Discover and Share

The mountains we love can be unforgiving at times. In order to be prepared for our adventures, the AAC, with the Alpine Club of Canada, publishes Accidents in North American Mountaineering. Our goal is to help you learn from the mistakes of others so you can come home safely and climb tomorrow.

Types of Mountaineering Accidents

Accidents in North American Mountaineering routinely covers accidents that are caused by the following:

• Inadequate protection, clothing, or equipment
• Inexperience
• Errors in judgment
• Pursuing objectives beyond the abilities of the climbing team

For each mountaineering accident, we analyze what went wrong and how you can best avoid the same mistake.

Climbing Accident Data

The Accidents in North American Mountaineering statistical tables are now online. The statistical tables, ranging from 1951 to 2007, contain information on the total number, locations, and causes of accidents.

Alpine Accidents in Canada is an online, indexed database of historical data and accident analysis, put together by Alpine Club of Canada volunteers.

The printed version of Accidents in North American Mountaineering also contains more than 50 years worth of accident data in table form.

How to Get Accidents in North American Mountaineering

AAC members receive a complimentary copy with their annual membership.

Copies also are available for purchase in many retail bookstores, mountaineering equipment shops, or directly from our distributor, The Mountaineers Books. Orders can be placed directly through their website or by calling 800-553-4453.

Do you have an accident that should be published?

Accidents in North American Mountaineering depends upon submissions from injured climbers, their partners, search and rescue organizations, park officials, and news reports.

If you know of an accident that others could learn from, please contact:
John E. (Jed) Williamson
7 River Ridge Road
Hanover, NH 03755
jedwmsn@mac.com