The third annual Squamish Mountain Festival is ramping up to draw in locals and visitors alike.
Focusing mainly on climbing and its surrounding culture, the event also encompasses complementary activities such as yoga, a themed party and its first ever trail run.
The event has grown each year, and now includes a film festival, photography contest "Steep Shot Photo Shoot Out," educational climbing clinics and a dyno competition, where climbers from around the globe will compete for the biggest jump.
"I think this year's festival will be one of the most exciting yet," said key event organizer Ivan Hughes. "I'm amazed at all the creative and inspiring filmmakers out there that manage to get amazing footage of the wildest action again and again every year."
Along with the film festival at the Eagle Eye Theatre will be featured guest speakers recounting tales of their international climbing endeavors.
This year's roster consists of Canadian greats, Peter Croft and Will Stanhope, female powerhouses, Lauren Lee, Ines Papert, Audrey Gariepy, and the British crew of Ian Parnell and Simon Yates.
"We've got an incredible mix of sport, alpine and rock climbers coming to the festival with gripping stories and images from their latest adventures from the far corners of the world," said Hughes. "Films are being submitted from all over as well, we've had entries from Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, the U.S. and Canada."
The festival runs from Aug. 12 to 16, with events taking place at various venues including the Eagle Eye Theatre, the Adventure Centre, Howe Sound Brew Pub and, of course the local crags.
Competing in the Photo Shoot Out this year are Susanica Tam, Andrew Burr, Corey Richards, Sonnie Trotter and Keith Ladzinski.
This line-up brings years of experience in climbing and adventure photography to centre stage. Each competitor will show the best of their climbing portfolios in a five to eight minute presentation set to music. The competition, which is judged by a panel of experts, is always an exciting night that sells out each year.
The hugely popular party always has a theme that encourages entertaining costumes, and this year's theme "Trailer Trash Super Heroes," is sure to draw the unusual and quirk.
Also in the exciting events lineup is the newly added La Sportiva Smoke Bluffs Scramble, a five-kilometer, twoonie style trail run with a happy hour social to follow.
"The aim of the festival is to have veteran climbers and novices come together and share their enthusiasm for climbing and the mountain realm in a grassroots celebration," said Hughes.
The beneficiaries of this year's festival - presented by Arc'teryx Equipment Inc. in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op - are Squamish Access Society, Climbers Access Society of 小蓝视频, and Squamish Girls Rock.
Tickets for the screenings and photo contest are each $15 in advance or $17 at the door.
Tickets for the festival party are $5. Tickets can be purchased online at www.squamishmountainfestival.com, at the Squamish Adventure Centre or at Squamish retailers Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Climb on.
