Becca Polglase
Alpine Ambassadors are a group of climbers who lead 5.10+/WI3+ and are looking to push their limits together, learn from the mentorship of guides and highly accomplished climbers, and mentor others. This talented group is comprised of leaders from all branches with climbing programs, and committed to helping our leaders push their climbing limits.
Each year, we host Gateway Trips for our new Alpine Ambassadors, as well as skills-development trips for our volunteers who are competent climbers but are not yet leading 5.10 or WI3. These trips are designed to provide climbing growth and mentorship for top Mountaineers volunteers, often beyond what typical courses with The Mountaineers can provide.
Squamish 2020 - July 22-28
Our Rock Gateway trip to Squamish typically happens in July. On this trip, participants stay at a campground in Squamish. The program is typically 7 days long, with the middle day as a rest day. In normal years, participants on this trip climb with local experts and professional guides, who provide mentorship in climbing technique and efficiency. The trip typically has a mix of cragging and multipitch, and participants will climb in different groups each day.
This year, in light of COVID-19 and the resulting economic crisis, we will be reaching out to more local expert climbers as well as accomplished climbers from around the PNW to volunteer as mentors, rather than paying for guides. Squamish is full of talented local climbers and we are excited to be able to have our volunteers learn from them. We encourage all of our dedicated volunteers who are climbing at 5.9 or above to apply! It's a great way to connect with a community of climbers who are continuing to push their grades. Applications are due by May 15.
We also recognize that a number of unknowns remain about the summer, including whether we will be able to go to Canada. While our goal is to run the trip July 22-28, we are also working on contingency plans, including alternative dates and alternative locations, so we can continue to support this important community of volunteer leaders.
Spring Ambassadors-Hosted Trips
This spring, our Alpine Ambassadors had scheduled two trips for our volunteers: a trip to Red Rock Canyon and a trip to Indian Creek. These are important trips because they allow us to pass the mentorship forward, and provide an opportunity for our dedicated volunteers to focus on their own personal climbing development. These trips include instruction and camping/lodging fees, so participants only need to pay for transportation and food.
We're disappointed to have to postpone these trips, as the participants are dedicated and deserving volunteers. Our hope is to reschedule both trips for the fall. We'll stay in touch with the participants as we continue to learn more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALPINE AMBASSADORS
Alpine Ambassadors are a group of climbers looking to push their limits together, learn from the mentorship of guides and highly accomplished climbers, and mentor others. Those climbing at a 5.9/WI2 level or above can apply to join a Gateway Trip and become a part of Alpine Ambassadors. All Mountaineers climbing volunteers are encouraged to apply for Ambassadors-hosted trips like this September trip to Squamish.
