{"id":202731,"date":"2026-09-28T19:02:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T02:02:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=202731"},"modified":"2026-09-28T19:02:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T02:02:54","slug":"what-i-learned-at-arcteryx-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/climb\/what-i-learned-at-arcteryx-academy","title":{"rendered":"What I Learned at Arc\u2019teryx Academy: 5 Reasons to Go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cYou got this, bump up, right there!\u201d Jonathan Siegrist hooted. It was our final climb of the day, and he managing the rope and supporting me from below. Despite the chalk sprinkled over my fingers, beads of sweat still slid over the granite beneath them. The other climbers were finishing their own routes during the Learn-to-Lead clinic Siegrist<\/a> hosted that morning. I was just about tapped out after struggling up this particular 5.10c only minutes before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just three months earlier, I had restarted my indoor climbing gym membership after taking an extended break from the sport due to injuries. An intermediate climber, I arrived at the Arc\u2019teryx Climb Academy expecting to brush off rusty skills and refresh safety techniques. I didn’t expect to have Siegrist, one of few elite climbers who have mastered 5.15 routes, belay me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that kind of opportunity is what the Arc\u2019teryx Academy is all about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For nearly two decades, Arc\u2019teryx Academy has offered mountain enthusiasts a chance to learn from world-class athletes and top guides, while building the skills and confidence to take their outdoor pursuits to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Arc\u2019teryx Climbing Academy<\/a> I attended in August was unlike any climbing event I had experienced. Over three days, Arc\u2019teryx athletes, from Olympians to big-wall specialists, provided mentorship and technical coaching to over 300 clinic participants. With one instructor for every six students, each clinic felt intimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Off the mountain, we attended panel discussions and screened films. In the evenings, DJ sets and happy hours made it easy to connect with fellow attendees, athletes and industry pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I learned so much, had an absolute blast and left feeling inspired to see how far I could take climbing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five reasons why you\u2019ll want to be at the next one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Jonathan<\/figure><\/div>
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1. Go Rad Places<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Half of the magic of outdoor adventure sports is getting to experience the stunning places they take us. If you enjoy jaw-dropping landscapes like me, this is reason enough to consider an academy. They’re held in majestic mountain towns like Chamonix<\/a> and Mammoth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving to Squamish, British Columbia, along the Sea to Sky Highway, I rounded a bend to find jagged peaks rising dramatically from the water. The view reminded me of the fjords of Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 31-year-old climber I met in an advanced sport climbing clinic shared my awe. She had traveled from Shanghai, China, to Squamish in search of climbing partners and local expertise. \u201cI love it,\u201d she told me while eyeing a granite slab in front of us. \u201cAnd if I come here alone, I don\u2019t know where to go or climb. If there\u2019s an Academy, I can go with new people and learn a lot of things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That sentiment hit me right in the feels, as I had never been to Squamish either. It was a place I always dreamed of going; as a climber, this Canadian section of the Coast Mountains was on my bucket list. The Academy gave me the perfect reason to visit this top climbing destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Climbers<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Find Your Academy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Arc’teryx Academies<\/a> are multi-day experiences that pair mountain education with off-mountain activities. Attendees of all levels can advance skills through educational clinics in climbing, alpine skills, trail running, and skiing and snowboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For skiers and snowboarders, there’s the Backcountry Academy<\/a> in Mammoth, California, and Freeride Academy <\/a>in Austria. The Chamonix Alpine Academy<\/a> focuses on alpinism, rock climbing, bouldering and trail running. Climbers can learn in England\u2019s Lake District, Yangshuo, China, and Squamish, B.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow @arcteryxacademy for updates reigstering for 2027 academies. Learn more at www.arcteryxacademy.com.<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Learn From Your Heroes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After checking in and getting a hefty swag bag, I looked for the group I\u2019d be spending the day with. Greeting us at a table was an unassuming Hamish McArthur<\/a>, with a huge grin on his face. McArthur, who finished fifth in combined boulder and lead climbing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was teaching that day\u2019s clinic, \u201cThe Art of Bouldering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked as stoked as I felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Art of Bouldering, an advanced workshop, invites attendees to view bouldering in a new light. I\u2019ve always been a sport climber, but bouldering is where I\u2019m happy to climb a little, socialize a lot and just have fun. I was excited to discover a different way of thinking about bouldering. Rather than focusing solely on powerful, dynamic moves, this clinic helped me appreciate the flow, rhythm, and movement of climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Hamish
Hamish McArthur’s “The Art of Bouldering” clinic explored creative approaches to climbing. Photo credit: Katie Botwin for REI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Profile
Siegrist said he hopes every participants walks away from the Academy with \u201ca new friend!” Photo credit: Katie Botwin for REI.

