The Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy is a three-day immersive experience where mountain education and community come together.
Learn from world-class AMGA-certified guides, Arc’teryx athletes and ambassadors, and certified ski instructors through hands-on backcountry and in-bounds clinics designed to build the skills, awareness, and confidence needed to travel responsibly in the mountains.
After the day's learning, gather with the community for films, inspiring speakers, and live music.
February 19-21, 2027 • Mammoth, California
Whether you're taking your first steps into the backcountry or refining advanced mountain skills, our clinics provide hands-on instruction from experienced guides and athletes.
Sierra Mountain Guides (SMG) has been delivering exceptional mountain experiences in California’s Sierra Nevada and premier alpine destinations around the world since 1997.
During the Mammoth Backcountry Academy, each clinic will be led by an AMGA-certified Sierra Mountain Guide, bringing deep expertise and an intimate understanding of the clinic’s focus and terrain.
SMG guides are among the most qualified in the industry, with many holding IFMGA or AMGA certifications, specializing in ski mountaineering, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, rock and ice climbing, alpine mountaineering, avalanche education, backpacking, and mountain running.
Frequently asked. Beta delivered.
If you can't find what you're looking for, reach out to us at backcountryacademy@arcteryx.com.
The Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy is designed for skiers and snowboarders of all backgrounds and ability levels, from those just starting their backcountry journey to experienced athletes looking to refine advanced skills.
We offer a wide range of clinics, including:
∙ Ski touring
∙ Ski and splitboard mountaineering
∙ Splitboarding
∙ In-bounds skiing
∙ In-bounds snowboarding
∙ Avalanche and mountain safety education
Our programs focus on skill development, mountain travel, safety, and community, helping participants progress in a supportive learning environment both in and out of bounds.
Please note that most of our Backcountry Academy clinics require a Level 1 AIARE course (or equivalent international training).
We strongly recommend that all participants thoroughly assess our Clinic Difficulty Grading & Prerequisites Guide before booking your clinic to ensure compatibility with the rest of their group.
Yes, age requirements vary by clinic type. Participants must meet the minimum age requirement by the date of their clinic.
∙ Backcountry clinics: Participants must be 18 years of age or older
∙ In-bounds clinics: Participants must be 16 years of age or older
Please review the clinic details before registering to ensure you meet the age requirement for your selected clinic.
The Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy takes place February 19-21, 2027 in Mammoth, California.
All clinics in backcountry areas will be hosted within 30 miles from Mammoth, California.
Clinic locations are subject to change based on weather conditions and avalanche risk ratings. Should your clinic be impacted by weather conditions, we will work out an alternative plan with your group and guide.
Our clinics take place in the world's best classroom: on the mountains where we all love to play. Led by world-class mountain guides, professional athletes and ambassadors, Academy clinics are an opportunity to learn technical skills and put them into practice in the field.
We build our clinic lineup with an eye to help skiers and snowboarders of all abilities level up their skills. We offer expert-led clinics and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced, so there is something for everyone.
We strongly recommend that all participants thoroughly assess our Clinic Difficulty Grading & Prerequisites Guide before booking your clinic to ensure compatibility with the rest of their group.
Once registered for a clinic, you will receive an email confirming your spot. Please ensure you fill out the required waiver from our guiding partners prior to your clinic.
Further details surrounding your clinic, meeting spot, and any pass requirements will be sent to you via email three weeks ahead of your clinic date.
The full clinic lineup will be released on November 10 at 12:00PM PT*, giving you time to explore all clinic offerings, review prerequisites, and plan your weekend before registration opens.
Clinic registration opens on November 18 at 12:00PM PT*. Many clinics sell out quickly, so we encourage you to review the lineup in advance and be ready to book when registration goes live.
*Please note all times are listed in Pacific Time (PT) based on California local time. Please check your local time zone before registration opens.
Clinic groups typically range from 4 to 6 participants.
We keep groups intentionally small to support a safe, comfortable learning environment and provide quality instruction throughout the clinic. Smaller group sizes allow guides to manage the group's pace, offer guidance when needed, and create opportunities for participants to learn from both the instructor and each other.
