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
 

Events Calendar

12th AC Saas Aspirants Meet
From Saturday 16 August 2025
To Saturday 30 August 2025
Contact Nicholas Smith
Saturday 16 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.

The meet has 36 places, and starts with two days spent developing alpine techniques with four mountain guides, including crevasse rescue and moving together, led by AC member Owen Samuel. The cost of the guides is subsidised by the AC.
 
All members are welcome to attend the meet, even if not taking part in the formal instruction.
 
Those wishing to attend the formal training should read the information sheet and complete the application form below.
 


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.:

  1. Full name.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. 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!