About the Open Call

The Mountain Writers Intensive is a three-week residency for twelve writers in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry. Ideal for projects on mountain narratives, adventure, environmental journalism, and the human connection to landscape, the program emphasizes literary excellence and narrative development. Writers enjoy dedicated time to create, connect with peers, and receive mentorship in Banff’s inspiring mountain setting. The residency overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, offering opportunities to engage with visiting authors, editors, and publishers. Lodging and meals are included, allowing participants to fully focus on their craft and creative growth. In the niche genre of mountain literature, the journey of self-exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours are as integral as the physical accomplishments themselves. This program emphasizes literary quality and narrative development. Writers are encouraged to meet regularly with faculty and fellow participants to share work and exchange ideas. During this program writers will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guests to: explore the elements of a compelling narrative; discuss themes in mountain and wilderness writing; receive feedback on works-in-progress from faculty; share strategies and best practices with peers. Participants will also benefit from: uninterrupted writing time in an inspiring mountain environment; access to a personal studio space for focused creative work; on-campus lodging and meals to support a fully immersive experience. What's Included: Meal Plan, Accommodation, Studio Space, Showcase Your Work, Group Seminars/Workshops, Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, Campus Facilities (Participant Resources, Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, Box Office Discounts), Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival (free access to book-related festival events, special artist rates for other ticketed performances).

What is Offered

Three-week residency, lodging, meals, personal studio space, mentorship, workshops, seminars, access to Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival events, Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives access, campus facilities including Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, Box Office discounts, opportunities to showcase work, and scholarships covering 100% of tuition and potentially accommodation and meal plan costs.

Requirements

The program is designed for emerging and established writers in all genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, history, biography, and memoir) working on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with an environmental theme. Participants should be comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment and be focused on working on a specific project or creating new works. The program is conducted in English and accepts projects written in English. Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome. Accepted international participants are responsible for obtaining a Visitor Visa to enter Canada and complying with immigration requirements.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Step 3: Upload Your Materials, including: Resume (a two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience), Cover Letter (a one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program, and what you hope to achieve by attending it), Project Proposal (a two-page description of your proposed project, including the theme, and relevance to the program), Portfolio (an excerpt of your work in progress (10 pages maximum) and up to two samples of relevant recent artistic work (15 pages maximum), 25 pages total), and Financial Assistance (complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance).