Why the Arc’teryx Academy Belongs on Every Mountain Lover’s Calendar
Homegrown adventure.
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the mountains are more than a place to explore; they remind us that growth often begins beyond our comfort zone. The Arc’teryx Academy was created on this very principle: that time spent in the mountains is one of the most transformative investments we can make in ourselves.
The Arc’teryx Academy brings together world-class athletes, certified guides, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts for immersive, multiday experiences centred on mountain education. Whether participants are taking first steps into alpine terrain or refining advanced technical skills, the academies are designed to make mountain sports more accessible. Educational clinics, technical workshops, film premieres, live music, gear demonstrations, and inspiring speakers combine to create events that celebrate progression rather than competition.
Beginning in 2007 with its first academy in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), British Columbia, Arc’teryx has evolved the series to a global scale, hosted in some of the world’s most celebrated mountain environments. From the legendary granite peaks of Squamish to the climbing landscapes of England’s Lake District, the alpine heartland in Chamonix, France, and the freeride terrain surrounding St. Anton, Austria, each location reflects the character of its local mountain culture while sharing the academy’s core philosophy: education, access, and community. And one of the newer additions to the Arc’teryx Academy schedule, the Backcountry Academy in Mammoth, California, focuses on ski touring, ski mountaineering, and avalanche awareness, offering guided clinics and education for everyone from first-time backcountry users to experienced skiers looking to refine their skills.
For Canadians, and particularly those in British Columbia, the Squamish Climb Academy offers something especially meaningful. On the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, just north of Vancouver, Squamish has earned an international reputation for its world-class granite climbing, extensive trail network, and thriving outdoor community. While climbing has long been at the heart of the Squamish academy, recent editions have expanded to include dedicated trail-running programs. It also happens to be the academy closest to the birthplace of Arc’teryx, whose global headquarters remain in North Vancouver. That proximity gives the Squamish academy a distinctly homegrown atmosphere, a festive celebration in the landscape that helped shape one of Canada’s most iconic outdoor brands. Attendees can also experience ReBIRD, Arc’teryx’s circularity initiative, where attendees can learn about garment care, repairs, and the brand’s efforts to extend the life of its technical apparel through maintenance and resale.
Beyond the clinics, Pavilion Park transforms into a social hub for the weekend with free programming including community partner exhibits, youth activities, gear demonstrations, films, live music—and beer—that continues well into the evening. It is the kind of atmosphere where beginners feel welcome, experienced athletes remain approachable, and everyone shares the same enthusiasm for life outdoors.
