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
 

2025 Rick Allen Skills Award: APPLICATIONS OPEN

The Rick Allen Skills Award (RASA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 programme.

Established in 2024 with funding from a generous bequest left to the Club by former vice-president Rick Allen, the RASA is designed to help competent young alpinists to progress to longer and more challenging multi-day routes in the Alps and Greater Ranges.

Over seven days, course attendees will climb with guides in a 2:1 climber to guide ratio and complete at least one bivouac. The emphasis of the instruction will be on helping climbers to develop the independent decision-making skills that will allow them to progress to more adventurous and committing routes.

The instruction is subsidised, with the AC covering 75% of the cost. The course also includes a training weekend in the Lake District which applicants should ensure they are able to attend.

Applications are open to established teams of two climbers, of comparable ability and fitness, both of whom are full members of the Alpine Club. Applicants should be in the process of developing competence on alpine routes of AD+, and multi-pitch rock routes of VS/HVS, and have a resumé which reflects this.

Applications will close on 21 March 2025.

You can learn more about the course, including how to submit your application, via the Rick Allen Skills Award Page.