American Alpine Club Awards

The American Alpine Club proudly presents yearly awards to those with outstanding achievements in conservation, climbing and mountaineering, mountain literature, and dedication to the Club.
 

Honorary Members

Honorary Membership is the highest award the AAC has to offer. It is given to those individuals who have had a lasting and highly significant impact on the advancement of the climbing craft.

  • Vitaly Mikhailovich Abalakov
    Rick Accomazzo
    Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of Abruzzi
    Buddha Basnyat
    Robert H. Bates
    Fred W. Beckey
    Arlene Blum
    Glen W. Boles
    Walter Bonatti
    Christian J. S. Bonington
    Oleg Borisenok
    David R. Brower
    Joe Brown
    Belmore Browne
    Charles G. Bruce
    James Bryce
    John Buchan
    Tommy Caldwell
    H. Adams Carter
    Riccardo Cassin
    Yvon Chouinard
    Nicholas B. Clinch
    Norman A. Clyde
    Arthur P. Coleman
    John N. Collie
    Jan & Herb Conn
    William M. Conway
    William A. B. Coolidge
    Robert W. Craig
    Ome C. Daiber
    Kurt Diemberger
    Jim Donini
    Norman G. Dyhrenfurth
    Robert C. Evans
    Glenn Exum
    Francis P. Farquhar
    John P. Farrar
    Benjamin G. Ferris
    Edward Feuz
    William O. Field
    Douglas W. Freshfield
    Tom Frost
    Fritiof M. Fryxell
    Francisque Gabet
    John Gill
    Adolphus W. Greely
    Jules J. Guilarmod
    Henry S. Hall, Jr.
    John Harlin, III
    Arthur P. Harper
    Elizabeth Hawley
    Kenneth A. Henderson
    Maurice Herzog
    Lynn M. Hill
    Edmund P. Hillary
    Thomas F. Hornbein, M.D.
    William P. House
    Charles S. Houston, M.D.
    H. John C. Hunt
    William H. Jackson
    Kevin Jorgeson
    Harish Kapadia
    Andrew J. Kauffman
    Layton Kor
    William S. Ladd
    Richard M. Leonard
    Leopold III of Belgium
    Jeffery Lowe
    George H. Lowe, III
    Albert H. MacCarthy
    Ian Macnaught-Davis
    Arisone Yuko Maki
    George H. Mallory
    Otis McAllister
    James P. McCarthy
    George Melville
    Armando Menocal
    Reinhold Messner
    Maynard M. Miller
    Dee Molenaar
    Terris Moore
    Arnold L. Mumm
    Phyllis B. Munday
    Tomatsu Nakamura
    Noel E. Odell
    Alison Osius
    Robert P. Peary
    Bernard Pierre
    Glenn Porzak
    William L. Putnam
    Gaston Rebuffat
    Louis F. Reichardt
    Mark Richey

    • Thomas Riggs
      Royal S. Robbins
      Andre Roch
      Theodore Roosevelt
      Steve Roper
      John Roskelley
      Galen A. Rowell
      Nazir Sabir
      John Salathe
      Audrey Salkeld
      Peter K. Schoening
      Douglas D. Scott
      Vittorio Sella
      Sir Ernest H. Shackleton FRGS
      Eric E. Shipton
      Oliver P. Smith
      Jans Christian Smuts
      Sydney Spencer
      Allen Steck
      Henry Lewis Stimson
      Tony Streather
      Edward L. Strutt
      Lionel Terray
      J. Monroe Thorington
      Harold William Tilman
      Miriam E. O’Brien Underhill
      Jorge Urioste
      Joanne Urioste
      Randy Vogel
      Charles D. Walcott
      H. Bradford Washburn
      Arnold Wexler
      John O. Wheeler
      James W. Whittaker
      Edward Whymper
      Fritz H. E. Wiessner
      George H. Wilkins
      John Edward (Jed) Williamson
      Walter A. Wood
      Fanny Bullock Workman
      William Hunter Workman
      Geoffrey Winthrop Young
      Shi Zhan-Chun

