MEET THE AWARDEES

Discover their incredible stories, then join us for the 2024 Annual Benefit Gala to hear more!


The Climb of the Year Award: TBD

For pushing the limits of climbing, whether that is the grade or the most epic story—the redemption arc, the new frontier, or defying the odds.

This award is determined by public voting. Voting opens January 18.


The Changemaker Award: TBD

For the movers and shakers, the innovators, the loud voices, and the does. the people who, no matter the size of their platform, are making an outsized difference in shaping the future of our climbing community.

This award is determined by public voting. Voting opens January 18.


The Robert Hicks Bates Award: Matt Cornell

For outstanding accomplishment by a young climber

More information coming soon.


Heilprin Citation: Alison Osius

For exemplary service to the club

More information coming soon.


Honorary Membership: Kitty Calhoun and Geoff Tabin

Honorary membership is one of the highest awards the aac offers. it is given to individuals who have had a lasting and highly significant impact on the advancement of climbing craft.

More information coming soon.


The H. Adams Carter Literary Award: James Edward Mills

FOR EXCELLENCE IN CLIMBING LITERATURE

More information coming soon.


The Pinnacle Award: Stephanie Davis

FOR OUTSTANDING MOUNTAINEERING AND CLIMBING ACHIEVEMENTS

More information coming soon.


The Sowles Award: Roger Schaeli, Matteo Della Bordella, Thomas Huber, and Roberto Treu

More information coming soon.


The President's Award: Steven Swenson

More information coming soon.


American Alpine Club award winners will be honored with bespoke, sustainable, custom-made awards by metal artist Lisa Issenberg. Lisa is the owner and founder of the Ridgway, Colorado studio, Kiitellä, named after a Finnish word meaning to “thank, applaud, or praise.” Lisa has been providing custom awards for the American Alpine Club since 2013. Kiitellä’s process includes a mix of both handcraft and industrial techniques. To learn more, visit kiitella.com


To hear more from these awardees, join us for the 2024 Annual Benefit Gala, in Los Angeles, CA on April 27, 2024