STEEPTEAM
ABOUT STEEPTEAM
STEEPTEAM is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing climbing mentorship and training to Billings area youth interested in improving their climbing skills through practice and competition.
Our focus is to develop lifelong climbers.
LOCAL & USA CLIMBING
INDOOR COMPETITIONS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!
STEEPTEAM gives talented young climbers the opportunity to excel in their climbing pursuits.
Climbers build skills with twice weekly practices they can use in local and regional competitions during the school year. The strongest will have the opportunity to participate in divisional and even national competitions.
During the summer, STEEPTEAM climbers will adventure outdoors, applying skills to the boulders and crags in and around the Billings area.
Local competitions will be required as we feel that they provide great benchmarking and goal setting opportunities in a friendly environment while helping foster the greater Montana climbing community. We are not requiring team members to participate in USA Climbing sanctioned events. Climbers wishing to compete at a USAC level will still have continued support by the team and coaches.
2026 Spring Competitive Ropes Season
2026 Spring Schedule
Practices for this season will begin on Tuesday, 1/20/2026, and end Thursday, 4/16/2026. Practices will be held at STEEPWORLD Climbing & Fitness and take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-7:30 and 7:00-9:00 in two separate sessions. There will be outdoor trips that may occur during our usually scheduled team and/or on weekends. Updates will be provided to parents and athletes at least 2 weeks in advance to allow all to prepare. There will be no practice on March 17 and 19.
Gear
All team members are required to have climbing shoes, a chalk bag, harness, and appropriate climbing attire at every practice.
Competitions & Outdoor Events
SteepTeam Climbers are expected to engage in a competition or outdoor event as a part of their ropes season participation.
Coaches also support engagement in USAC-sanctioned climbing regional competitions and will provide additional details at the athlete’s request.
The intent of this climbing season is to prepare athletes for engagement in competition and outdoor ropes climbing. We are still waiting for Spire to confirm placement of their Spring Fling competition which usually occurs mid April. There will also be two day trips toward the end of the season with scheduling dependent on the Spire competition. These day trips will either be in Billings or other nearby crags. In the summer there will be two overnight trips. Our June trip will either be to Tensleep or Lander, weather dependent. Our July trip will either be to crags near Cody or Canyon Ferry, also weather dependent. Dates will be announced as soon as possible and an RSVP system will be in place for all outdoor trips.
Expected Competition Season Cost
SteepTeam Fee: $400 for the season
STEEPWORLD Gym Membership: $59/month + $54 initiation fee
Competition Entry Fee: ~$50/competition
**USA Climbing – Competitor: ~$110
This membership is required to participate in any USAC sanctioned event. This is the first season in which sport and bouldering is a combined-discipline season, meaning all disciplines will be competing throughout the year at the same time. Athletes may still select a single discipline to engage with should they like. This shift in the schedule may impact an athlete’s desire to engage with USAC specific competitions. Please speak with the coach about any questions regarding USAC competitions.
Joining the Team
SteepTeam has a cap of 26 climbers, 13 in each session. An application will be provided online at the link below and is required to be submitted no later than January 15, 2026 to be considered for SteepTeam membership.
https://forms.gle/Zs1fWXGMUvZ7jXzS9
Staff
Head coach: Cara Lukas (770) 378-8049
Assistant Coaches: Cadence Babin, Tony Lynes, Jesse Ross
Steepteam Board Members: Jim Rott, Heath Lillie, Jordan Lanini, Kristian Nichol, Dave Wood
If questions or comments still persist, please email steepteamcoach@gmail.com.
Scholarships
SteepTeam is offering a limited number of scholarships this season. For more information contact steepteamcoach@gmail.com
For Legacy Information & the old SteepTeam Blog, visit:
https://billingsclimbingteam.blogspot.com