The 2008 Squamish Mountain Festival (SQUMF) is getting ready to thrill locals and visitors again this summer with an exciting mix of films, clinics, competitions and guest speakers. The guest speakers this year represent the past and present, the locals and the international, the "dirtbags" and the pros. The festival will feature guest speakers fresh off the cliffs telling their stories from life in tight squeezes, exposed edges and harrowing heights. Ed Cooper was one of the first climbers to scale the Grand Wall route of the Stawamus Chief in 1961. He also had numerous first ascents in the Cascades, the Bugaboos and Yosemite during the 1950s and 60s. Matt Maddaloni climbed the Grand Wall in 2007, but in the same day he climbed two other long Squamish routes totaling 37 pitches and then, four days, later climbed another 50 pitches on five different peaks in the Bugaboos. Sonnie Trotter set a new benchmark with the hardest traditional rock route in world, Cobra Crack, in Squamish in 2006. He's been on the road ever since and has some wild stories to tell. Cedar Wright is known for his hard first free ascents in Yosemite. Micah Dash just got back from Kashmir, India. And Majka Burhardt has been climbing in the deserts of Ethiopia. The final night of the festival will feature a presentation from Scottish hard gritstone climber Dave MacLeod. Last year's festival goers might remember MacLeod for his huge falls in the film E11.The vision of the Squamish Mountain Festival is to provide a grassroots gathering to celebrate Squamish climbing, bouldering and mountain culture through hands-on experience. This year's clinics will be taught by certified local guides and cover everything from easy top-rope climbing to multi-pitch, aid and rescue techniques. The dyno competitors are hoping to set a new Squamish record again this year. The festival is quickly becoming recognized as the biggest and best climbers festival in Canada, according to organizers.The festival takes place at various locations around Squamish from July 16 to 20. There will be opportunities to take part no matter what your ability or interest, according to organizers.Film submissions for the festival are still being accepted and the deadline has been extended until May 31. More information can be found at www.squamishmountainfestival.com.
