AAC Member Benefits

The American Alpine Club (AAC) is committed to providing climbers with resources that advance knowledge, inspiration, and advocacy. Through our rescue benefit and medical expense coverage, climbing and grief grants, campgrounds, and discounts, we are committed to empowering our members. We share knowledge and inspiration through the American Alpine Journal, Accidents in North American Climbing, and preserving climbing history in the AAC Library and Archives. Finally, we advocate for our members and the places we climb by breaking down barriers to climbing and seeking to preserve our climbing landscapes and public lands nationally and locally. At the AAC, it all starts with our passion for climbing.

Current AAC member can access their member benefits online through their member profile.

26,000+

American Alpine Club active members


Whether you’re questing off on the 20th pitch, or checking a landing zone for a boulder, having the AAC’s rescue benefit is a critical step for safety in climbing–ensuring you can find your flow a little more easily knowing we have your back in the case of a medical emergency.

Staying safe in the mountains and pursuing rad adventures can get expensive, but the AAC has got your back. With our gear, lodging, gym, guide, and climbing media discounts, you can pursue the wildest lines with the shiniest gear... without breaking the bank.

Accidents in North American Climbing and The American Alpine Journal are two of climbing’s most historic and treasured publications. You can’t find such robust reporting on climbing’s cutting edge, or such comprehensive accident analysis, anywhere else in the world.

The AAC’s grants program is designed to support all members in their climbing pursuits—whether they’re gunning for cutting edge first ascents or everyday climbers seeking adventure on their own terms. We also fund research grants, supporting scientific research expeditions that contribute valuable information to our understanding of the world’s mountain ecosystems.

Whether you are interested in checking out a guidebook for a trip, getting inspired by some climbing literature, or exploring our archives for your original research, our library is an incredible resource for everyday climbers, first ascensionists researching their dream route, and mountain-focused researchers and writers.

The AAC’s lodging facilities are a launch pad for adventure and a hub for community. Whether you need to cozy up at night during prime sending temps in Hueco, or want to join the stretching session in the pavilion at the New River Gorge Campground, our lodging facilities are the place to rest up, connect with new and old adventure buddies, and plan out your next climbing day.


Having trouble logging in to your member Profile? Check out Profile FAQs here.



Benefits by Member Level


Free T-shirt With Membership

Membership levels: All members

Swag the crag. Rep the Club that reps you! Show pride in being a part of the largest community of climbers in the country with this limited edition AAC t-shirt, free with any Club membership. The t-shirt is made of a super soft tri-blend material (50% recycled polyester/38% cotton/12% rayon).

*Benefit only available to members in the U.S.

Our 2025 member tee features artwork from Breann Bassler, an artist, climber, and high-liner based in Boulder, CO.