Chris Danielson
Role: Thread Climbing Owner & Movement Enthusiast
Email: cdanielson@threadclimbing.com
Origin: New York
Power Animal: Mini Panther
Vice: Multi-tasking
Chris has worked at the highest level of competitions for nearly 20 years. Routesetting both nationally and internationally he collaborates with the best in the craft and has been integral in the growth of competition climbing in the US, with development of formats, rules and working with dozens of gyms around North America.
Chris is an IFSC Chief Routesetter and has set over 50 major National and International events, ranging from IFSC World Cups and World Championships, to National competitions, international exhibition style events like adidas ROCKSTARS, and local gym events. Specializing in Bouldering over the past decade, in recent years he has worked as the IFSC Chief Routesetter for World Cups in Munich (2019), Tokyo (2017, 2016) and Toronto (2014), the adidas ROCKSTARS in Stuttgart (2014 – 2017) and many USAC competitions, National Championships and Cup Series, since 2005. With a passion for new ideas and collaboration, Chris also works closely with facilities around the US on non-sanctioned competitions, routesetting and advising on organization and formats.
On the mentor side, in 2006, Chris helped create the current USA Climbing Routesetting Committee structure and began developing the curriculum for the first Level 1, and later, Level 2 Routesetting Clinics. He has instructed dozens of these clinics since the mid-2000s and organized over 100, carefully establishing systems of apprenticeship for additional instructors. In his work as the USA Climbing Routesetting Administrator, Chris managed the organization’s routesetting program for over 10 years.
Having worked in multiple contract and volunteer capacities for USA Climbing for over 15 years, Chris has provided input on nearly all aspects of the National Federation’s operations.
Joining the USAC Rules Committee in 2011 and Chair through 2019, Chris has worked through the fast-paced evolution of the sport and been instrumental to many changes in organizational structure. He facilitated the first official US Open National Team Training Camp, has presented at Coaches Symposiums, while cooperating with Athletes, Judges and Collegiate Committees, and has worked with Youth Regional Coordinators – all with the goal of progressing competition climbing. Chris has also worked with the CWA from the start. In 2007, Chris organized the first routesetting workshops at the inaugural Climbing Wall Summit and helped with organization of the early Summit events in the late 2000’s. He had the honor of giving the Keynote Speech in 2010 and in recent years has also served on the CWA’s Certification Standards Committee.
Some things that inspire Chris.
You won’t find Chris on social media, but he spends his time around, and/or is inspired by some of these things: the ocean, cats, routesetting theory, Tetris, developing new ideas, shapes, textures, movement, the big picture, sports, CATS, quiet, not taking it seriously, Maine, movies, precision, travel close and far, family, seriousness, Angie Payne photography, Mogwai, absurdity, etc.
