What is Arc’teryx Alpine Academy?

The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy is an immersive 4-day event, that is built around educational and inspirational experiences for the outdoor community. The core of this Academy are the clinics and during the event, we will offer around 750 clinic places in over 80 clinics on Alpine focused topics. The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy aims to cater for all levels and budgets.

How do I secure a place at the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy?

In general clinics need to be pre-booked and paid for through this website but sometimes we have spaces on offer during the event which can be secured at the registration tent. Other events at the Alpine Village will usually be free to enter and open to the public. We will also have a music program and more information will follow later on this. Check this website and follow @arcteryxacademy.

What does this event cost?

Each clinic has a specific price and needs to be paid for before participation. Payment for clinics does not include food, travel, accommodation or lift ticket costs. Most other activations at our locations throughout Chamonix will be for FREE, including film nights. A selection of drinks & food can be purchased at some locations of this event.

Are the clinics for experts or can beginners come too?

We have clinics for all levels, so you are bound to find something suited to you. Our guides have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they love to share, so read the clinic descriptions carefully and find one that is in line with your level of fitness, skill, and experience. Also worth noting is that not all of our clinics are physical; many of them are educational and focus on topics such as mountain safety, environmental impact, photography and so on.

How do I know if I have the right level for the clinic that I want to do?

Each clinic has a detailed description on the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy website. It will include a section detailing fitness and experience requirements, it is very important that you read this part carefully and are honest about your level of fitness and experience before signing up to the clinic. If you sign up to a clinic beyond your ability or skill-set you will at the least hinder your group, and at the worst you will endanger people.

When will I be able to book clinics?

The registration will open from March 27, 2024 at 5pm CET (Central European Time). To be able to proceed quickly through check-out, it will be helpful to inform yourself on clinics prior to this date, and also read the Terms and Conditions.

Can children attend?

All our clinics are for adults only, 18 years and older.
There is a lot to discover for children within our Alpine Village, for example challenging themselves at the bouldering wall, creating an piece at the sewing machine or applying a logo with a heat press. All those offers and many more have no age limitations.

What should I bring?

Each clinic has a downloadable detailed equipment list that you will be sent prior to the event. Please bring everything that is listed. Some of the mountaineering equipment is available for rent, please check with local shops for availability and prices. We highly advise to pre-book anything that you may need in case the shop only has limited stock. In the Alpine Village, you will find also demo gear from Arc’teryx (Hardshells, harnesses) and CAMP (ice tools, crampons, belay devices, lanyards, helmets). First come, first serve.

Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?

We recommend you bring your own equipment to use on the clinics. Please label it clearly so it is easily identifiable at the end of the day. Please note we do not take responsibility for lost equipment or kit that is left behind.

Will I need a lift pass?

This depends on the clinics that you have signed up to, you will receive information on this prior to the event.

When do I have to arrive?

This depends on the start time of your clinic; if your clinic is due to start on Thursday evening, for example, you can arrive any time on Thursday afternoon. If you are planning to arrive on the day of your clinic, please respect the meeting time and arrive prepared with all your equipment as described in the clinic description, allowing for any possible transport delays.

To make the most of your experience, please anticipate some acclimatization time, depending where you arrive from. Chamonix is located at 1000m of altitude, many clinics will take place way above 3500m. Some clinics will also have a compulsory pre-meeting the night before, be sure to check this in the clinic description.

What are the start / finish times of the clinics?

Each clinic has specific meeting time which is stated within the full clinic descriptions. In general, the meetings are between 7:00 – 8:30 am. Some clinics also have a pre-briefing meeting the day before; please plan your stay accordingly.Unless you signed up for an overnight clinic, you should be back at the Alpine Village by 4:00 pm.

What happens to my clinic participation, if the weather is bad?

In case of bad weather, we will change the location of the clinic. Please note that we will not cancel the clinic you are booked on, we will automatically propose a plan B. The Chamonix Valley is located right on the borders of Italy and Switzerland and the weather is often different over there. However, please bring your waterproofs to be comfortable in case of rain. Please have your passport and every necessary entry permit with you.

Do you provide food & drinks during clinics?

We do not organise food and drinks on the clinics. However, there are plenty of local bakeries where you can easily buy freshly made sandwiches, quiches, etc. There are also a few grocery stores that sell snacks, dried fruit and drinks. If you stay in a mountain hut, you will be served breakfast and dinner. You can also order a packed lunch for the next day (cash payment only).

Do I need a car during the event?

You do not need a car for the event. Transport to the clinic will be organised by us and will either be in your guide’s car, in a minibus, or on local public transport.

What is on offer outside of clinics?

Next to the clinics, we will have the Alpine Village, located in the hear of Chamonix, at Parc Couttet. The program there, including a bouldering wall, DIY activities, several film nights, a partner area, raffles & challenges, music, lounge area, bar and much more, will be open to the public and free to join. More information on this will be shared in June on this website. If you’re interested in music then we will also have something for you with our big concert at The Scene and the nightly party at The Club. More information to come in April.

How much does participation in the program at the Alpine Village cost?

The entire program at the Alpine Village is free of charge.

Will food and drink be available?

Yes. There will be food booths and a bar in Parc Couttet.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The event is mainly happening outdoors (clinics, Alpine Village, The Scene), therefore it is recommended to come prepared for the forecasted weather. Think about protection from rain, sun and temperature changes throughout the day.
Any changes to the program due to extreme weather will be announced on-site through our MCs as well as on @arcteryxacademy and @arcteryxchamonix.