Skyfest Mountain Running Festival

Squamis, BC   /    August 9 - 11, 2024

Trail and Mountain Running Skills, Clinics and Excursions

 

Event Series Featuring Pro Athletes and Photographers


Big days out on the trail will be followed with live events. Listen to like-minded foot-powered enthusiasts while enjoying stimulating discussions with expert athletes and professional photographers.

After participating in a few skill sessions, join us for presentations and Q&A's to fuel your stoke for this upcoming summer.. Mingle, learn, and celebrate backcountry adventures in the amazing outdoor mecca that is our backyard.

 

Trail and Mountain Running Clinics and Trips

This year, we’re providing three action-packed days of specialized clinics and group runs, geared towards safely and efficiently using our local trails and runnable mountains.

We'll also be hosting a variety of climbing and mountaineering clinics, a few challenging summits, and overnight trips!

All clinics will be led by Altus Mountain Guides. Guides are of the highest caliber available to get you dialed.

Clinics run from Friday to Sunday, ranging from Introductory to Advanced.

Registration for clinics will OPEN July 1 at 8 am and CLOSE August 1 at 5 pm

 

 

Overnight Trip

Guide: Ross Berg

Tantalus Alpine Trip

August 8, 9 2024 – BOOK NOW

The iconic skyline of the sea-to-sky area. This 2 days traverse travels over steep granite rock, and wild glaciers all with stunning views of the sea-to-sky valley and out to the Georgia straight. To keep our packs light we will start with a helicopter flight to the Serratus/Dione col to stash our overnight equipment and dinner.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably tour (skin) uphill 6000 feet vertical (4-6 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a double black ski run at a North American resort
  • AST 1 or equivalent avalanche training

What you will Learn?

  • Morning trip planning and hazard assessment
  • Setting up track
  • Group management for ascending and descents
  • Guide provided feedback on your leads and decision-making
Location: Tantalus Range
Guide Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $1275 CAD

Introductory Clinics

Guide:

From Street to Peak

August 10, 2024 – BOOK NOW

Prerequisites

  • Experience with Avalanche rescue

What you will Learn?

  • How to use a modern avalanche transceiver
  • 1:1 rescue techniques
  • Searching for multiple burials
  • Modern probing and shoveling techniques
  • CPR training and certificate
Location: Squamish Valley
Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Cost: $90 plus GST
Guide:

VK for all - Uphill skills

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 2000 feet vertical (2-3 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort
  • Comfort with ski/snowboard equipment

What you will Learn?

  • How to pack your bag
  • How to Transition
  • How to Kick Turn
  • How to Route Plan
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $160 plus GST
Guide: TBD

Downhill running skills

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 2000 feet vertical (2-3 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort
  • Comfort with ski/snowboard equipment
  • Previously completed AST 1 or equivalent course

What you will Learn?

  • Understand the basics of avalanche formation and release
  • Identify avalanche terrain
  • Pre-trip planning
  • Use of the Avaluator decision-making system
  • Using public avalanche bulletins
  • Companion rescue
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Cost: $160/person
Guide: Robert Thor

Navigation and trip planning

Learn all the alpine running essentials with a gang of foot-powered fanatics!  We’ll give you the rundown on gear, trip planning, route finding, and safe ascending and descending techniques. After this clinic, you’ll have the skills you need to navigate your trips out in the alpine.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to comfortably ski tour (skin) uphill 2000 feet vertical (2-3 hours)
  • Comfortable skiing/riding the equivalent of a blue ski run at a North American resort

What you will Learn?

  • Understand the basics stance and balance
  • How to finish a turn
  • Powder skiing principals
Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $160 plus GST
Guide: TBD

Quick and light Crevasse Rescue

Want to know what to do if someone falls in a crevasse? This clinic is just what you need! Learn the basic principles of crevasse rescue in a mountaineering setting. We focus on lightweight rope kits as well as conventional systems.

 

Prerequisites

  • No experience required

What you will Learn?

  • How to use a modern avalanche transceiver
  • 1:1 rescue techniques
  • Searching for multiple burials
  • Modern probing and shoveling techniques
Location: Squamish Valley
Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Cost: $50 plus GST
Guide:

Scrambling Skills

Take the top-down approach to the skills you need for mountain running.  As we push further with our running, often the required skills for navigating more advanced terrain can change without our being prepared.  This clinic teaches runners to understand mountain hazards and navigate rock and snow safely while moving fast.

Prerequisites

What you will Learn?

Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $160 plus GST
Guide:

Women’s Alpine Run Skills

Summit a local mountain with a gang of fellow female phenoms, learning the skills to keep you safe while you get up and out in new, wild terrain.  This clinic will cover navigation, pacing, mountain hazard identification, scrambling skills, and gear.

Prerequisites

What you will Learn?

Location: Squamish Valley
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $160 plus GST
Guide:

Climbing Skills for Mtn Runners

Arm yourself to tackle anything the mountain trails can throw at you! This clinic covers vertical rock safety, how to set up a top rope, belaying, rappelling, and other climbing techniques. By the end of the clinic, you’ll know how to to read steep rock and safely climb vertical terrain.  A fantastic learning opportunity for anyone seeking runnable peaks or wanting to explore a new hobby!

Prerequisites

What you will Learn?

Location: Whistler/Blackcomb Backcountry
Guide Ratio: 6 to 1
Cost: $160 plus GST

Intermediate Clinics

Advanced Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if weather is bad or avalanche danger is high?

When does clinic regstration open?

What is the minimum age requirement to take a clinic?

When and Where Do I Need to Arrive for Clinic Check In?

What Are The Start and Finish Time Of the Clinics

Do I have to sign a liability waiver prior to joining a clinic?

Can I read the Terms and Conditons of joining?