American Alpine Club Gala
Oct 24, 2026 in Golden, CO
The American Alpine Club’s Annual Gala brings the climbing community together for an evening of celebration, recognition, and connection. This year, AAC members, athletes, and supporters will gather in beautiful Golden, Colorado to honor the accomplishments of the 2026 Awardees and celebrate both the legacy and future of climbing.
Hosted at the historic Buffalo Rose, the Gala will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, opportunities to connect with climbers from across the community, and activities highlighting the impact of the AAC’s work. Throughout the evening, we’ll share stories, reconnect with old belay partners, and recognize the climbers shaping our sport.
Stay tuned—registration opens Tuesday, July 7!
About the Auction
The Silent Auction opens on October 13 at 9 a.m. MST.
If shipping, winners are asked to cover shipping fees. This allows your donation to be maximized in supporting the AAC's work.
We encourage you to set a maximum bid for items. This will allow the system to bid automatically for you, up to the limit you set. Talk about easy winning!
Check out photos and videos from last year’s event.
Planning Your Trip
Airport: If you're flying into town, Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. It provides a wide variety of public transit options to Golden.
Accommodations: There are several fantastic lodging options within walking distance of this year’s venue, including The Golden Hotel, Table Mountain Inn, and The Eddy.
Attire: In the spirit of the historic Buffalo Rose, we will don our favorite Western attire this year. Dress up as your favorite Cowpoke and prepare to get rowdy in Buffalo Bill’s old stomping grounds!
Adventure: Visit Golden has a comprehensive list of activities to enjoy on your own before and after our Dinner and Awards celebration. With Clear Creek Canyon, the Coors Factory, and the best Golden Retriever concentration this side of the Mississippi has to offer, there's no shortage of things to do while you are in town.
Tickets
Second Floor AAC Member Ticket: $180
Open seating on the second floor mezzanine (AAC Members enjoy discounted rate)
Please Note: Upstairs is accessible by stairs only. If you need mobility assistance, please contact [email protected]
Second Floor Non-AAC Member Ticket: $205
Open seating on the second floor mezzanine
Please Note: Upstairs is accessible by stairs only. If you need mobility assistance, please contact [email protected]
First Floor AAC Member Ticket: $230
First floor seating at a round table (AAC Members enjoy a discounted rate)
First Floor Non-Member Ticket: $280
First floor seating at a round table
Patron Ticket: $1,600
An easy way to support the Club and be recognized as a Great Ranges Fellow supporter
Access for you and a guest (1) to the invite-only VIP Welcome event the evening of Friday, October 23rd.
Priority seating at the Gala
Recognition in the event program and slideshow
Table for 10: $5,250
An easy way to support the Club and be recognized as a Great Ranges Fellow supporter
Access for you and a guest (1) to the invite-only VIP Welcome event the evening of Friday, October 23.
Priority seating for you and nine (9) guests at the Gala
Recognition in the event program and slideshow
AAC Gala Weekend Schedule
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6:00–7:30 p.m.: VIP Welcome Event | American Mountaineering Center
A special kick off to the weekend at the American Mountaineering Center and AAC HQ, featuring tours of the AAC Library and special exhibits of climbing history.
Included with purchase of Tables and Patron tickets, or by invitation only
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9:00–10:30 a.m.: Membership Meeting | American Mountaineering Center
Join AAC Executive Director Ben Gabriel as we reflect on the past year of programs and operations for the Club as well as look ahead to our future and 125th anniversary celebration in 2027.
4:00–5:00 p.m.: VIP Reception | The Rose Event Center
Included with your purchase of a table or Patron Ticket, or by invitation only.
5:00–7:00 p.m.: General Reception | The Rose Event Center
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at The Rose Event Center. All Gala ticket holders are welcome to join us for passed appetizers, fun games, a photo booth, and a chance to mix and mingle. The highlight will certainly be our silent auction with everything from gear to art to trips of a lifetime!
