Do you love writing, publishing, or sharing stories about the mountains? Do you have an exciting story, stunning photos, or unique insights about mountain people, nature, or adventures? The 2026 Mountain Book Competition is your chance to share your mountain-themed work with the world at one of the most famous mountain festivals. This competition is part of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, a well-known event that celebrates all kinds of mountain stories. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a thoughtful piece about the environment, or a personal journey, the competition brings together writers, publishers, and readers who all love mountain life. Winners get recognized and celebrated alongside other top creators in the mountain community. With several prize categories and cash prizes, this competition gives you a great opportunity to showcase your work and gain international recognition. Whether you’re an experienced author or just starting, if your work captures the spirit of the mountains, this is your moment to shine. Competition Categories Adventure Travel – Non-fiction books about traveling to and exploring wild, remote places without using motor vehicles. These books also explore local cultures. 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. 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. Environmental Literature – Books about nature, wildlife, conservation, or climate change. Academic papers or research studies are not allowed. Guidebook – Instructional or informative books on activities in the mountains such as hiking, climbing, mountaineering, or how-to guides. 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. 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. Climbing Literature – Awarded to the best non-fiction book specifically about climbing or mountaineering. Grand Prize – Given to the best book chosen by the winners in the above categories. Key Details and Dates Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 Final Submission of Finished Books: July 31, 2026 Finalists Announced: Mid-September 2026 Category Winners Announced: Mid-October 2026 Grand Prize Announcement / Award Ceremony: November 5, 2026 Festival Dates: October 31 – November 8, 2026 Additional Information Funding Type: Cash Prize Organizer: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Eligible Countries: All countries Eligible Gender: All genders Target Group: Authors, publishers, editors, writers, photographers, and adventurers Focus Areas: Mountain literature, photography, environmental literature, adventure travel, climbing Number of Opportunities: Multiple category winners, plus one Grand Prize Program Language: English Host Country: Canada Benefits and Prizes The following are the benefits: Prize Amount: Total $26,000 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 2025 or 2026 (before July 31). 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 2025 or 2026, 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 (4) 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 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 June 30, 2026. Books or advance copies must arrive at the Festival office by June 30, 2026. Final editions of books (published after June 30, but before July 31, 2026) must be received by July 31, 2026. 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 Competition organizers may reassign categories and use excerpts or complete entries for promotional purposes. The shortlist will be announced in October 2026; winners and the Grand Prize will be announced on November 5, 2026. Winning authors/publishers may be notified in advance at the organizers’ discretion. Jury decisions are final. Eligible entries may be displayed during the 2026 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 Required Documents The following are the required documents to submit: Completed Online Entry Form Five (4) finished copies of each book or two (2) advanced reading copies if published after June 30, 2026 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 2026. The Grand Prize and category winners will be revealed on November 2026, 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 June 30, 2026: Submit Here SHIP BOOKS TO: Mountain Book Competition c/o Banff Centre for Arts and Creative 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 Submit the required documents, including the synopsis and any promotional material. Contact or read the official Banff website for further inquiries or assistance. Check More Opportunities: Waterston Desert Writing Prize 2026 ($3000 Cash Award) Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Summer Call 2026 on Life Sciences in Switzerland Community-Centered Connectivity Grant Program 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr