This week, Arc’teryx is once again bringing climbers together for Queer Ascent, a multi-day celebration of climbing, community, and inclusion – all taking place June 4-7 in Truckee, California.
Now in its third year, the event has grown from a climbing gathering into one of the outdoor industry’s most visible community-focused experiences for 2SLGBTQIA+ climbers. Hosted on and around Donner Summit, the event combines technical climbing clinics, community climbing days, educational programming, film screenings, panel discussions, and a large-scale community celebration featuring live music and performances.
While the climbing itself remains central, organizers say the event’s lasting impact comes from the connections built between participants.
“Queer Ascent is about creating space for people to try something new, build skills, and feel like they belong outside,” said Arc’teryx athlete, climber, and event co-creator Jordan Cannon.
It’s designed for climbers of all levels, but what really stands out is the sense of community that forms so quickly. People show up not knowing anyone and leave with a whole crew, and that kind of connection is rare. Coming back for year three feels really special because you can see how much it’s grown and how deeply it resonates.” – J. Cannon
The event reflects a broader shift occurring throughout the outdoor industry as brands and organizations seek to create more welcoming pathways into traditionally exclusive outdoor spaces. For many participants, Queer Ascent offers more than instruction or access to climbing terrain – it provides an opportunity to find community within the sport.
And for Arc’teryx, this event has become part of a larger community strategy focused on creating meaningful, place-based experiences that extend beyond product and marketing.
“Community is the heartbeat of Arc’teryx; it shapes how we show up, the experiences we create, and the people we bring together,” said Stephanie Jamieson, Senior Director of Brand Community for North America. She shared it “is part of a broader ecosystem of community experiences that are grounded in place, purpose, and people. When those elements come together with intention, you create something that resonates well beyond the event itself”.
That impact is already being felt among participants. One returning attendee and climbing guide summed up the experience simply: “No other brand is doing what Arc’teryx is doing.”
As Queer Ascent unfolds this week, organizers hope the event will continue opening doors for new climbers while fostering the kind of connection that keeps people coming back. In a sport built on trust, partnership, and shared experiences, that sense of belonging may be the event’s most lasting achievement.
For more information, visit events.arcteryx.com/queer-ascent.
Photos courtesy of Arc’teryx.
