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 MemberSymposia
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
To Saturday 08 March 2025
Alongside Mountaineering Scotland, the Scottish Mountaineering Club and the BMC, the Alpine Club is one of the host organisations for the 2025 Scottish International Winter Climbing Meet.
The Scottish Winter Climbing Meet has been a highlight on the international climbing calendar for over 25 years and has attracted climbers from across the world eager to sample the unique Scottish winter experience. The meet has been running since 1997 and was last held in 2023. Overseas guests are paired up with experienced UK-based hosts - an excellent formula that has proved to be very successful. In return for sharing their local knowledge and expertise, UK climbers gain a wider perspective by climbing with their international visitors.
A number of Alpine Club members will be among the hosts for the 2025 meet and look forward to welcoming and climbing with our international visitors.
