September 17–19, 2026
Rocky Mountain Climbing Center | Calgary, Alberta
Join athletes, coaches, setters, classifiers, volunteers and members of the climbing community for three days of para-climbing development, education, training and competition.
The Summit includes Team Canada training, coach development, competition setting, classification education, adaptive climbing volunteer training, clean sport education and opportunities for the wider climbing community to experience para-climbing.
Registration: Contact alicia.newell@climbingcanada.ca
Please note: All Summit events will be filmed for the Making the Cut documentary.
Thursday, September 17
Day One focuses on coach education, competition setting and preparation for the Team Canada training camp.
Rocky Mountain Climbing Center staff will participate in the first day of a two-day para-climbing competition-setting workshop. New and aspiring para-climbing coaches and adaptive climbing instructors are invited to introductory sessions on para-climbing mindset, skills and drills.
Coaches may also shadow the first part of the Team Canada training camp as athletes and coaches establish athlete profiles and goals for the camp and competition.
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Para-Climb Competition Setting — Day 1
Jane Cuff
Theory and materials selection.
FULL
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Introduction to Para-Climbing Mindset
Laura Peronace
For new or aspiring para-climbing coaches and adaptive climbing instructors.
OPEN
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Introduction to Para-Climbing Skills & Drills
Vanessa Trudel
For new or aspiring para-climbing coaches and adaptive climbing instructors.
OPEN
12:00–2:00 p.m.
Lunch / Training Camp Introduction
Vanessa Trudel & Laura Peronace
For Team Canada para-climbing athletes. Athletes and coaches will establish athlete profiles and set goals for the training camp and competition.
OPEN
Friday, September 18
Team Canada coaches will lead a training camp for Canadian para-climbers.
Anyone planning to be involved in para-climbing competition is encouraged to attend the classification workshop to gain an overview of the classification process and understand how classification categories may be combined during competition.
Throughout the day, new or unclassified para-climbers will have opportunities to meet one-on-one with Canada’s para-climbing classifier to review their documentation and prepare for future classification. New and aspiring para-climbing coaches are also invited to shadow the training camp and classification sessions.
Following the training camp, Sport Integrity Canada will deliver a clean sport and anti-doping seminar open to Team Canada junior, senior and para-climbing athletes.
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Para-Climb Competition Setting — Day 2
Jane Cuff
Practicum for Rocky Mountain Climbing Center setters.
FULL
9:00–10:00 a.m.
Introduction to Para-Climbing Classification
Sarah Thorne
For new and current para-climbers, coaches and classifiers. New or unclassified para-climbers may also meet individually with Sarah throughout the day to review documentation and prepare for classification.
OPEN
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Applied Mindset / Skills & Drills
Laura Peronace & Vanessa Trudel
For new or aspiring para-climbing coaches. Participants will shadow Team Canada athletes and coaches during the training camp.
OPEN
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Clean Sport
Sport Integrity Canada
An anti-doping seminar for Team Canada climbing athletes, including junior, senior and para athletes.
OPEN
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Volunteer Training
Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society
Open to anyone interested in learning more about inclusive language, basic 3:1 and 4:1 rope systems, and general considerations when working with climbers with disabilities.
OPEN
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Introduction to Calling for Climbers with Visual Impairments
Terry & Patti Hoddinott
For anyone who will be calling for a climber with a visual impairment during Saturday’s competition, or anyone interested in learning more about calling for visually impaired climbers.
OPEN
Saturday, September 19
Rocky Mountain Climbing Center will host a para-climbing competition open to anyone with a disability who falls within the recognized para-climbing classifications.
For more information about para-climbing classification, visit the Climbing Escalade Canada classification system webpage.
Following the competition, representatives from the Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society will provide an additional volunteer training session for people interested in becoming involved in adaptive climbing.
The Summit will conclude with Climb Like a Para-Climber, a community event open to people with and without disabilities who want to experience the para-climbing competition routes — with a twist.
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Para-Climb Mini Competition
Open to anyone with a disability who falls within the para-climbing classifications.
OPEN
2:00–2:30 p.m.
Awards
Competition awards presentation.
2:30–3:30 p.m.
Volunteer Training for Adaptive Climbing
Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society
A second volunteer-training opportunity covering inclusive language, basic rope systems and general considerations for working with climbers with disabilities.
OPEN
3:30–5:30 p.m.
Climb Like a Para-Climber
Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society, Climbing Escalade Canada & Rocky Mountain Climbing Center
Open to anyone, with or without a disability, who wants to try para-climbing on the competition routes.
OPEN
Registration
To register for an open session or for more information, contact:
Alicia Newell
alicia.newell@climbingcanada.ca
Making the Cut
All events at the Canadian Para-Climbing Summit will be filmed for the Making the Cut documentary.
Support the documentary and help bring Making the Cut to the screen.
Photo credit: OKAMI | okamiescalade.ca
