The Questions We Get

The library has only a few resources for mountaineering statistics. We're fortunate to have Accidents in North American Mountaineering and the Himalayan Database at our disposal, but these aren't enough. As mountaineering and climbing accidents become increasingly popular news (such as last winter's Mount Hood and Fowler/Boskoff incidences), we're getting more requests for statistical information.

Year to date, the library staff has answered 50% more reference questions than at this point last year. Inquiries related to mountaineering statistics account for much of that increase. Here are a few examples:

• How many people summitted Everest in 2001?
• How many deaths were reported on Everest in 1986?
• Who is the oldest North American to summit Everest?
• Where can I find a list of the world's highest peaks that are still unclimbed?

Please email us at library@americanalpineclub.org or comment to this post if you're aware of resources for statistical information related to mountaineering. We appreciate your help!

Construction Update

Just wanted to show how construction of the Bradford Washburn Mountaineering Museum is impacting the library. As you may already know, the museum is being built right next door to the library. It is a partnership between the American Alpine Club, Colorado Mountain Club, and National Geographic Society.

This temporary wall was built to minimize dust and noise in the library as the original wall behind it comes down. Over the next few months, a set of doors will be installed that will replace the original wall. The doors will open into a brand-new reading room that the library and museum will use as a shared resource. The reading room will allow access into the museum.

In the meantime, the museum is really shaping up! It is scheduled to open in late winter 2008 and will be one of the world's leading resources for mountains, mountaineering, and mountain cultures. Check out their blog.

Historic Ascent In India

Our colleagues from the Calcutta section of The Himalayan Club do a wonderful job keeping us informed of mountaineering news in their part of the world. We've received a press release from the HC announcing that the first Indian civilian ascent of Mt. Nilkanth (6595m) has been achieved. Another highlight of this expedition is that the climb was achieved in a single stretch of 57 hours!

Located in the state of Uttaranchal in India, there have only been four successful ascents of this difficult mountain. A full report will be published soon, but you can learn more here.

This news follows less than a year after the HC's ascent of Mt. Kamet (7756m), which was organized to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of that mountain.

The Himalayan Club is a major contributor to the AAC library's archive of historic expedition reports. The HC is also largely responsible for our complete set of The Himalayan Journal, the HC's annual publication. The Journal has been published since 1929 and ours may be the only complete set in the United States.

Above are two photos from the expedition that were taken near the summit of Nilkanth (courtesy of The Himalayan Club). Congratulations to all the team members!

UPDATED: The full report has arrived at the library. Please contact Gary at glandeck@americanalpineclub.org if you would like to have a copy

Women Breaking Barriers in Pakistan

An article in today's Aspen Daily News discusses the Pakistani Women's Climbing Camp, a joint project of the American Alpine Club and Alpine Club of Pakistan. Eight American women are leading an effort to cultivate a tradition of mountaineering among Pakistani women. Local response to the project was overwhelming and there will be about 100 participants on this expedition.

Such efforts are groundbreaking in a country where cultural norms impede women from participating in sports. Follow the PWCC's progress on their blog and support their effort.

GTCR Featured in Jackson Hole Magazine

An interesting article about the Grand Teton Climber Ranch appears in the summer/fall issue of Jackson Hole Magazine, a publication by Jackson Hole News. The article does not appear online, but copies of the magazine can be obtained from the publisher. You can also stop by the library to see our copy. The Ranch hosts a "work week" for volunteers to keep the place running.

The GTCR has been owned and operated by the AAC since 1970. The Ranch, located at the base of the Grand Teton, is open from mid-June to early September. AAC members can stay for just $8.00 per night! Another great reason to join the AAC.

Brittany Griffith in Siberia

Check out this YouTube video featuring the AAC's Events Coordinator, Brittany Griffith. In this video, she and her colleague JT discuss the history and culture of rock climbing in Siberia. These folks don't seem to have any reservations about free-soloing 5.9 slabs!


Brittany is a sponsored athlete and is currently on a climbing world-tour. You can follow her on her blog, BAG-gage: The Adventures of Brittany Griffith. She called a few days ago looking for beta on the Pyrenees and Oman. Oman was tough, but we're trying to get a copy of this book for her.

AAC, CMC, and Friends members take note: If we don't have it, we'll get it for you!

Atkinson Featured in AMC Outdoors

The library just received its copy of the July/August AMC Outdoors, the publication of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Guess who's on the front cover? If you guessed Bill Atkinson, chair of the AAC's New England Section, you're correct.

The feature article is a tribute to Bill and his 50+ year climbing career. Recounting Bill's climbs in the Alps, Tetons, Red Rocks, and the White Mountains, the article also examines Bill's remarkable ability to instill in others a love for the mountains and for climbing. The AAC library has guidebooks that cover all the places Bill has explored. AAC members can borrow these and the thousands of other books available in our catalog.

The AAC is "America's leading organization for all climbers" because it has so many leaders like Bill. Join the AAC today!