Front Range Section americanalpineclub.org/frontrange • frontrange@americanalpineclub.org The 1,200 members of the Front Range Section have plenty to keep them busy, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Shelf Road and everything between! This year, the section launched after-work climbing meet-up groups, stewardship projects, a speaker series, and a themed annual dinner. > Chair Carol Kotchek • Louisville, CO Carol has been climbing for 30 years and has given back considerably to the community through active stewardship roles and a host of planned activities for the Club. She organizes and leads the annual International Climbers’ Meet in Yosemite (p. 36) and has started a Member Adventure Speaker Series, which highlights members’ climbing trips from around the world. This year, she orchestrated the Front Range’s first annual Section Dinner, which brought over 200 members of the community together in “thrift store black tie” attire.
New Mexico Section americanalpineclub.org/newmexico • newmexico@americanalpineclub.org Here in New Mexico we tend to check out the granite of the Sandias, the huge multi-pitch routes near Las Cruces and Chama, and cruise the hundreds of canyons scattered across the state. New Mexico now has its first Section Chair, Pat Gioannini, who is ramping up new events and stewardship projects across the state. Say hi and lend a hand! > Chair Pat Gioannini • Las Cruces, NM Pat developed a passion for climbing as a college student in the 1980s, exploring mostly the Organ Mountains and Dona Anna Mountains near Las Cruces. After college he climbed across the West and spent two summers at McMurdo Station Antarctica supporting NASA’s Long Duration Balloon program. In 2011 he participated in the AACfunded Cordillera Blanca Environmental Expedition and learned of the satisfaction coming from volunteering. He recently moved back to Las Cruces and is now developing a stronger AAC community in the area.
Utah Section americanalpineclub.org/utah • utah@americanalpineclub.org Home to world-class cragging and more than 300 members, we work closely with local climbing organizations across the state. In 2013, we’re partnering with the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance to bring the Craggin’ Classic back to Utah (p. 28). Come out for a weekend of community, fun, stewardship, great music, food, prizes, and more! > Chair Blake Summers • Midway, UT Blake resides just outside of Salt Lake City, on the Wasatch back where he skis and boards 100+ days a season—and has for the last 16 years—and aims to climb at least that much every year too. Blake shares his passion for the mountains with others via working as a climbing guide for White Pine Touring in Park City and by volunteering for the great community that is the AAC, as well as the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance.
Western Slope Section americanalpineclub.org/westernslope • westernslope@americanalpineclub.org The Western Slope is home to about 400 members and the climbing of Rifle Mountain Park, Ouray, the Black Canyon, Escalante Canyon, and much more. We’d like to welcome Lee Jenkins as our new Section Chair. He’ll be planning events and stewardship projects across the state and could use your help—it’s a great time to get involved! > Chair Lee Jenkins • Buena Vista, CO Lee Jenkins started climbing in 1973 in the Washington D.C. area, got hooked, and now has traveled and climbed across North America. He prefers long alpine rock routes but also climbs sport, trad, and ice on a regular basis. Lee has had a successful career in technology and is now semi-retired, leaving him with plenty of time to enjoy the mountains and organize stewardship and conservation projects for the AAC and Access Fund.
Wyoming Section americanalpineclub.org/wyoming • wyoming@americanalpineclub.org If it’s awesome, we have it here in our backyard: the Tetons and Winds, Devil’s Tower, Vedauwoo, Tensleep, Sinks, you name it. Connect with the other 200+ members in Wyoming by starting your own tradition or volunteering for the annual Cody Ice Festival. > Chair Dan Foote • Cody, WY Growing up watching firefighters use ropes for rescue, Don took an interest in ropes of all sizes. He moved to Cody to become a wildland firefighter in 1988 and began climbing ice the next year. Don organized the first Cody Ice Climbing Festival—now in its 15th year—in 1998. Referred to as the “friendliest little ice climbing festival” in the country, you don’t want to miss it! Don loves representing the AAC and welcoming new members.
Q • How many 14,000’+ peaks are in Colorado?
IN YOUR BACKYARD //
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