American Alpine Club Mentorship // Alpine Track 2026-2027 // Women's Team

ABOUT

The AAC Mentorship Alpine Track is a year-long program designed to build advanced proficiency in alpine rock, ice, and glaciated terrain through practical coaching, teamwork, and technical field programs. This year’s cohort will comprise of a men’s team and a women’s team, each with four participants, coached by cutting-edge alpinists Sam Hennessey and Anne Gilbert Chase.

The Alpine Track is designed around four in-person field modules, culminating in the summer of 2027; additionally, there will be opportunities to participate in asynchronous events with coaches and expert advisors. Field modules allow participants to apply skills with coaching feedback, including technical systems, risk assessment, and trip planning.

This track is open to AAC members looking to develop the skills needed to plan and execute technical climbs and trips in alpine environments. Teams are inclusive; applicants who do not identify with a specific team should apply to the team with which they are most comfortable. 

SCHEDULE

Note that locations may change due to extenuating factors, such as weather conditions: 

April 8 - May 15 Application Window

June 15 - 30 Participant Notification & Confirmation

July 1 - 15 Participant Onboarding 

September 1 - 8, 2026 Module 1 - Rock Rescue & Alpine Rock Climbing

• Location: Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, WY
• Focus: Team building, alpine and rock climbing, rock rescue, raises, lowers, belay escapes, rappelling safety and efficiency, medical review, etc.
• Gear List: Rock climbing equipment, clothing, ice axe/crampons

December 1 - 8, 2026 Module 2 - Ice Climbing & Winter Rescue 

• Location(s): Gallatin National Forest Bozeman, MT and Shoshone National Forest, Cody, WY, 
• Focus: Ice and winter climbing, winter rescue, avalanche rescue refresher, large group situations, shelter building, etc.
• Gear List: Winter climbing clothing, ice climbing equipment, avalanche rescue equipment

March 15 - 20, 2027 Module 3 - Rock & Ice Climbing, Technical Skills & Rescue 

• Location: Gallatin National Forest, Bozeman, MT (location subject to change)
• Focus: Rock and ice climbing, technical skills, team rescue, advanced rescue, emergency response, ice climbing, rescue practice
• Gear List: Avalanche Rescue Gear, Ice Climbing Gear, Rock Climbing Gear

June TBD 2027, Module 4 - Glacier Mountaineering

• Location: North Cascades National Park, Bellingham, WA (location subject to change)
• Focus: Glacier mountaineering overview, snow camping, packing, equipment sorting, approach, snow anchors, and crevasse rescue, glacier climb
• Gear List: Rock climbing gear (in case of bad weather), mountaineering boots/clothes, camping equipment

PREREQUISITES 

The AAC is looking for applicants with alpine climbing and mountaineering experience. Alpine climbing can be varied and complex; candidates should have a high degree of physical fitness and demonstrate technical proficiency across a variety of rock, ice, and glaciated terrain. Most importantly, candidates must be willing to learn and adapt, possess exceptional maturity and humility, exhibit sound decision-making, and have a “team first” approach with their coaches and teammates. 

At the time of application, candidates must be:

• Current AAC Member
• A citizen or permanent resident of the US 
• 18 or older

By August 15, 2026 candidates must have a current:

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for Wilderness First Aid, i.e., a 16-hour in-person course
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) CPR certification

By February 25, 2027, candidates must have completed: 

• An American Avalanche Association (A3) Recreational Level 1 + Rescue Day or equivalent

Recommended minimum experience level for applicants:

• General: 5 years minimum outdoor climbing experience, comfort in a winter environment
• Climbing standard: Experience with multipitch routes up to grade III
• Rock climbing standard: 5.9 trad
• Ice climbing standard: WI3 leader
• Fitness: Ability to ascend/descend 9,000 feet in a day
• Proficiency on skis is a bonus
• These qualifications are meant as a guideline to help applicants understand the minimum technical skills required to meaningfully participate and grow with the team. If you meet the majority of requirements, we encourage you to apply.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS

Participants must commit to the full schedule, attend all field modules with the required equipment, demonstrate a willingness to learn, and have a desire to be part of a team. Throughout the program, participants agree to appear in and contribute to AAC media related to the program.

The AAC does not charge a fee for participation in the program, and will cover participant lodging during field modules. The AAC will not cover travel, personal gear, or general food costs.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

• AAC membership number
• Upload copies of proof of residency (ID card with date of birth and address, such as a driver's license)
• Upload WFA, CPR, and A3 Rec 2/Rescue Day certifications; if you have yet to complete these, upload the schedule of courses which you plan to complete to fulfill the requirements
• Fill out a climbing resume template to help us understand your background and current technical ability.
• Provide two references that can speak to your character and climbing ability
• Write a short essay of 500-1000 words, speaking to your approach to climbing, why going on expeditions appeals to you, and why being on the team would help your progression as a climber. 
• Submit a short video showcasing your personality and talent.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please view the AAC website for additional information, including gear lists - both what you should be prepared to bring and what the AAC will provide.