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After a rundown of the day ahead, we drove to a forest that looked prehistoric, filled with granite boulders, towering trees, and moss that hung like spider webs. It was home to two bouldering areas we\u2019d explore that day, The Dark Side and The Farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I asked fellow participant Adam Pauw why he chose this clinic, he said, \u201cI kind of pick [the clinic] based on who\u2019s teaching it more than what the clinic is. I really think Hamish is amazing, and he boulders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could relate, as I had seen Siegrist in climbing films and was familiar with and impressed by his accomplishments. So when I saw he was hosting a clinic, I knew I wanted to attend. An absolute legend teaching a Learn-to-Lead clinic? Sign me up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although I have experience leading outside, I had recently taken time off from climbing to let a few injuries heal. I was excited to get back outside, shake off the cobwebs and hopefully pick up new techniques along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then I found myself belaying Siegrist, gently terrified I\u2019d short-rope him. The ludicrous nature of this situation hadn\u2019t dawned on me, so focused was I on the task at hand. Later, having him belay and hype me up as my finger strength faded, it hit me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holy sh*t<\/em>. I\u2019m being belayed by one of the most technical climbers in the world right now.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pro
Professional climber Jonathan Siegrist (center) teaches a clinic on lead climbing. Photo credit: Katie Botwin for REI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Learning from the athletes you\u2019ve seen in films\u2014the ones pushing the limits in your favorite sport and competing on a world stage\u2014is next level. Social media makes us feel closer to these athletes, but when do you get to talk with them, let alone learn from them in a small group?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From clinics with Will Gadd, Kai Lightner<\/a> and Amity Warme to talks with Jim Sandford and Alannah Yip, the Academy brought climbing\u2019s inspiring names within reach. After finishing a clinic, I was able to catch The Struggle Climbing Show<\/em> <\/a>interviewing Yip, Mike Foley, Thompson and Siegrist. They shared personal stories of climbing in Squamish, their experiences collaborating on gear designs, and the future of hard sport climbing. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Build Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finding a community isn\u2019t always easy, but we are fortunate to love a sport that can bring people together in a fun, encouraging space. Throughout my three days at the Academy, I heard nothing but hoots, affirmations and unwavering support for fellow participants. Those were followed by \u201cLet\u2019s climb soon\u2014can I have your number?\u201d or \u201dLet\u2019s follow each other on social!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s people gathering together and sharing their experiences and making friends, and maybe next time we can go to Squamish and climb together,\u201d explained Peter Lin, a 24-year-old first-time participant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And it\u2019s not just the guests who feel that community love\u2014instructors are in on it, too. \u201cThere\u2019s so much time and space to make really meaningful connections with people, even if it\u2019s just in passing,\u201d McArthur said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added: \u201cToday I started the day with six less friends than I now have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Hone Your Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf everyone can learn one thing, that\u2019s what\u2019s most important,\u201d said athlete<\/a> Tyler Thompson, who has climbed 5.15a routes and dozens of 5.14s, often fueled by his favorite crag snack, the PB&J. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what\u2019s so unique about Arc\u2019teryx Academy: It isn\u2019t crafted for just one level. Beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers can all hone their skills in clinics from Learn-to-Lead to intro to bouldering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an intermediate climber with eight years of on-and-off experience on rock and plastic, I wanted to here what return participant Steve You had to say about the intro level courses. You was in an advanced sport climbing clinic when I chatted with him. He first attended Arc\u2019teryx Academy as a new climber in 2022 and has worked his way up in clinic difficulty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor intermediate and beginner climbers, it\u2019s so worth it. You learn so much,\u201d he said, recalling those initial experiences. \u201cThe first year I did a clinic, I did a more beginner one with Alannah Yip, and in those ones they teach you the techniques and how to move well on the wall and that definitely helps. There is something for everybody.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re a beginner or intermediate climber getting outside for the first time and are nervous about safety, it\u2019s hard to imagine a better scenario than having a pro climber and guide to ensure the day goes smoothly and remains fun. \u201cIn this clinic, we are crystal clear about creating a safe environment where people can learn the skills to lead,\u201d said Siegrist of his Learn-to-Lead clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty for advanced climbers too. You told me how his friend, a strong climber working on the exceptionally hard 5.14b route in Squamish named Cobra Crack, has benefited from the Academy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe knows how to climb to the limit, right? But when he came, he learned so much. You learn [that] the pros struggle, and learn how they train, and how they deal with those struggles,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thompson agreed: \u201cYou don\u2019t necessarily need to learn to lead from a pro climber, but you\u2019re definitely going to learn something that you wouldn\u2019t otherwise learn. It\u2019s going to accelerate your learning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. It\u2019s Not Just Climbing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, yes, there is climbing at the academy. But it\u2019s not just climbing. The events draw over 20,000 attendees, with more than 300 attending clinics. Panel discussions, food trucks, athlete presentations and film premieres fill the evenings after clinics end. Then the party starts\u2014literally. Music fills the tent. Suddenly climbing moves morph into dance moves, and the energy of the day flows late into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI like that there\u2019s a big climbing community, and you have music and talks and films and kind of this climbing almost-festival scene. You get a chance to see the athletes around and, at the same time, interacting with recreational climbers,” said Brian McCully, 44, a climber from Portland, Oregon, who previously attended two Arc\u2019teryx Academies in Squamish. “It\u2019s just a fun vibe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And regardless of how tired people are, the tent fills, the bass drops and people are there to boogie well after hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Crowds
Panel discussions, film screenings and live music in the evenings makes it easy to connect with fellow attendees, athletes and industry pros. Photo credit: Katie Botwin for REI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Climb On<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

McArthur still had the same smile on his face at the end of the day as we wandered the dense forest. The next morning, he taught an intro-level bouldering clinic called Climbing Treasure Hunt. McArthur had drawn a treasure map that would lead participants to their next boulder problem and hidden clues for them to find. He encouraged attendees to rediscover the fun of climbing\u2014the same feeling we had as kids climbing trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone loved climbing trees,\u201d he said. \u201cIt […] wasn\u2019t overthought at all. It was just done because it was enjoyable movement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added with a smile, \u201cthe most important thing and the biggest takeaway from the day is that it was really fun, that it was just really good fun, because I think climbing should be.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He’s right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what I started to rediscover at the Arc\u2019teryx Academy. Yes, it’s about climbing. But it’s also about the places climbing can take us: spending time with your heroes, making new friends and pushing your physical and mental limits. It\u2019s also the culture of climbing that makes the academy special, from the talks to the music and the community. And, maybe most importantly, it\u2019s about climbing for the fun of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Editor’s note: We published this article in partnership with Arc’teryx.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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