Upcoming run clinics
Please get in touch with us if you are unsure if one of our clinics is a good fit for you and we will be happy to recommend the best option based on your goals and experience. While most of our introductory clinics are designed to accommodate everyone, some may be better suited to beginners.
Don’t see the clinic that you are looking for here? We are able to create custom programming based on you or your groups’ interests. We always welcome opportunities for collaboration with the ultimate goal of helping more people safely experience our backyard.
We aim to keep clinic pricing accessible. If cost is a barrier, or if you’re in a position to support someone else’s spot, please get in touch. We’ll do our best to help.
Ready to take your running beyond pavement and into the peaks? This three-session series is designed for trail and road runners who want to build the skills and confidence to tackle mountain terrain safely and to plan their own big adventures.
Each session builds on the last to give you a well-rounded foundation for running in the mountains, whether you head out solo or with a group.
Who it's for: Runners comfortable covering 15–20 km with up to 800 m of elevation gain within 6 hours who are ready to level up their mountain skills. Runners might have experience racing trails or roads and are looking to further develop their knowledge. To start, we will hike or slowly jog uphill, and we will enjoy easy running on the flats and the descents.
If you're wondering whether this program is a good fit, please send us a message.
What's included: Three fully guided, full day sessions in the Canmore and Kananaskis area, each focused on a core pillar of mountain running:
Session 1 – June 13, 9AM-3PM: Gear, Equipment & Safety — Canmore Area Trails. Start at the shop to learn what to carry, what to wear, and how to stay safe on mountain trails.
Session 2 – July 11, 9AM-3PM: Route Planning & Navigation — Tombstone & Elbow Valley. Learn to read terrain, plan routes, and make smart decisions in the field.
Session 3 – August 8, 9AM-3PM: Mountain Running Techniques — Centennial Ridge. Put it all together with guided practice on technical mountain terrain.
Are you interested in our Intro to Mountain Running Summer Series, but unable to attend all three sessions? Or maybe you are looking to refine your navigation or downhill running techniques?
We’ve added the option to sign up for one, two, or all three of our summer series sessions.
Session 1 – June 13, 9AM-3PM: Gear, Equipment & Safety — Canmore Area Trails. Start at SkiUphill in Canmore to learn what to carry, what to wear, and how to stay safe on mountain trails. From here, we’ll head out on some of the local trails in the Bow Valley (exact location dependent upon conditions) for a long run.
Who it's for: Runners comfortable covering 15–20 km with up to 800 m of elevation gain within 6 hours who are ready to level up their mountain skills. Runners might have experience racing trails or roads and are looking to further develop their knowledge. To start, we will hike or slowly jog uphill, and we will enjoy easy running on the flats and the descents.
If you're wondering whether this program is a good fit, please send us a message.
Are you interested in our Intro to Mountain Running Summer Series, but unable to attend all three sessions? Or maybe you are looking to refine your navigation or downhill running techniques?
We’ve added the option to sign up for one, two, or all three of our summer series sessions.
Session 2 – July 11, 9AM-3PM: Route Planning and Navigation — Tombstone + Elbow Valley. Learn to read terrain, plan routes, and make smart decisions in the field. We’ll practice with a variety of tools, including maps, GPS apps, and navigation using the land.
Who it's for: Runners comfortable covering 15–20 km with up to 800 m of elevation gain within 6 hours who are ready to level up their mountain skills. Runners might have experience racing trails or roads and are looking to further develop their knowledge. To start, we will hike or slowly jog uphill, and we will enjoy easy running on the flats and the descents.
If you're wondering whether this program is a good fit, please send us a message.
Are you interested in our Intro to Mountain Running Summer Series, but unable to attend all three sessions? Or maybe you are looking to refine your navigation or downhill running techniques?
We’ve added the option to sign up for one, two, or all three of our summer series sessions.
Session 3 – August 8, 9AM-3PM: Mountain Running Techniques — Centennial Ridge. This practical session will focus on uphill and downhill running technique in the alpine, by exposing participants to a variety of terrain on one of the highest maintained trails in Canada.
Who it's for: Runners comfortable covering 15–20 km with up to 800 m of elevation gain within 6 hours who are ready to level up their mountain skills. Runners might have experience racing trails or roads and are looking to further develop their knowledge. To start, we will hike or slowly jog uphill, and we will enjoy easy running on the flats and the descents.
If you're wondering whether this program is a good fit, please send us a message.
Meet Your Instructors
Adam Mertens | Founder + Lead Guide
Adam is a Canmore-based hiking guide, teacher, and mountain athlete. A lifelong runner, his passion for trail running truly took shape after moving to the Bow Valley in 2017. He quickly discovered that running offered one of the most rewarding ways to experience the grandeur of the Rockies. In a matter of a few hours, it allowed him to reach peaks and see places that would normally take entire days.
Since making the move to Canmore, Adam has found his greatest joy in sharing experiences in the mountains with others. The vibrant local running community continues to inspire him through stories, motivations, and the friendships that it fosters. Guiding people’s first experiences in the Rockies with The Howl Experience, Outward Bound Canada, and SkiUphill has been one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
Adam has been an ACMG Hiking Guide since 2018. He is also a certified Elementary Teacher and ambassador with Arc’teryx Alberta, combining education, mentorship, and adventure in all that he does.