7:00–9:00 p.m.: Dinner and Awards | The Rose Event Center
After the reception guests are invited to find their tables and enjoy a delicious meal. The program includes celebrating the 2026 award winners, while also sharing in our collective success stories from the past year.
9:00–10:00 p.m.: Mix and Mingle & Check Out
New this year we are keeping the main program short and sweet so you have time to visit with old friends and make some new ones! A cash bar will remain open as we mix and mingle.
As the main portion of the night concludes, you’ll be able to check out with our helpful staff to secure any items you won in the auction. You can take them home with you or have your items shipped to you, though we do ask you to cover shipping costs, ensuring more dollars can go to delivering on the AAC’s mission.
10:00 p.m.: Event Concludes
We Can’t Celebrate Without Great Sponsors
Sponsorship offers high-impact visibility, event access, product placement, and meaningful connections with this influential audience. We prioritize affordable, modular sponsorships designed for local businesses and outdoor brands, available at a variety of price points. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email Melanie Hood.
Volunteer With Us!
We’re searching for local volunteers to help make this gathering the best it can be! If you are interested in volunteering, click the link below to explore shift options.
FAQs
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Once a year, climbing legends and newcomers alike come together to celebrate the climbing community and raise funds vital to the Club’s work. The event is full of discussion, celebration, and festivity, all the while connecting old friends and climbing partners and helping new ones form.
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Go to americanalpineclub.org/gala, click on the button “ Tickets”.
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After you purchase your ticket, you will receive an emailed receipt. That receipt is your ticket. Simply show our check-in volunteers at the event and we will take care of the rest!
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The American Alpine Club’s 2025 Annual Gala will take place the evening of October 24, 2026 in the Rose Event Center. VIP Reception begins at 4pm, General Reception begins at 5pm, and Dinner begins at 7pm. The Rose Event Center is located at 1119 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401.
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There are several fantastic lodging options within walking distance of this year’s venue, including The Golden Hotel, Table Mountain Inn, and The Eddy.
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In the spirit of the historic Buffalo Rose, we’ll don our favorite Western attire this year. Dress up as your favorite cowpoke and prepare to get rowdy in Buffalo Bill’s old stomping grounds!
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Yes, the main floor to the Rose Event Center and restaurant are wheelchair accessible. If you need additional accommodations, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling (303) 384-0110
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We are able to offer full refunds for ticket purchases until Thursday, October 1st. After October 1st, we will not be able to offer any refunds.
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Food: The wonderful folks from the Rose will be catering the receptions with a variety of Stationed and passed Hors D'oeuvres. Each guest will also have a variety of breads and a salad at their table until they are asked to choose Beef or Chicken from our buffet dinner. Vegetarian’s will be served their entrees directly to their seats. Finish the night right with an open dessert bar!
Beverages: Water & Coffee - all you need to survive a night like this.
Adult beverages: Yes please! There will be an open bar during the Gala.
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We can’t answer this question without first saying that our team LOVES dogs. That said, because of the nature of this event, dogs are sadly not allowed unless they are service animals. Please respect those who do need to bring their service animals with them by leaving your (adorable but non-service) fur friends at home.
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The silent auction opens October 13th, 9am MST
The silent auction closes at October 24th, 7pm MST
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You can view the auction by clicking here.
Click “Sign Up/Login”
Once registered/logged in, click on the “Auction” on the top right corner.
We encourage you to set “Max Bids”
Credit card information is required to place a bid.
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We will be using mobile bidding. You will be able to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to keep up with the status of your bids and continue bidding until the auction closes. You can be the winning bidder from wherever you are in the world!
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Browse the silent auction and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and Bolder Bid will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid.
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You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages make sure you have the correct mobile phone number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes you will also receive a text message if you have won any items.
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Visit Golden has a comprehensive list of activities to enjoy before and after our dinner and awards celebration. With Clear Creek Canyon, the Coors Factory, and the best Golden Retriever concentration this side of the Mississippi has to offer, there's no shortage of things to do while you’re in town.
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Email [email protected] or call (303) 384-0110.
