American Alpine Club Membership

Starting at just $45/year, we’ve re-imagined the membership experience to better serve you—wherever you may be in your climbing journey. From bouldering to big walls, to discovering the sport at your local gym, we’re in this together. The Club, and the community, have got your back.


Which membership is right for you?

When you join the Club, no matter what membership level you sign up for, your contribution supports our work in policy and advocacy, educating climbers, and connecting our climbing community both nationally and locally.

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*Student, military, and family membership discounts are available for the Partner membership level.


Film by AAC member Ben Garza


Climb. Protect. Educate. Connect.

Membership level: All members support the following work through their contributions.

Policy + Advocacy

Protect the places you climb. The AAC was founded–and still exists today–because the mountains hold great power. The AAC policy team is working hard with partners, lawmakers and agency leaders to address issues facing outdoor recreation. Learn more

Education

Climb smart, climb safe. For over 100 years the AAC has led climbing education by documenting successes and failures and recommending best practices. Learn more

Community

Get involved. Chapters are smaller, localized organizations within the AAC. Our Chapters work on a grassroots level in communities across the country by connecting members through local events, stewardship projects, and education. Learn more


Free T-shirt With Membership

Membership levels: All members

Show pride in being a part of the largest community of climbers in the country with this limited edition AAC t-shirt, free with any Club membership. The t-shirt is made of a super soft tri-blend material (50% recycled polyester/38% cotton/12% rayon).


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Member Rescue Benefit

Membership levels: Partner, Leader, and Advocate

Protect yourself. Climbing can be a risky pursuit, but one worth the price of admission. With the newly enhanced rescue and medical expense coverage powered by Redpoint Travel Protection, you can tie in a little easier knowing the Club has got your back. If disaster strikes, this benefit can rescue you from the crag, get you to the hospital, and even pay your direct medical expenses once you’re there.

$38,406

in rescue and medical claims paid out to members year-to-date by Redpoint

Rescue Benefit details

Click below to expand details on each coverage item.

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• $7,500 rescue benefit:
Designed to get you from the site of an accident away from home to the nearest appropriate medical facility and aimed at covering rescue, ambulance, and other transportation expenses along the way up to $7,500. Please see rescue FAQ’s for exclusions and limitations.


• $5,000 in medical expense coverage:
That's right; once you're at the hospital, your AAC benefit may reimburse up to $5,000 in medical expenses per incident (subject to conditions to be found in the FAQ and coverage description), and up to $10,000 per year. It’s important to note that you do not need to be rescued by Redpoint Travel Protection for your medical expense coverage to apply to an accident away from home. Medical reimbursement applies only for medical expenses incurred which are necessary for emergency stabilization due to a specific emergency incident. This program does not apply to continued care after member is stabilized. Medical expenses must be necessary, reasonable, and customary for coverage to apply. Please see rescue FAQ’s for exclusions and limitations.


• Rescue expense reimbursement process:
Rescue expense reimbursement process: Let’s make sure you're not left holding the bill because you were unable to call Redpoint to arrange for a rescue. To ensure a seamless coverage experience and a well-coordinated rescue, it’s always best for you to coordinate with Redpoint during a climbing accident. However, if you are unable to contact Redpoint due to your medical condition or circumstances, you're now able to submit a request for reimbursement of up to $7,500 in rescue expenses after an eligible incident. Please see rescue FAQ’s for exclusions and limitations.


• Upgrade for $300K rescue benefit:
Protect yourself, and your wallet, with $300,000 in medical evacuation coverage—nearly guaranteeing that no matter where your accident takes place, you’re expenses will be taken care of. When you sign up for the Leader ($250/year) AAC membership, you’ll receive coverage for up to $300,000 in medical transport to your home country hospital of choice. Current AAC members can easily upgrade to the Leader membership level—your existing membership will be prorated accordingly.


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Discounts

Membership levels: All members, discounts vary by membership level. Supporter level members do not receive discounts at AAC lodging facilities.

Climbing can be expensive. AAC members get deep discounts from 300+ outdoor brands, as well as savings at AAC lodging facilities, partner climbing gyms, and guide services across the country.

  • Patagonia - 20% off

  • Rab - 20% off

  • Mountain Hardwear - 20% off

  • Black Diamond - 20% off

  • Outdoor Research - 40% off

  • Prana - 15% off

  • KAVU - 40% off

  • Rocky Talkie - 20% off

  • Friction Labs - 20% off

  • Sterling Ropes - 15% off

  • Big Agnes - up to 40% off

  • Asana - 25% off

  • Cotopaxi - up to 30% off

  • Fjallraven - 20% off


Climbing Books

Accidents + American Alpine Journal publications

Membership levels: Partner, Leader, and Advocate. Both books are delivered in the fall to all members who opt to receive them.  

Informed and inspired. Club members enjoy printed or digital annual editions of two of climbing’s most historic and treasured publications: Accidents in North American Climbing and The American Alpine Journal.

Accidents in North American Climbing details the most noteworthy climbing and skiing accidents each year. Climbers, rangers, rescue professionals, and editors analyze what went wrong, so you can learn from others’ mistakes.

The American Alpine Journal, published since 1929, documents mountain exploration and the year’s most significant ascents through first-person reports and photos—an essential historical record and a feast of inspiration.

American Alpine Club Library

Membership levels: All members

For climbing bibliophiles. The Club has one of the most extensive climbing libraries in the world. The library is housed in Golden, CO, but we’ll ship you whatever you want to read, for free!

Use the Guidebook Finder to check out a guidebook for your next climbing trip, or search the catalog for a good climbing book or video. Having a hard time finding beta for your research project or next trip? Our library staff will help you with your research!


Grants

Membership levels: All members

Cash for climbing. The Club has a storied legacy of funding climbing-related projects—from expeditions to research—in support of our mission. With more than $175,000 in annual awards, you don’t have to be a pro to get your climbing dream funded. AAC grants are for climbers of all levels, from the first-timers heading outside to experienced climbers putting up first ascents in the greater ranges.

Cornerstone Conservation

Empowers healthy climbing landscapes by underwriting local crag conservation, infrastructure, and stewardship projects.

Scientific Research

Aids scientific endeavors contributing knowledge to our understanding of our climbing and mountain environments, global climber impacts, and sustainability.

Live Your Dream

Supports every-day adventurers looking to take their abilities to the next level, regardless of age, experience level, or discipline. Over $50k awarded each year to climbers like you!

Cutting Edge Grant

The Cutting Edge grant supports advanced, seasoned climbers undertaking high-level climbing and mountaineering objectives.