A climbing exercise apparatus having homolateral and contralateral modes of operation may include a frame supporting generally vertically oriented movable slide members in spaced apart relationship to one another. The slide members may include foot supports secured at lower distal ends thereof and handlebars in adjustable telescopic relationship with the slide members. Handgrips may be rotatably mounted proximate to upper distal ends of the handlebars. The handgrips may be rotatably about a canted axis which is canted relative to a longitudinal axis of the handlebars and selectively locked for the homolateral and contralateral modes operation of the climbing exercise apparatus.