BURSTThe American Alpine Club (AAC) has completed the first field module of its inaugural Alpine Track mentorship program, a yearlong initiative designed to develop technical climbing skills and experience among eight AAC members. The first module focused on multipitch climbing, including gear placement, anchor systems and descent techniques. Participants also practiced rock rescue on single- and multipitch routes and learned how to plan for overnight climbing.
The program is coached by Sam Hennessey, a climber, skier and mountain guide based in southwest Montana, and Anne Gilbert Chase, a climber and mountain guide based in Bozeman, Montana.
Hennessey began climbing in the Olympic Mountains near Port Angeles, Washington, and has since climbed in the Cascades, Tetons, Alaska Range, Alps and Himalayas. He is an IFMGA-certified guide and holds Wilderness First Responder, CPR, Avalanche Level III and Leave No Trace Trainer certifications.
Chase began climbing at the University of Georgia before moving west and pursuing climbing in larger mountain environments. She has participated in more than 30 expeditions worldwide and has established first ascents on remote Himalayan peaks as well as technical rock and ice routes in North America. Her certifications include ACLS, PALS, BLS and CCRN.
Hennessey and Chase also spent time with participants away from climbing terrain at the AAC’s Grand Teton Climbers’ Ranch, where the group built trust and camaraderie through meals, map reviews and conversations.
“Mentorship is so much of the motivation behind why I climb. I find it really energizing,” said Suraj Kushwaha, one of four men participating in the program. The other participants are Stefanos Apostle, Maia Chrichlow, Emma Russell, Blake Berghoff Milo Corbus, Lauren Smith and Grace Staberg.
The participants bring a range of climbing and mountain backgrounds to the program. Chrichlow works as a mountain guide and said she joined the program to continue developing as both a mentor and mentee. Staberg comes from a competitive ski mountaineering background and said she wants to focus on alpine projects. Russell said seeing greater representation in climbing and ski mountaineering spaces has motivated her to help create similar environments for others.
Apostle said he is interested in keeping alpine areas accessible and supporting new routes in less-developed areas. Berghoff emphasized trust, companionship and commitment in his climbing and personal life, while Corbus described climbing as a way to challenge himself and learn more about himself. Smith cited community, mentorship and relationships as central to her climbing.
Kushwaha said his climbing experiences have included routes and areas such as the Elephant’s Perch, Mill Creek, Smuggler’s Notch, Eldorado Canyon and Mount Hooker, while also examining the political dimensions of climbing.
The AAC will also bring in expert advisors for workshops and clinics throughout the program, including climbers Jack Tackle and Kate Rutherford. The eight mentees will return for the program’s second field module in December. The group will travel to Bozeman, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming, to practice their developing skills on ice climbing terrain.
The Alpine Track is structured as a yearlong progression consisting of four in-person field modules, supplemented by opportunities to learn from coaches. Through practical coaching, teamwork and technical field programs, participants are developing the skills and experience needed to plan and execute technical climbs and trips in alpine environments.
It can’t be overstated just how important it is for young climbers to have strong mentors, especially young climbers who are seeking alpine objectives. YouTube videos and gym hangs do not replace one-on-one experience with veteran alpinists. It’s great to see this program taking root.
Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club is a national climbing organization that supports climbers through grants, mentorship programs, community gatherings and lodges, accident analysis and record-keeping. Learn more about the AAC’s mentorship program and meet the full team of mentees here.
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