2025 Apex Rocky Mountain Challenge: A World-Class Weekend in the Rockies
The dust has barely settled on the 2025 Apex Rocky Mountain Challenge, and we’re still riding the high from one of the most unforgettable shooting events of the year. Held just southwest of Calgary in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this PRS Pro Series Qualifier match brought together over 120 competitors from Canada, the U.S., and around the world for a weekend packed with challenge, camaraderie, and unforgettable views.
From seasoned professionals to first-time PRS shooters, competitors were treated to a course of fire that was as fun as it was demanding — set against a backdrop that most described as “bucket list worthy.”
“Vanja and crew really did a great job on the Course of Fire and match flow, and the venue was beautiful. This one will be on my list for next year!”
What Made This Match Special?
The Venue
Nestled on a private property with panoramic mountain views and natural elevation changes, this year’s venue offered some of the most picturesque and dynamic shooting lanes PRS has ever seen in Canada. The combination of natural terrain, handcrafted props, and creative stage design created a match experience unlike any other.
The land itself was purpose-built for this event with winding trails, wide-open vistas, and cleverly used elevation that tested both positional fundamentals and the ability to read terrain-driven wind. Shooters raved about the breathtaking setting, with one describing it as “the kind of place you dream about shooting in, but rarely get the chance.” The location wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a character in the match itself.
The Course of Fire
Competitors tackled 18 challenging stages, with a mix of prone and positional shooting, KYL racks, troop lines, and trickier-than-they-appear wind calls. We heard time and again that the course struck the perfect balance between technical difficulty and pure fun.
Stage designs made creative use of the natural landscape including fallen logs, tree stumps, rocky ground, and narrow shooting lanes tucked into the terrain. Shooters had to think fast, adapt on the fly, and balance speed with precision. Whether it was engaging targets from an armoured scout vehicle or navigating the “metal tree” with eight branches, every stage brought something unique to the table.
The match ran very smoothly. The venue was beautiful and the weather didn't disappoint with highs in the low 80s(F). The course of fire was well thought out, with some unique, but all solid props along the firing line, and the constantly switching winds kept things interesting.
The Community
What truly elevated this match was the people. Shooters, sponsors, ROs, and volunteers all came together to create a world-class atmosphere filled with encouragement, good-natured banter, and support for one another. Whether you were chasing a trophy or just hoping to finish the match, the vibe was welcoming and positive.
Many competitors arrived early to take in the Calgary Stampede, visit Banff and the Canadian Rockies, or camp nearby. It felt more like a reunion than a competition. New friendships were made, old ones were rekindled, and evenings around the fire were just as memorable as the action on the firing line. It’s the kind of camaraderie that defines the PRS community, and it was on full display all weekend long.
Apex Gear on the Firing Line
It was incredible to see so many competitors running Apex gear at the match — and not just using it, but dominating with it. Here are the Top 5 Apex products spotted on the line:
- Rival 4-32×56 – The original Apex powerhouse. Reliable, rugged, and razor-sharp — still a top choice for PRS shooters looking for ultimate precision and versatility.
- RivalX 4-32×56 – The most recent evolution of the Rival platform, the RivalX stood out for its crystal-clear glass, improved ergonomics, and competition-tuned turrets.
- Summit PRO 12×50 Binoculars – A favorite on glassing lines for measuring targets and spotting impacts. Lightweight with edge-to-edge clarity that proved essential in tough lighting conditions.
- Summit PRO2 15×56 Binoculars – For those needing extra reach, a more precise retile, and a few more features — the PRO2’s were seen mounted to tripods across the range. Sharp, bright, and ridiculously effective for long-range spotting.
- Atom 1×28 Red Dot Sight – More and more competitors are taking advantage of the “diving board” mounted Atom red dot — used as a secondary sight for fast target acquisition in transitional stages. Small footprint, big impact.
Ran the RivalX with an Atom on top — the combo was clutch for stages with big pans and transitions.
A Final Thank You
To all our competitors, sponsors, ROs, and volunteers a very big “thank you” from all of us here at Apex Optics. You helped make the 2025 Apex Rocky Mountain Challenge more than just a match. You made it a community event, a celebration of precision shooting, and a showcase of everything this sport can be at its best.
We’re already looking ahead to 2026, with big plans to expand, refine, and raise the bar once again.
“What an epic match location, fantastic course of fire, and great overall run match. Everyone had a blast, seeing the entire community of shooters, and squadding with close friends from both sides of the border.”
