Competition Categories

Prizes will be given in the following categories. Please note that, except for the Mountain Image category, only books written in English can win:

1. Adventure Travel – Non-fiction books about traveling to and exploring wild, remote places without using motor vehicles. These books also explore local cultures.
2. Mountain Fiction & Poetry – Fiction stories or poetry focused on mountains. This includes stories about climbing, mountaineering, adventure, or the lives and cultures of mountain people.
3. Mountain Literature – Non-fiction books like memoirs, biographies, or stories about mountaineering, climbing history, mountain exploration, mountain people, and life experiences in the mountains or wilderness.
4. Environmental Literature – Books about nature, wildlife, conservation, or climate change. Academic papers or research studies are not allowed.
5. Guidebook – Instructional or informative books on activities in the mountains such as hiking, climbing, mountaineering, or how-to guides.
6. Mountain Image – Books that focus mainly on mountain images, such as photos or artwork, with text playing a smaller role. A photo competition jury judges this category.
7. Mountain Article – Articles or short essays (less than 7,000 words) about mountain topics like climbing, adventure, conservation, or mountain literature. Articles can be fiction, non-fiction, or historical and may have been published in print or online. Authors or editors can submit them.
8. Climbing Literature – Awarded to the best non-fiction book specifically about climbing or mountaineering.
9. Grand Prize – Given to the best book chosen by the winners in the above categories.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: July 3, 2025
• Final Submission of Finished Books: July 31, 2025
• Shortlist Announcement: October 2025
• Winners Announcement: November 6, 2025
• Festival Dates: November 1-9, 2025
• Funding Type: Cash Prize
• Organizer: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Authors, Publishers, Editors, Writers, Photographers, Adventurers
• Focus Areas: Mountain Literature, Photography, Environmental Literature, Adventure Travel, Climbing
• Number of Opportunities: Multiple category winners, plus a Grand Prize
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Canada

Benefits and Prizes

The following are the benefits:

• Prize Amount: Total $29,000 in cash prizes awarded yearly.
• International Recognition: Winners and shortlisted entries will be promoted during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
• Exposure Opportunities: Books may be displayed and sold at the festival; media coverage and potential partnerships.
• Networking: Engage with other prominent authors, publishers, editors, and mountain enthusiasts.

Eligibility Criteria

The following are the eligibility criteria for books and submissions:

• Works must be first editions published in 2024 or 2025 (before July 31, 2025).
• Only English-language editions are eligible (except for the Mountain Image category, where any language is accepted; English translation is required).
• Submission is open to authors or publishers worldwide.
• Mountain Article submissions must be a maximum of 7,000 words, published in 2024 or 2025, and submitted as a PDF.
• New editions of previously published titles are eligible only if they have not been entered before.
• Books primarily written for children or young adults, posthumous works, or works by Banff Centre staff or current jury members are not eligible.

Additional Requirements:

• Submit five (5) finished copies of the book or two (2) advance reading copies (not returnable).
• Each submission must include a digital version (PDF is preferred). If the file is too large, [email protected].
• Authors may submit up to two (2) articles for the Mountain Article category.
• All shipping costs, customs duties, and taxes are the responsibility of the entrant.
• Entry form must be submitted online by July 3, 2025.
• Books or advance copies must arrive at the Festival office by July 3, 2025. Final editions of books (published after July 3, but before July 31, 2025) must be received by July 31, 2025.
• Include a brief synopsis (max 60 words) with each entry; additional promotional materials are optional.
• Email a high-resolution book cover image (TIFF preferred) to [email protected].
• Competition organizers may reassign categories and use excerpts or complete entries for promotional purposes.
• The shortlist will be announced in October 2025; winners and the Grand Prize will be announced on November 6, 2025.
• Winning authors/publishers may be notified in advance at the organizers’ discretion.
• Jury decisions are final.
• Eligible entries may be displayed during the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
• The Banff Centre reserves the right to sell submitted books to support Mountain Culture programming.
• Sending an entry implies acceptance of all competition regulations.
• For any concerns or exceptions, contact [email protected].

Required Documents

The following are the required documents to submit:

• Completed Online Entry Form
• Five (5) finished copies of each book or two (2) advanced reading copies if published after July 3, 2025
• Digital/PDF copy of the book/article
• 60-word synopsis
• High-resolution image of the book cover (preferably TIFF format)
• Additional promotional materials (optional but welcomed)
• Completed Customs Form or Commercial Invoice (for international entries)

Selection Process

Following are the highlights of the selection process:

• Entries will be evaluated by a panel of experienced professionals, including editors, publishers, writers, and photographers.
• The selection criteria include quality of writing or images, relevance to mountain themes, originality, and overall contribution to mountain literature or culture.
• The shortlist of winners will be announced in October 2025.
• The Grand Prize and category winners will be revealed on November 6, 2025, at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
• All decisions made by the jury are final.

How to Enter?

• Complete the Online Entry Form by July 3, 2025:

Submit Here

• Prepare and ship your book entries to the following address:

Mountain Book Competition
c/o Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
PO Box 1020, Station 38
Banff, AB, Canada, T1L 1H5

• Send a PDF/digital copy and a high-resolution cover image to:
  [email protected]

• Submit the required documents, including the synopsis and any promotional material.

Contact [email protected] or read the official Banff website for further inquiries or assistance.

Check More Opportunities:

• Waterston Desert Writing Prize 2025 ($3000 Cash Award)
• Call for Nominations: Global Youth Awards 2025 in London
• South Asia Postgraduate Excellence Award 2025