 |
If this email does not display properly, you can view it on our
web site in its complete form.
|
|
What's Inside:
- Feature Article:
Progression of a Mountaineer by Coley Gentzel
- Program Highlights:
Winter is here! Enjoy deep powder skiing in the Northwest, Rockies, or Sierra, or travel south for desert
rock climbing or treks and ascents in South America.
- Institute News:
New route established on Dogonomba in China -
AAI releases 2009 dates online -
Clinic and lecture series begins in Bellingham
- AAI Insider:
Expert Tips:
How to keep your camera happy and functional in the mountains
Guides Choice:
Winter gear has arrived - details on snow shovels and transceivers
Photo Contest:
Vote in the November contest and view previous contest winners
Dear Climber,
In this period of global challenge, I feel that we who
love and enjoy the mountains are very lucky people. In good times and hard times, it's easy for people to have their lives dominated by worries
or ambitions and miss opportunities to find joy in life - and take refreshment from the beauties that surround them in nature. Fortunately,
our passion for the outdoors gets us away from those pressures, out of our offices and homes, and into the mountains.
There amidst awe-inspiring beauty, we appreciate
nature's constancy and its independence from the human world. Nature provides us with its own pure and unfettered brand of
challenge, with no hidden agendas and no outside influences. It's just us and nature, and our only obligations are to be conscientious
in care of our surroundings, smart in our decision making, and open to absorbing its richness. We can admire and be refreshed by our surroundings,
and we get to take pride in our personal achievements there. Few things in life can be so refreshing.
Wishing you a great season and rewarding times in the mountains,
Dunham Gooding, Director
|
|
| |
Feature Article:
Progression of a Mountaineer -
by Coley Gentzel
"When most people find out I am a climber, they eventually get around to asking the question, 'so how did you get into climbing?'
After years of providing the same old canned response to that question, I began to feel pressed to expand on this a bit. In this article, I explore
the way feelings and points of view formed by my early climbing experiences shaped my future, and eventually led me to a life that is
filled with - and even driven by - mountains."
To read the full article, follow this
link.
|
|
 |
|
| |
Program Highlights:
New -
Introduction to Backcountry Skiing
Anticipating another big powder year in the North Cascades, we are now offering a 2-day backcountry skiing and snowboarding seminar
for intermediate skiers, and a 5-day program for beginning skiers. This program can also be combined
with our Avalanche Level 1
course for a comprehensive introduction to backcountry travel. Courses run December through April. It's also time to plan ahead for
skiing and snowboarding in
Colorado, the
Sierra, and the
Alps, and for ice climbing in
California and
Colorado.
Desert Rock Climbing: Red Rock and
Joshua Tree
As the weather turns to snow up north, rock climbing in the Southwest is more popular than ever. Programs for all
levels of climbers are now in full swing. Join us to experience climbing in the beautiful wilderness of
the Red Rock Canyon National Monument, or on the premium granite in Joshua Tree National Park. Programs run through mid-May.
Ecuador:
High Altitude Expedition
It isn't too late to sign up for the trip that "has it all." This program offers great hiking for acclimatization; a
well-rounded introduction to glacier travel, snow and ice climbing; and ascents at high altitude, including the much
sought after peaks - Cayambe and Cotopaxi (10 days) and Chimborazo (5-day option). Your views from high glaciers
down into the Amazon Basin plus rich cultural experiences help make this a
trip of a lifetime. Also check out our intermediate level Illiniza-Antisana Expedition
(10 days). Both run November to March.
Patagonia: Ice Cap Expedition
Join us to discover one of the least explored mountain areas in the world. Our Ice Cap Expedition
combines trekking, glacier travel, and a flexible itinerary that allows for one or two climbs of Gorra Blanca and/or Marconi
Sur. This program offers some of the most stunning views on Earth, from the regal peaks of Patagonia,
to the sparkling constellations of the southern sky. This program is perfect for any adventurer seeking a blend of
physical challenge, unique beauty, and rare experience. Also see our Fitzroy-Cerro Torre
Trek and Climb. 11 and 12-day programs run November through February.
|
|
|
|
|
Institute News:
|
 |
Want current news? Check out our BLOG!
