For the past eight summers, Arc’teryx has stormed the town of Chamonix to celebrate Alpinism while inspiring and enabling the development of the skills needed to move safely through the mountains. This year’s event was no exception, and in true form, the magical Alps stormed right back. A few days of heat, followed by a storm warning that threatened to shut down our event (but didn’t!) made for a memorable weekend, magical skies and a reminder of the importance of packing for every type of weather.
This year’s Alpine Academy brought together over 500 clinic participants (including a few six-year-in-a-row repeat offenders) to develop their skills through over 40 clinics including rock climbing, mountaineering, glacier rescue, ice climbing and alpine photography; all led by Chamonix’s experienced mountain guides and supported by Arc’teryx athletes.
Our hardworking team of photographers including, Franz Walter, Piotr Drozdz, Hugo Vincent, Anette Andersson, Quentin Iglesis and Florian Nick were trigger happy everyday from dawn ‘til dusk, capturing all of the Academy action under the mesmerizing backdrop of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Scroll through a few of our favourite moments from the 8th Annual Arc’teryx Alpine Academy below, and see the full collection of photos on the Arc’teryx Academy Facebook Page.
Crystal clear skies set the mood for day 1 of the Alpine Academy up the Aiguille du Midi on the Women’s Level 2 Mountaineering Clinic hosted by Chamex Mountain Guides. Photo: Hugo Vincent
Arc’teryx athlete, Ines Papert, leads the charge on the Women’s Level 2 Mountaineering Clinic high above Chamonix. Photo: Hugo Vincent
Arc’teryx athlete, Greg Hill, shares his inspirational story about pursuing environmentally sustainable adventures to a captivated crowd under the Alpine Village tent in the town of Chamonix. Photo: Anette Andersson
Thanks to this guy for letting us learn and play in his home. Photo: Piotr Drozdz during the CAMP Cassin multi-pitch climbing clinic.
Arc’teryx designer and climber, Katie Mah, hosts a free bouldering clinic in the Alpine Village in Place du Triangle in Chamonix. Photo: Piotr Drozdz
Starting at the basics at the Level 1 Mountaineering Clinic for families on the Mer de Glace. Photo: Anette Andersson
That’s 13 more people from our mountain community who can now navigate the mountains more safely after participating in the Suunto Navigation clinic. Photo: Piotr Drozdz
Mother Nature tried to shut us down on Saturday evening with severe storm warnings that required us to close down the Alpine Village for a few hours. But, in true Chamonix form, the forecast changed quickly and we were back in action the following morning. Photo: Franz Walter
This year we moved the Alpine Village to Place du Triangle with Mont Blanc as the stunning backdrop to our stage, demo tents, climbing wall and sponsor booths. Photo: Anette Andersson
We owe a huge thank you to everyone involved in making this Academy a success year after year. Without our amazing partners and participants, the mountain guides, Arc’teryx athletes and entire town of Chamonix, this event wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for another amazing Academy and we will see you next summer!
To learn more about the Alpine Academy and other Arc’teryx Academy events, visit www.arcteryxacademy.com and follow @arcteryxacademy on Instagram.