[North Vancouver, BC] October 15, 2024 — Today, Arc’teryx announced the winter locations of its 2025 Global Academy Series with events across the U.S. (California) and Europe (Austria), offering guests world-class education, community-building experiences, and a deeper connection to the mountains. The Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy, previously held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, saw a move to Whistler, Canada, in recent years and now returns to the U.S., taking place for the first time at Mammoth Lakes – California, from March 7-9, 2025. Known for its rich outdoor culture, Mammoth offers the ideal environment for a one-of-a-kind experience tailored specifically for the local ski, snowboard and outdoor community.
Arc’teryx’s Backcountry Academy is a pinnacle event, offering immersive outdoor education, athlete-led clinics, and community engagement. Designed to inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, the 2025 Academy will feature 39 athlete-curated clinics in partnership with Sierra Mountain Guides, ranging from beginner to advanced backcountry skills. Participants can learn directly from Arc’teryx’s world-class athletes and certified guides, enhancing their technical expertise while connecting with fellow backcountry enthusiasts. For those not ready to venture into the backcountry, Arc’teryx has partnered with Mammoth Resort Ski School to offer 9 in-bound clinics to increase confidence, learn on the resort, and have participants advance their skills before taking on backcountry next season.
“We’re excited to bring our Backcountry Academy back to the United States and connect with the Mammoth Lakes local community,” said Karl Aaker, VP of Brand Marketing at Arc’teryx. “At Arc’teryx, we believe that the mountains transform us, that how we adventure matters, and that there’s always a better way. Our goal with our Academy Series is to create an experience that not only educates but truly resonates with Mammoth locals, inspiring a deeper connection to the backcountry.”
Academy Program Highlights
- Clinics: With a total of 39 clinics over three days, tailored to varying skill levels. From beginner backcountry navigation to advanced avalanche safety, there’s something for everyone. Clinics will take place both on the Mammoth Mountain Resort and in the backcountry, ensuring all participants can find the right fit.
- Films & Athlete Speakers: After clinics, Arc’teryx Presents film series comes to life within Mammoth town for the Academy evening programming. Audiences will experience two nights of film and speaker sessions featuring Arc’teryx athletes and speakers with deep ties to the Mammoth community, sharing their mountain adventures and insights.
- Vendor Village: Set in Mammoth’s Village Square and free for all to visit, this outdoor vendor village will showcase gear demos, sponsor activations, and
Arc’teryx’s ReBird program, offering gear care and sustainability initiatives for those not taking part in our athlete-led clinics throughout the day.
- Academy Music Series: After a day on the slopes, participants can unwind at Canyon Lodge’s outdoor patio for an enhanced après experience featuring live music, food, and drink as well as late-night shows for those looking to continue the celebration.
“At Arc’teryx, we place huge importance on listening to and learning from our local partners, athletes, and the outdoor community,” said Shannon Reynolds, Senior Manager of Brand Experiences at Arc’teryx. “With our Academy Series, we’re creating spaces for people to connect, learn, and celebrate the outdoors together, and we’re excited to bring these opportunities to a new audience in Mammoth.”
Tailored for the Mammoth Community
The decision to bring the Backcountry Academy to Mammoth reflects Arc’teryx’s continued commitment to the U.S. in its pursuit of promoting backcountry knowledge within local outdoor communities. Mammoth’s unique terrain, vibrant outdoor community and proximity to vast backcountry areas make it the perfect location for the Arc’teryx Academy. The program will provide the Mammoth community and Academy participants alike opportunities to sharpen their backcountry skills while connecting with like-minded individuals.
In addition to the clinics, locals will have the chance to attend free film nights, participate in gear demos, and join in community-focused events. Arc’teryx aims to engage with local businesses and residents by collaborating on events leading up to the Academy, creating specialty beer collaborations, and hosting local gatherings in coffee shops and ski stores.
A Lasting Impact
The Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy is more than just an event—it’s designed to leave a lasting impact on the Mammoth community. By offering accessible, high-quality education, the Academy empowers participants to explore the outdoors with confidence, equipping them with the skills needed to venture into the backcountry safely. Perhaps most importantly, the Academy fosters relationships among participants, creating a network of outdoor enthusiasts who can continue to learn and grow together.
At its core, the Academy emphasizes environmental stewardship. Participants will not only gain technical skills but also a deeper understanding of how to protect the backcountry environments they enjoy. Arc’teryx is committed to leaving the land better than they found it, and this ethos will be instilled in every aspect of the Academy, from the clinics to the gear care services provided in the Vendor Village.
All clinic information for Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy will go on live on November 19, 2024. For more information, keep an eye on our website and visit arcteryxacademy.com/.