Visit the blog daily for climbing conditions in many areas, breaking news in climbing and climbing politics, guide interviews,
info on new routes, and all things climbing. It's a blend of technical info, videos, photos, humor, and even serious
observations! |
|
2009 dates released online
We have just released the 2009 dates for all domestic and international programs, and courses are beginning to fill! Call us at
360-671-1505 to check availability, or register online. |
|
Guide Aidan Loehr completes new route on China's Dogonomba
In October, two AAI guides and two climbers completed a 23-day exploratory climbing expedition in the Daxue Shan area, investigating
new routes on the north and west ridges of Dogonomba and attempting a climb of Reddomaine. After this intensive trip and a solo scouting
of Minya Konka, guide Aidan Loehr completed a new route on Dogonomba (19,550') on November 2. On this solo ascent,
Aidan climbed the west ridge which was a complex mix of moderate and steep snow and ice and also technical loose rock slopes.
For more information on
Aidan's adventures in China, click here. |
|
AAI free clinic series begins November 19th
The AAI office and equipment shop will begin holding monthly (and free!) lectures and clinics beginning this month.
Join us on the 19th for "An Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding." We'll discuss gear selection,
tips for where to go in the North Cascades, and techniques for beginners and those with more experience in the backcountry.
On December 10th, we'll hold a free avalanche awareness seminar. Click here for more
information! |
|
|
 |
Expert Tips
Using Your Camera in the Mountains
by Alasdair Turner
Do you ever think twice about bringing your camera on a climbing trip? Not sure it's a good idea?
In this month's Expert Tips article, AAI guide and photographer Alasdair Turner discusses why bringing your camera is
a good idea, and how to protect and use it to your advantage. Read Alasdair's article and check out some of his
incredible photos here.
Follow this link to read eighteen more
Expert Tip articles.
Guide's Choice:
Guides Choice - 2008 Winter Selection
The Guides Choice Award
is given to items of equipment and clothing that have proven to be of the highest quality in their product category on the
basis of excellence in design, performance, and durability.
 |
Voile Telepro Shovel
A great shovel to carry when venturing into the unknown. Solid handle/shovel blade connection to move heavy
snow. Telescoping handle for maximum leverage. Can be used as a deadman anchor as well. Lightweight on your back and
on your wallet. |
 |
Ortovox Transceiver
There are many avalanche transceiver models available, and nine of them are directional multiple-antenna beacons.
So which is the best one? This season, we believe that it is the Ortovox S1 2.0, which has a new, upgradeable
software system that makes this beacon "think" faster and more accurately than other units. This
transceiver also has an easy-to-read screen that allows the user to see the burial as an icon which varies
in size with the distance from the rescuer. Rather than being abstract, this visual display makes this
system far more intuitive than other models. This new model was just released, and we have found
it to be a faster and more effective tool than the units we have have tested in the past. |
For advice on other gear, browse the Guides Choice website.
Photo Contest
→ November 2008 Photo Contest: Vote for your favorite!
The photos are in, and now it's time for you to decide which finalists deserve to be winners.
→ Winner of
August 2008 Photo Contest (click to see 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners):
Congratulations to Chad Oelke of Oakland, California, for winning first place in our August Photo Contest!
Here is Chad's winning photo:
"Off for a Day of Summer Ice Climbing in the Dana Couloir in the High Sierra"
→ Enter the next Photo Contest!
Send your best mountain photo to climberspath@aai.cc and have a chance at winning some great prizes!
Please include your full name, address, and a caption for the photo.
AAI is the longest continuously ACCREDITED AMGA GUIDE SERVICE in the United States
Founded in 1975, the American Alpine Institute is dedicated to helping beginning and experienced
climbers improve their skills and safely gain access to the great mountains of the world while protecting the natural environment. We offer AMGA accredited instructional courses,
guided trips, and expeditions throughout the year in 6 states and 16 countries.
American Alpine Institute
1515 12th Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225
Read past issues of AAI's E-newsletter.
UNSUBSCRIBE
If you prefer not to receive email newsletters from the American Alpine Institute in the future, please click here.
|
|
|
|
