Mountain Pride 2024 is once again bringing the community together for a day of outdoor activities and inclusive fun on Saturday, June 22. Offering a Mountain Academy style access to top rope climbing, paddling, mountain biking and hiking, those registered will spend the first half of the day with instructors learning new skills. They’ll then have the chance to join the larger celebration at the Queer Village, held at Kovach Park.
“We’re really trying to provide a choose-your-own-adventure for folks,” Nat Segal, Open Mountains Project operations manager told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Started in 2016 as a youth outreach program to connect teens in Revelstoke with low-barrier outdoor activities, Open Mountains Project soon saw a need to extend that support to marginalized communities in the area including BIPoC and 2SLGBTQ+ residents. Through their 2020 QTBIPoC backcountry camp, 2022 Colour The Trails Bugaboos camp and the 2023 launch of Mountain Pride, Open Mountains Project has introduced various outdoor and mountain activities to many who have never had the opportunity before.
“For some folks these events are going to be the first time they try rock climbing or mountain biking or water rafting,” Segal said. “This might be the first time they feel welcome and safe in these activities.”
The academy events will focus on introductory levels and beginner experience, but Segal said folks of any skill level can enjoy the sports provided.
“A lot of people get into climbing, biking, even hiking without having any formal instruction, which is totally fine, but there’s so many things you can learn from a guided day.”
Mountain Pride 2024 is building from the success of last year’s launch and working to mix outdoor activities with Pride celebrations. This year, in partnership with local social group Queer Shred Revelstoke, attendees can enjoy the Queer Village at Kovach Park. Open to all ages and community members, the village will include live music, skate opportunities at the Revelstoke Skate Park, food trucks, art activities and local vendors.
Queer Shred Revelstoke recently started hosting a Craft and Skate meet-up at the Revelstoke skatepark every Thursday at 7 p.m., inviting all skill levels and all craft types to come enjoy time in an inclusive space and connect with community members.
“Our hope is to reach out to more of the community and have everyone come celebrate,” Segal said.
Segal emphasized that all community members are welcome to join the Mountain Academy or the Queer Village, but priority for the Mountain Academy will be given to 2SLGBTQ+ attendees. She noted that for some folks it might be a chance to explore identities they’re only starting to learn more about. While spreading the word about Mountains Pride 2024, Segal found some local residents maybe still trying to find where they fit in the community.
“This person said to me, ‘I think I might be a little queer, but I don’t know where to learn’,” Segal said. “If coming down to the Queer Village and connecting with the community, maybe attending a craft and skate night that Queer Shred puts on helps you find that, we’d be so excited.”
Mountain Pride 2024 runs Saturday, June 22 and registration is now open for the Mountain Academy. Participants can choose between interpreter-led hiking, top rope climbing, paddling and mountain biking. Each activity is $40 with equipment provided and a generosity policy is offered to offset financial barriers. Registration closes June 20. Participants will meet at Kovach Park at 8 a.m. unless otherwise notified. Academy activities will run until roughly 2:30 p.m. and participants will return to Kovach Park and the Queer Village. The Queer Village runs 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., is free to attend and open to all ages.
“Come down and celebrate,” Segal said. “Whether you’re registered for the events or if you just want to enjoy the village. Just come on down and celebrate with us.”
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