Virtual Event
Raising awareness and support for firefighters and all citizens living with cancer.
In previous years, hundreds of firefighters from around the world gathered in Calgary and, in full duty gear, challenged themselves to climb the 1204 steps to the top of The Bow building. The event, in support of firefighters and community members living with cancer, was the highest elevation firefighter stairclimb in the world.
This year, participants who can’t attend in the in-person event will be invited to participate virtually from their communities! The virtual climb is open to anyone who wants to challenge themselves by climbing 1,204 steps while fundraising for a great cause, making it a great option for families.
How it Works
Sign up
Sign up as an individual or team – no matter where you live. A $50/person donation will secure your spot.
Fundraise
Participants fundraise a minimum of $250 to take part in the event. There are prizes for the top fundraisers!
Climb
Climb 1204 stairs or 774 ft (236 m) of elevation on one day between May 27 and June 5. Firefighters climb in full duty gear!
Submit Photos
Validate your climb by submitting photos of your fitness tracker, phone app, or you or your team after your climb.
Stay Engaged
Did you know there is a prize for Best Social Media Presence? We want to see you online! Tag us (or use #yycstairclimb) in training photos on social media, share your story online about why you climb, and encourage others to get engaged too. Follow us on social media for training challenges, fundraising tips, and updates on the event.
Who can participate?
The virtual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge is open to everyone! That includes firefighters (volunteer, retired, and paid), cadets, families, and anyone else who wants to ensure no one has to face cancer alone. Simply sign up to begin fundraising.
Where can I climb stairs?
Climb stairs in your community, at your fire hall, at home, on a stair climber, or anywhere stairs can be found! Just count how many stairs there are and keep track of the amount of times you go up. Or, if climbing mountains is more your thing, track the elevation you climb. To be eligible for prizes you need to climb 1204 stairs or 774 feet (236 metres) of elevation.
To make it easy we have compiled a map of some public stairs located around Alberta.
How do I validate my climb?
The virtual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge uses the honour system to validate your climb. Just submit a photo of your fitness tracker or phone app showing the amount of steps or elevation you climbed. If you don’t have a fitness tracker, you can also submit a photo of you or your team after your climb. Your climb must occur between May 27 and June 5 to be accepted.
What prizes can I win?
Virtual participants are eligible for prizes for top fundraisers and best social media presence.