Jason DiLaura

ÜG Route: ‘Crack Me Up’

We’re incredibly proud to introduce you to Jason DiLaura—one of Übergrippen’s most dedicated, recognizable, and genuinely joyful members of our climbing community. Jason has been climbing with us here at ÜG in Castle Rock since the day we opened in 2021, and chances are you’ve seen him around: cruising laps on the auto-belays, happily trading belays on top rope, battling boulders, or confidently climbing onto the sharp end on lead.

For Jason, climbing isn’t just a hobby—it’s personal.

When Jason was just six years old, he survived a devastating bicycle accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. What followed were years of surgeries, intensive therapy, and an extraordinary amount of determination to relearn how to walk and talk. Through grit, patience, and relentless effort, Jason went on to complete high school and is now an active member of the workforce. His journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you simply refuse to quit.

Jason’s love of climbing began with his dad, who climbed in college and saw the sport as more than movement on a wall—it was a way to build focus, discipline, confidence, and lifelong health. When Übergrippen opened, Jason was 25 and, like many climbers at the start of their journey, didn’t fit the stereotypical image of what a climber “should” look like. But what Jason brought with him from day one was something far more important: passion. And that passion carried him over every hurdle in his path.

Over the years, Jason has grown stronger, healthier, and more confident. He’s lost weight, gained strength, and—most importantly—become an integral part of what makes this community special. Jason is one of our most social members, known for his big laugh, constant encouragement, and genuine excitement to share a belay, beta, or conversation with just about anyone in the crag.

In 2025, while climbing in Estes Park with his parents, Jason was introduced to crack climbing—and instantly fell in love. He couldn’t stop talking about it, or imagining how fun it would be to train this style back home at ÜG. Jason’s dad shared that vision with Matt, one of Übergrippen’s owners, and generously offered to help bring it to life. Together, they found the solution: an adjustable crack system, now dedicated to Jason.

This crack wall is more than a training feature. It’s a symbol of what climbing—and community—can be. It represents perseverance, support, and the power of turning personal challenges into something that lifts others up. Jason’s story reminds us that climbing isn’t about where you start, how you look, or how hard you climb. It’s about showing up, giving your best, and continuing to move upward—together.

We hope you enjoy this unique addition to our crag and the story behind it as much as we do.