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

11th AC Saas Aspirants Meet
From Saturday 24 August 2024
To Saturday 07 September 2024
Contact Nicholas Smith
Saturday 24 August 2024

 

Based in the Saas Valley, Switzerland at Hotel Schönblick and the campsite opposite, this meet is aimed at aspirant members in their first or second alpine season, and full members keen to refresh their skills. The Saas valley is flanked by numerous 4,000m peaks with dozens of mixed climbs in the lower grades, and is blessed with excellent transport links.

The meet has 36 places, and starts with two days spent developing alpine techniques with four mountain guides, including crevasse rescue and moving together, led by AC member Owen Samuel. The cost of the guides is subsidised by the AC. All members are welcome to attend the meet, even if not taking parting in the formal instruction.
 
You can read more about the meet in the documents below. 
 
 
If you would like to attend, please fill out the application form and send it on to Nicholas Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Places will fill up quickly, so if you are interested don't delay!