Photo by AAC member Jeremiah Watt.
You did it! Thanks to the generosity of our community, the American Alpine Club is starting 2026 on a strong note.
Together, we’re protecting climbing’s future — one gift, one climb, one community at a time.
Looking Back: 2025
The American Alpine Club made a real, measurable impact on the climbing community.
Dispersed $87,000 in climbing and expedition grants, including securing double the funding for our Climbing Grief Fund
Welcomed over 19,900 climbers from around the world to our lodging facilities—all while investing in major upgrades across each location
Advocated for and supported the passage of the EXPLORE Act to prioritize climbing access and outdoor recreation opportunities on America’s public lands
Preserved the culture and knowledge of climbing through our Library and Archives, including supporting over 112 research projects
Reached over 6 million climbers who viewed our new Prescription Videos, and delivered copies of our world-renowned publications, Accidents in North American Climbing and the American Alpine Journal to our members—offering 90 in-depth accident reports and analysis, and 249 inspiring stories from the cutting edge of our sport
Every one of these wins reflects your belief in the power of this community and your commitment to the AAC. Your generosity is what makes the AAC not just an organization—but a movement built by climbers, for climbers.
Looking Forward: 2026
In 2026, the American Alpine Club plans to continue providing these unique benefits to the climbing community, as well as deepening the quality of our resources for climbers. This includes:
Providing our rescue benefit and $5,000 in medical expense coverage to our Partner, Leader, Advocate, and GRF level members.
Continuing to deliver world-renowned publications and media, including the American Alpine Journal, Accidents in North American Climbing, Prescription videos, and the AAC and Cutting Edge podcasts.
Building programming that strengthens members’ connections and creates more opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate climbing.
Delivering double the amount of Climbing Grief Fund Grants to climbers who need therapeutic support in processing trauma and grief.
Increasing funding for the Research Grant to $9,000 during the AAC 2026 spring grants cycle.
Cultivating community hubs at our six lodging facilities situated near world-class climbing and outdoor recreation destinations.
Expanding our Great Ranges Fellowship events and communications.
Thank you so much for your contribution to the AAC. Your gift enables us to continue delivering critical resources to climbers and fuels the evolution of this shared passion.
We’re excited to continue delivering these invaluable resources and look forward to the next chapter.
Thank you for tying in with us.
