The fifth annual Squamish Mountain Festival returns July 14 to 18 with a series of films, speakers and competitions ready to wow crowds of all outdoor pursuits.
"This year's festival is built on the success that we've seen in our previous years," said festival director Ivan Hughes.
"I'm encouraged by the enthusiasm for the fest. It keeps growing as word spreads that Squamish is the place to be for the best climbing and adventure film festival held during the peak of the climbing season."
The festival will have events for everyone regardless of their mountain or adventure experience, said Hughes.
"We're really trying to make this a festival that appeals to anyone that has a passion for the outdoors, and so there are climbing clinics for everyone from complete novice to advanced."
And a multitude of clinics will be offered for every level and every type of climbing, from bouldering techniques with high profile athlete Scott Milton, to sport climbing tips with young phenom Jason Kruk, to crack climbing expertise with ACGM accredited climber Will Stanhope.
"Not only can you share in adventures on screen in the evening, but you can actively take part on the crags during the day," said Hughes.
And best of all, the annual trade fair offers festival-goers the opportunity to try out the gear that helps make these incredible athletic achievements possible.
"People who don't own their own stuff can still gear up and try it out for the day," said Hughes.
And with hordes of enthusiasts anticipated, festival organizers are reminding participants to be as environmentally responsible as possible by remembering to bring personal mugs and cups, co-ordinating carpools or using self-propelled transportation, and keeping the trails clean.
Also on tap during the fest will be screenings of international mountain adventure films and presentations from climbers fresh from frost-encrusted peaks and vertigo inducing walls.
The festival offers audiences an up close look at the risks that these incredible athletes are undertaking when they take on a climb.
The films are selected from entries that come from all over the world, many of which are world and Canadian premieres.
Highlights of the festival are: Oh Canada Climbing night featuring the best in Canadian mountain culture and films, Big Wall Climbing night that looks at life in the vertical world, Steep Shot photo shoot-out which pits the best shooters against each other while a wild party ensues; and the alpine climbing night for those that love frosty knife-edged ridges.
This year's line-up of presenters include top names in adventure pursuits, including Barry Blanchard, Jason Kruk, Royal Robbins, Tommy Caldwell, Renan Ozturk and Rob Pizem.
And finally, the festival's reputation as the best party organizers on the circuit continues this year.
"Break out the cowboy boots for this year's festival finale party, the West is Best theme party which promises to be another memorable night of fun," said Hughes.
The Squamish Mountain Festival is a gathering of climbers, filmmakers, alpinists, boulderers, hikers and anyone that just likes to be a part of it all.
Tickets for clinics and shows are available at the website, www.squamishmountainfestival.com, and also in town at Climb On, Valhalla Pure and the Squamish Adventure Centre.
The proceeds from this year's event will be donated to access-related causes.
Access groups such as the Squamish Access Society and the Climbers Access Society of 小蓝视频 provide stewardship for the trails and cliffs used by climbers, and engage in political work to ensure the climber's perspective is heard when it comes to protecting the crags and boulders. Learn more about their organizations at squamishaccess.ca and access-society.ca.
