Thursday, February 7th marks the kick off of a weekend full of backcountry safety, community, and ski stoke brought to Jackson Hole by the outdoor innovators at Arc’teryx, with a little help from the hop innovators at Melvin Brewing. Arc’teryx, known in the industry for their bomb-proof outerwear (repped by serious Jackson shredders regularly), runs three “academies” annually which aim to deepen enthusiasts’ knowledge in three rad mediums: backcountry skiing/riding, climbing, and mountaineering.
The Backcountry Academy in Jackson Hole, of which Melvin is a title sponsor, is meant to teach participants skills that will help them to advance their backcountry ski and snowboard pursuits and stay safe while doing so. We all love a cold one after a tour on the pass or in the park, so it’s only natural that Melvin step in the keep the après vibes high.
Sports Marketing Manager Justin Sweeny explains, “Secondary to education is the desire to create a social environment and bring everyone together. This happens in the form of a happy hour at the end of each day, when everyone who is stoked about their day in the backcountry comes together to celebrate the sport that we all love. As a part of that celebration, we love to drink beer! We looked to partner with exciting local beer companies, and after a little research, there seemed to be only one real fit at Jackson Hole and that was Melvin.”
Our mantra “Shred Hard, Après Harder” fits right in with Arc’teryx’s vision for safety and knowledge in the backcountry paired with team bonding over a couple of IPA’s. To stay safe out there, dial in your education and preparation, make smart decisions, and then let the Melvin’s flow when you’re home celebrating a mission accomplished. It’s all about balance, sensei. This is Melvin Brewing’s second year sponsoring the event, and this year we brewed a collaboration blonde ale, Son of the Apocalypse, that will be served at happy hours during the event.
The Arc’teryx Academy features daily clinics for the beginner to advanced skier or rider, which range from three day avalanche safety certification courses to day clinics on splitboarding, women’s specific backcountry tours, crevasse rescue and glacier rope systems, snow safety refreshers, and so much more (for the full list of clinics and to sign up, click here.) Arc’teryx athletes, including pro skiers Michelle Parker and Eric “Hoji” Hjorleifson, will be leading clinics and speaking over the weekend as well.
Even if you don’t have the time or money to participate in a clinic (or if the one you wanted is full… sign up early next year!) there are plenty of evening events to attend. You can view the full calendar here, but highlights include Thursday night “pizza and a story” at Handfire Pizza, the Jackson premiere of the ski film “Hoji” on Friday night, and a winner-takes-all backcountry photo showdown at the Center for the Arts on Saturday night.
We’re pretty sure it’s been scientifically proven that Melvin brews taste better after pow turns with friends, so stay safe out there and après responsibly.