SANDPOINT — Sometimes the best path forward isn't a straight one.

Sometimes it is by going straight up, veering to the right, carefully maneuvering to the left and taking the mountain and not the path.

The route less traveled, as it were, but one that can be a lot more fun, said Kyle Heavey of Chillino Rock Climbing.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Heavey lives part of the year in Bonner County where his family owns North Idaho Steam Cleaning.

"After spending last summer exploring the surrounding areas near Sandpoint, such as the Selkirk Crest and Q’emiln Park, I realized there was endless potential for adventure and perfect training grounds for rock climbers to learn new mountain skills and practice more advanced techniques," Heavey said of his decision to open the business in Bonner County.

The new rock climbing business teaches everything from introductory climbing, outdoor rock climbing basics and private guiding tailored to climbers' needs and skill levels.

Heavey, who has been climbing for years, said the sport is one that anyone can do and one where everyone can have fun.

"I would like to educate the local community on efficient rock climbing practices while offering safe and fun experiences in the mountains," he said.

Introductory classes are held every Saturday at Q’emiln Park, teaching the basics of outdoor rock climbing, including knots, top roping and safe belaying. A more advanced course is held monthly, bridging experienced indoor climbers to an outdoor setting, focusing on skills such as anchor building, lead climbing and rappelling.

Private guiding is also available to tailor the sessions to your needs and skill level.

All of the company's guides are certified by both the American Mountain Guides Association and Wilderness First Responder. A focus on their own skills and training allows them to teach up-to-date skills and techniques.

"Safety is our top priority, while having fun and being challenged," he added.

That focus on training and safety means that Chillino Rock Climbing is the only active licensed rock climbing outfitting in North Idaho. While new to the area, the business is licensed to guide climbers at Q’emiln Park and is working on being licensed in other areas to provide more diverse terrain.

He hopes his business gives area residents and visitors a chance to learn or grow a new skill — while having fun in the diverse beauty of North Idaho.

"Rock climbing in the mountains is more than just using your hands and feet, but rather your mind and body," he said. "Keeping those two things sharp is critical for successful quests into the unknown."

Training for those types of adventures, like outdoor rock climbing, requires a variety of skills, including endurance, risk management and technical prowess. The skills can't be learned from online videos or in a climbing gym but must come from raw experiences gradually ascending in difficulty of terrain and challenges, Heavey said.

"I want to share my passion for safely exploring varied terrain and building skills as a mountain athlete," he added.

Teaching rock climbing basics and offering advanced mentorship to build strong foundations of good mountain sense is at the core of the company's identity.

"Rock climbing starts and ends at the trailhead, meaning all these skills are important, and we aim to help you learn and master them safely from the ground up," Heavey said.

Chillino Rock Climbing is open seasonally available from July through September, with course dates posted on the company's website.

For more information on Chillino Rock Climbing, go online to chillinorockclimbing.com/north-Idaho, call 805-813-5770, email [email protected], and on Instagram at @chillinorockclimbingidaho and @kyleheaveyoutdoors.

   Kyle Heavey of Chillino Rock Climbing ascends a crack route while a belayer manages the rope below. The new rock climbing outfitting company offers guided instruction designed to build safe outdoor climbing skills.