The Alpine Club, the world’s first mountaineering club, was founded in 1857.  For over 150 years, members have been at the leading edge of worldwide mountaineering development and exploration. 

With membership, experienced and aspiring alpinists benefit from a varied meets programme, regional lectures with notable guest speakers, reduced rates at many alpine huts, opportunity to apply for grants to support expeditions, significant discounts at many UK retailers, extensive networking contacts, access to the AC Library and maps - and more! 

Becoming a Member
 

Symposia

Below is a list of Alpine Club Symposia.

Organised by members of The Alpine Club, events focus on the mountains of a particular area, or on a specific aspect of mountaineering. Each symposium runs for a whole day and is typically held at a weekend in the Lake District, North Wales or the Peak District. During the day experts on the subject, including top mountaineers from around the world, give a series of illustrated presentations, creating an event that is both informative and inspiring. Take a look at the impressive list of speakers at recent and forthcoming symposia to see why these events are so popular. The symposia are usually open to members at a discount, as well as non-members.

Symposia are particularly useful for anyone planning an expedition or looking for new places to visit. Many expeditions have started in the bar after a symposium; but be warned: these events can be dangerously inspirational!

Events Calendar

Stephen Venables: Everest - East Side Story
Thursday 09 November 2023, 07:30pm
Thursday 09 November 2023

To mark a hundred years after the first British Everest expeditions of the 1920s, and 70 years after the first ascent in May 1953, Stephen intertwines his own personal Everest journey with the wider story of the world's highest mountain.

As the first Briton to climb Everest by a new route on the Kangshung Face in 1988, summiting alone without the use of supplementary oxygen, and as a mountaineering writer, broadcaster and historian, Stephen is uniquely placed to reflect on the climbing world's relationship with the mountain after 100 years of exploration on its slopes. 

Packed with personal anecdotes and insight, historical curiosities and fantastic photography, the lecture promises to be an informative and highly entertaining evening celebrating the mountaineers Everest.

Venue:  The Greta Suite of the Skiddaw Hotel, Main Street, Keswick, CA12 5BL.  
 
Lectures are free to members.  Non-members are welcome to attend for a suggested £3 donation to the Montane Alpine Club Climbing Fund.
 
Doors Open7pm.
Lectures start: 7.30pm.
 
Food is available before the lecture from the hotel bar. 
Location Keswick
31 Main St
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5BN