Young Alpinist Group
Will Lewallen on the south pillar of Barre Noire, Ecrins. Photo: Tim Exley
This is to mark the current position of the UK’s ‘Young Alpinist Group.’
About
The concept is simple: improve the safety and knowledge of young alpine climbers, helping them to progress to the higher levels.
To expand this slightly:
Improving safety and knowledge through mentoring and sharing of ideas from more experienced climbers; reflecting on positive and negative outcomes; expert tuition and instruction in core skills (for example, avalanche training, self/partner rescue, crevasse rescue, first aid); all climbing is in alpine style, with an emphasis on learning more about alpinism; regular climbing trips to alpine destinations, with an emphasis on adventure and preparation for the Greater Ranges.
‘Young’ means approximately between the ages of 20 and 30 years old.
Candidates must be from the UK, or UK-based.
Candidates will already be experienced climbers. This means they will have already climbed above E1 on UK trad routes on mountainous crags and sea cliffs; they will have already climbed in Scotland in winter, or in a similar environment; they will have already climbed in the European Alps (or similar) in summer and winter; they will already have climbed several long routes or ‘grand courses’ up to a reasonable standard, in alpine style.
Able to competently travel through the mountains on skis.
Motivated and ambitious in their climbing. Wanting to climb hard routes in alpine style in the Greater Ranges around the world.
Dedicated to the group and the concept. Willing to give time and energy into trips, even if they aren’t financially supported.
The Group has a maximum of 10 places. Mentees stay for approximately 2 years. Ideally, the Group has a 50/50 gender split.
Support
Mountain Equipment and Petzl have contributed equipment to the group. The Alpine Club and British Mountaineering Council have contributed financial support.
Further information about the group’s events, support and funding can be found on the website.
I wrote about the idea of a mentoring group in 2017.
Examples of the French or New Zealand mentoring schemes can be found online.
Future/Funding
Since it’s founding in summer 2019, the Group has had several ‘meets’ (climbing trips), a 10-person team has been formed, and further ambitious trips are planned. The idea is that each member joins for about 2 years, and all trips and courses are fully paid for. Towards the end of each 2-year rotation, a larger trip/expedition is planned - for example, to the Greater Ranges.
This Group requires approximately £10,000 per year to operate:
The trip costs for mentees (at least three trips/meets per year, with up to 10 mentees and at least one mentor/older climber)
Some expenses for mentors, but no profit/wage/salary
Fees for professional instruction during the Skills Courses (crevasse rescue etc)
Equipment purchase for the Group and
The crux is currently funding. Young climbers want (but might not need) time, money and skills to go climbing. The Group aims to provide these three with financial support for each trip, an emphasis on personal progression through mentoring/knowledge sharing, and occasional skills courses to improve safety. All funding options are being considered and are welcome.
Read More
Here’s the Group’s Instagram and Facebook
Here’s the report for the latest meet in the Ecrins (France).