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 30 August 2025
Based in the Saas Valley, Switzerland at the Camping am Kapellenweg, 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.
Please note: For those members attending the subsidised training, minimum attendance for the meet is 1 week.
The meet also welcomes members not taking part in the aspirants course and, in past years, has been extremely well attended by established members who have had the opportunity not only to climb, but also to meet and get to know younger members. If you would like to attend the meet and stay at the Camping am Kapellenweg, but do not wish to take part in the formal training, please send the following info to Nick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:
- Full name.
- Date of birth.
- Dates of attendance.
You will be asked to fill in an on-line contact form and declaration nearer the time.
We look forward to seeing you in Saas!
