The Climb Academy hosted by Arc’teryx is back in Squamish this summer and they’ve just released their full line-up of educational clinics. From crags to cracks to cruxes and everything in between, you can spend a day with certified mountain guides from Canada West Mountain School and your favourite Arc’teryx athletes.
The Academy provides a one of a kind opportunity for climbers and those that simply love the outdoors, to come together, share knowledge and perhaps even try something new for the first time, with the wonderful backdrop of Squamish to inspire.
Education is at the core of what the Academies are built on and every clinic is a full-day of hands-on practical experience, so you can take your mountain skills to the next level. With small group sizes for all clinics, and a low guest to guide ratio, it’s the perfect environment to learn new skills.
For those attending, there’s something for everyone from women’s only clinics, to those tailored for climbers (bouldering, rock climbing, adaptive climbing) and even a more extensive list of mountain running options than previous years. If you’re a beginner or near pro, a runner or a climber, Arc’teryx Academy will have you covered.
What makes these clinics so special? All of the clinics are curated by Arc’teryx athletes, so you spend the day learning their tips, tricks and techniques, while supported by a certified mountain guide.
Clinics' lineup: be inspired, challenged, educate
There’s a variety of different clinics, with something for everyone. The full clinic line-up can now be viewed on the Squamish Arc’teryx Academy website, with clinic spots going on sale May 9.
"All the clinics have their own unique take, but I think the "Motherhood and Climbing" with Nina Caprez is a new and exciting offering, and we're excited to see it come to life," says Savannah Nathaus, senior specialist, brand experience, at Arc'teryx.
Its focus lies on intermediate women's sport climbing, where Nina shares advice, tips and tricks on being a mother in the world of climbing.
You'll also find "Falling Up," with Vikki Weldon, who'll test your limits and conquer your fear of falling, with an advanced sport climbing focus. Mental strategies to approach falling with mental clarity is all part of the safe falling techniques learned.
Check out "Full Send," with Will Gadd and bring your sense of humour, stoke and a Red Bull to tackle climbing tactics in this clinic of intermediate sport climbing, and learn why "Take" is a four-letter death sentence to performance.
For the runner looking to get off the beaten path, "Advanced Mountain Running – Walking with a Purpose," you'll experience alpine terrain on Sky Pilot Mountain, and skills related to accessing technical terrain.
Climbing community, cultivating connection
The climbing community in Squamish can’t be beat and these clinics offer a perfect opportunity to connect with new friends and rekindle old friendships. At the Arc’teryx Academy connections are cultivated, and life-long memories are made. Whether it’s when you sit and listen at the end of a clinic day, you’ll hear climbers saying they feel empowered, have a boost in their confidence and that they had an awesome experience.
"It's always amazing to see people at the end of the day, getting a beer or grabbing dinner together, and going on to create their own little communities, climbing partners and groups out of those clinic experiences," Nathaus reveals.
"We hope the Academy encourages people to come out and try something they've not done before," she says.
"It's all about finding your community, so hopefully everyone leaves having built some type of connection."
The educational clinics' line-up is now live. Clinics go on sale May 9. Stay tuned for updates on Pavilion Park programming, the Academy Music Series, films and more, to be released this summer. For a preview of the clinics or more information, visit squamish.arcteryxacademy.com.
