With the launch of its 2021 Digital Backcountry Academy, Arc’teryx is once again offering its global community the opportunity to access courses designed to develop skills and resources for mountain education. The upcoming event is designed to provide participants with an experience similar to a face-to-face academy, but from the comfort of their own home due to Covid-19-related limitations. The digital academy will take place Feb. 8-12.
Instead of clinics, the brand is partnering with pro athlete/guide Mark Smiley to offer online avalanche safety and backcountry skiing courses at a reduced price. The avalanche safety course consists of more than 75 videos divided into six sections, while the backcountry skiing course covers both skiing and mountaineering and is divided into four sections: movement, equipment, anchoring and expedition skills.
In addition to the paid online courses, there are also free events, including panel discussions, a backcountry ski photography workshop led by Angela Percival, film screenings of Frozen in Time and Motherload, a new podcast series hosted by comedian Katie Burrell, and an online photo exhibit featuring images from local Jackson, Wyoming photographers. The brand will also launch a digital resource hub with a selection of educational articles, checklists and tip sheets written by Arc’teryx athletes, ambassadors and partners covering many backcountry-related topics.
Arc’teryx has hosted over 1,000 participants per year in its academies, which have been around since 2012. For more information, visit: backcountry.arcteryxacademy.com.
