Arc’teryx Climbing Academy
An open enrollment adventure school teaching everything from crack-climbing to adventure photography
by Kate Erwin
British Columbia-based climbing company Arc’teryx started back in 1989 when Dave Lane and Jeremy Guard began making harnesses in their basement. They wanted to make the very best climbing gear and the brand has grown to be one of the best respected outdoor sporting and clothing brands in the world. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they would continue that excellence into the upcoming Arc’teryx Climbing Academy, held 10-12 July in Squamish, British Columbia.
The Academy began in Chamonix with the main goal being “to bring mountain-lovers together” says Arc’teryx athlete and instructor, Paul McSorley. Chamonix was the perfect place to hold an academy since it’s the birthplace of Alpinism. It also has more daily mountain recuses than any other mountain area in the world. “The weather can change really quickly and it can feel a little desperate sometime, but when you reach the tunnels, all you need to do is take off your crampons, walk 50 feet and grab a cappuccino. So civilized!” McSorley tells CH. “The Alpine Academy offers clinics and seminars on a variety of subjects such as, acclimatization, glacier travel, nutrition and clothing systems, ski alpinism, bivouack, multipitch and big wall-climbing to name just a few,” says McSorely.
This year, Arc’teryx has added a new larger program in Squamish with the first Arc’teryx Climbing Academy. “The concept for the Squamish Academy is more or less the same but with an emphasis on rock climbing and its various disciplines,” McSorely says. Arc’teryx aims to put on a pinnacle event that will offer unique programs for all skill levels, centered around learning, pushing boundaries and staying safe. There are various clinics from adventure photography to rock rescue along with live music and dodgeball. “I am looking forward to teaching clinics in aid climbing and crack climbing technique,” McSorely continues, “and I’d love to attend Craig DeMartino’s clinic on adaptive climbing. With modern prosthesis, many climbers have turned what was previously considered a ‘disability’ into an opportunity to get out and climb at a high standard. If we can improve people’s skills and educate them to be safer out on the cliffs the Climbing Academy will be a success.”
Registration and information on Arc’teryx Climbing Academy is available online.
Images courtesy of Arc’teryx Climbing Academy
