American Alpine Club

Mission Statement

The American Alpine Club was founded in 1902 and is the leading national organization in the United States devoted to mountaineering, climbing, and the multitude of issues facing climbers. With an emphasis on adventure, scientific research and education, the Club is dedicated to:

• the promotion and dissemination of knowledge about the mountains and mountaineering through its meetings, publications and libraries;
• the cultivation of mountain craft, and the promotion of good fellowship among climbers;
• the study of the high mountains of the world, the gathering of facts and the observation of phenomena pertaining to them;
• the production of a series of illustrated publications to present a complete description of the alpine mountains of the world;
• the scientific exploration of high mountain elevations and of the regions lying within or about the Arctic and Antarctic circles;
• the conservation and preservation of the mountain environment; and
• the representation of the interests and concerns of the American climbing community

The AAC is a not-for-profit organization supported by gifts and grants from individuals, corporations and foundations, income from restricted endowments, membership dues, and the sale of publications.