We partner with Sierra Mountain Guides and Mammoth Mountain Resort to deliver these clinics. Their experienced guides and ski instructors help ensure a high standard of instruction, risk management, and participant support so you can focus on building skills and enjoying your time in the mountains.
Our clinics are led by a team of highly experienced mountain professionals, including Arc'teryx athletes, Arc'teryx ambassadors, certified ski instructors and AMGA-certified guides from Sierra Mountain Guides.
Each clinic is designed and delivered by experts who bring a deep understanding of mountain terrain, technical skills, and outdoor education. Depending on the clinic, your experience may be led by a combination of Arc'teryx athletes, ambassadors, ski instrucotrs and professional guides, or by the expert team at Sierra Mountain Guides, all committed to delivering a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning experience.
No matter the format, participants can expect to learn from respected leaders with extensive experience in the mountains and passion for sharing their knowledge.
Yes! Most of our clinics are single full-day programs, making it easy to participate even if you can't join for the entire weekend. We also offer a two-day clinic, so be sure to review the clinic details before booking.
While the Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy features programming throughout the weekend, you're welcome to join for the days that fit your schedule. Whether you're attending one day, two days, or the full weekend, you'll find plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and make the most of your time in the mountains.
If you're a brand interested in partnering with the Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy or an individual interested in volunteering at a future event, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at backcountryacademy@arcteryx.com.
Our team reviews all inquiries and will be in touch if there are opportunities that align with the event's needs and goals.
"The Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy is truly a special event in so many ways. The time spent outside in the mountains is the best with lots of good times pushing out into the local backcountry zones, and sharing the experience with new friends.
The evening film events and gatherings bring it all together to a well rounded few days of knowledge sharing and community building. It has been awesome to be involved the last few years - very much looking forward to Mammoth in 2027!"
- Joe Lax
“The Backcountry Academy is something I look forward to every winter.
A connection of passionate mountain enthusiasts from all over the globe who are eager to elevate and progress by learning from some of the best athletes in the sport.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch participants push their abilities in a fun and supportive environment, I always leave the academy feeling inspired and like I made new friends!”
- Tatum Monod
We acknowledge that this event is taking place in the ancestral territory of many Indigenous tribes including but not limited to the Nüümü and Newe (Paiute and Eastern Shoshone) of Payahüünadü (Owens River Gorge) and Kutzadika’a (Mono Lake Paiute) people. This land acknowledgment is a recognition of the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra who have cared for and currently still care for this land since time immemorial.
Please take a moment to review our prerequisites carefully and self-assess before booking your clinic.
PLEASE NOTE: A beginner backcountry clinic is NOT for beginner or intermediate skiers or riders. Terrain accessed via the backcountry requires your resort skills to be well developed.
Read more about our difficulty grading, pre-requisites and fitness requirements for backcountry clinics:
Comfortable skiing/riding on a black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Consistent experience skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder
- Ability to actively hike uphill for 2-3 hours
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
**We do offer a selection of beginner clinics that don’t require this training. Please check the specific requirements for each clinic.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
- Minimum one year of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience and ability to tour (skin) uphill 3300+ vertical feet.
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
- Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum one year of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience and ability to tour (skin) uphill 4900+ vertical feet.
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience and ability to tour (skin) uphill 6600+ vertical feet
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum one year of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience and ability to tour (skin) uphill 4900+ vertical feet.
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Our inbounds clinic options are designed for intermediate to advanced resort skiers and snowboarders.
For specific requirements, please refer to the prerequisites mentioned in the backcountry clinic information above, excluding the 'AST 1 or equivalent' and any references to backcountry experience. Focus on the first bullet point concerning skiing abilities as your guideline.
While possessing basic technical rope skills or training can be advantageous, it is not a mandatory requirement for attending a ski mountaineering clinic.
Nonetheless, we do insist that you come prepared with all the necessary equipment as specified in the ski mountaineering gear list, which includes a harness, two locking carabiners, one rappel device, and one 120cm sling.
