Policies

• No roped climbing in the summer
• All climbers must check in at the SLC front desk before using the wall.
• Guests are permitted if in attendance with an OP member and upon payment of the facility guest fee. 
• Guests are not allowed to belay but may climb.
• Climbers must pass a belay test to climb roped.
• All lead climbers must pass a lead climbing test.
• Climb at your own risk.  Roped climbing is not permitted during “Open Rec” hours.
• Report all injuries and facility issues to Rec Services Staff.
• Loose chalk is not permitted.
• No food or drink is allowed within the climbing area.
• Clothing appropriate for climbing should always be worn, including a shirt.
• Climbing or closed-toed shoes are only permitted on the wall. No bare feet!
• No rings or loose jewelry while climbing.  Long hair should be pulled back.
• Metal bolt hangers are not holds and should not be used as such.
• Do not boulder above the 12’ mark (black line) or top out on the cave.  No body parts besides hands may pass the bouldering line.
• All climbers should use a spotter when necessary and realize that even with a spotter, injury, paralysis, or death may occur. Know your limits!
• Watch for loose or broken holds. Inform a staff member when one is found.
• Be observant of other climbers and do not climb above or below other climbers or walk directly underneath someone climbing.
• Keep the ramp free of traffic, including backpacks, people, or other objects. 
• Rec Services Staff reserve the right to refuse wall access to anyone due to unsafe climbing practices and/or use of equipment.

OP's Ski & Bike Shop includes:

• Salsa Timberjack mountain bike rentals (27.5+ and 29")
• A fully-equipped ski and bike shop for OP members to work on their own equipment
• A team of trained technicians to teach you how to work on your own bike, skis, or snowboard
• OP's rental bikes, helmets, and locks
• A 24/7 outside air station
• An outside wash station open during business hours

The Student Outdoor Leaders, or SOL, is a team of students who lead trips for Outdoor Pursuits. It is a mentorship model that utilizes outdoor adventures to cultivate character development and leadership competence.

Who can be a SOL?

• Any student at Fort Lewis College is eligible to work on the SOL team
• We strongly encourage both seasoned leaders and novices to apply
• Outdoor experience and personal motivation are required

Is becoming a SOL for you?

Do you value the following?

• Community Building
• Character Development
• Competence
• Skill Acquisition
• Personal & Peer Assessment
• Environmental Stewardship
• Safety
• Fun

Application and training to become a SOL

• Complete an application and participate in an in-person interview with the OP professional staff.
• Get training. Each student leader's training is slightly different, depending on prior experience in leadership and the outdoors.
• Contact Kate Macklin at 970-247-6394 or kmacklin@fortlewis.edu, or stop by the OP office to apply.