Arc'teryx's official website shows on October 13, 2025 that a climbing course in Yangshuo, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, listed as "Coming Soon" with no activities open for registration, after the brand abruptly scraps the outdoor event amid 'fireworks' backlash. Photo: screenshot of Arc'teryx's official website

Arc'teryx, a renowned Canadian outdoor brand, has once again come under public scrutiny over changes to its outdoor event after several participants who registered for the Yangshuo International Climbing Academy said on social media that they had received official notifications from the brand announcing the event's cancellation, media reported on Monday.

Participants said they received messages and emails from Arc'teryx, saying the event - originally scheduled to take place from October 23 to 26 - had been cancelled. The company said it would issue full refunds for course fees and reimburse participants for travel expenses based on the original itinerary, and provide exclusive gifts for affected registrants.

A Global Times check of the Arc'teryx Mountain Academy's official website on Monday, which shows that the Yangshuo event is now listed as "Coming Soon," with no activities currently open for registration.

The brand has not responded to a Global Times inquiry regarding reasons for the event's cancellation as of press time. Previously, a staff member from the Arc'teryx's customer service hotline said the decision was made "to optimize the course experience" and advised customers to stay tuned to official channels for future updates, media reports said. 

Launched in 2012, the Arc'teryx Mountain Academy focuses on sharing alpine knowledge and practical outdoor skills through programs covering mountaineering, backcountry skiing, trail running, climbing and route designs. Since its introduction to China in 2019, the academy has gradually developed a "core destinations + touring courses" model that has attracted wide attention among outdoor enthusiasts. In 2023, the Arc'teryx International Climbing Academy was held in Yangshuo, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, marking its first edition in the country's renowned climbing destination.

Beyond its expanding course offerings, the academy's core strength lies in its top-tier instructor team. Public information shows that the program has brought together leading figures in the global outdoor community. 

Building on that foundation, Arc'teryx had planned to launch an upgraded International Climbing Academy in Yangshuo in 2025, featuring 24 categories and 35 courses covering all levels from beginner to advanced. 

However, just two weeks before the scheduled start date, the long-awaited program was abruptly cancelled, with organizers citing "course optimization." This is the first time since the academy's introduction to China that such an emergency suspension has occurred.

Industry observers speculated that the so-called "course optimization" may be linked to compliance adjustments such as instructor certification updates or environmental impact assessments at training sites, media reports said. 

Regardless of the actual reason, a prolonged delay could weaken brand loyalty among core users. Without a timely and transparent response or a clear rescheduling plan, Arc'teryx risks eroding the user trust it has built over the years.

Arc'teryx triggered an outcry among Chinese netizens in September over ecological concerns and cultural insensitivity after the brand co-organized a fireworks display in the Himalayas in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region with renowned Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang.

The brand later issued an apology on its official WeChat account and website, thanking the public for their concern over the ecology of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. "We sincerely accept all criticism and suggestions, and we deeply respect your support," the brand said.

In late September, after the incident, netizens posted calls to boycott the brand on Chinese social media platforms. 

"It's not enough to just clean up the aftermath in the Himalayas — we, the public, must jointly monitor all future Arc'teryx activities in natural environments and prevent such incidents from happening again!" one netizen said.