The Robert Hicks Bates Award

Robert Hicks Bates, a renowned explorer, alpinist, Peace Corps director and educator, accomplished numerous first ascents in Alaska and was a member of the American expeditions to K2 in 1938 and 1953. His literary contributions describing the K2 expeditions and his life of adventure in the mountains inspired young American climbers. He served the American Alpine Club in many capacities: member of the editorial board of the American Alpine Journal, Board member, President and Honorary President. Above all, he devoted his life to promoting the education and development of American youth through his years as a teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy, service with the Peace Corps, and other endeavors. To recognize his many contributions to American mountaineering and education of our nation's youth, the American Alpine Club established the "Robert Hicks Bates Award" for outstanding accomplishment by a young climber. It is to recognize a young climber who in the judgment of the selection committee has demonstrated exceptional skill and character in the climbing or mountaineering arts and has outstanding promise for future accomplishment.

The David Brower Conservation Award

David R. Brower, an active alpinist and member of the famed 10th Mountain Division with over seventy first ascents across the country, was a pioneer in the environmental movement in this country and abroad. He was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in conservation. Brower was the first Executive Director of the Sierra Club, founder of Friends of the Earth, and serves as Chairman of Earth Island Institute. His commitment to conservation contributed substantially to the establishment of sound global environmental practices. Brower was a lifetime member of the AAC and served as the organization's Vice President from 1956-58. The David R.Brower Award, created in 1991, is an annual award recognizing leadership and commitment to preserving mountain regions worldwide. The awardee, whose active personal role deserves public recognition, has made an important difference as a pathfinder, innovator and on the ground contributor who has motivated others to take action.

    • 2023: Connor Herson

    • 2022: Sean Bailey & Natalia Grossman

    • 2021: Kai Lightner

    • 2020: Jackson Marvell

    • 2019: Brette Harrington

    • 2018: Margo Hayes

    • 2017: Mason Earle

    • 2016: David Allfrey

    • 2015: Sasha DiGiulian

    • 2014: Madaleine Sorkin

    • 2013: Scott Bennett

    • 2012: Kyle Dempster

    • 2011: Hayden Kennedy

    • 2009: Alex Honnold

    • 2008: Dave Turner

    • 2007: Freddie Wilkinson

    • 2006: Colin Haley

    • 2004: David Graham

    • 2003:

      • Josh Wharton

      • Brian McMahon

    • 2000: Jonathan Copp

    • 2000: Lisa Rands

    • 1999: Chris McNamara

    • 1998:

      • Beth Rodden

      • Tommy Caldwell

    • 1997:

      • Stephanie Davis

      • Jeff Hollenbaugh

    • 1996:

      • Kathleen M. Brown

      • Chris Sharma

    • 2023: Mohonk Preserve

    • 2022: Rick Reese

    • 2021: Congressman Raúl Grijalva

    • 2020: Josh Ewing

    • 2019: Jeremy Jones

    • 2018: Sally Jewell

    • 2017: Kris McDivitt Tompkins

    • 2016: John Jarvis

    • 2015: Ken Yager

    • 2014: James Balog

    • 2013: Ellen Lapham

    • 2012:

      • Laura and Guy Waterman

      • John Stannard

    • 2011: Tom Frost

    • 2010: Conrad Anker

    • 2009: Lonnie and Ellen Thompson

    • 2008: Doug Tompkins

    • 2007: Yvon Chouinard

    • 2006: Dr. Alton C. Byers

    • 2005: Steve Davis

    • 2004: Michael J. Lewis

    • 2003: Lloyd Athearn

    • 2000: Rick Thompson

    • 1999: Roger Robinson

    • 1998: Greg Mortenson

    • 1997: Louis F. Reichardt

    • 1996: Michael G. Hall

    • 1995: Eve Tallman

    • 1995: Mark Hesse

    • 1994:

      • Chris Naumann

      • Cheia Naumann

      • Rob Hess

      • Steve Goryl

      • Steve Gipe

      • Scott Fischer

      • Brent Bishop

    • 1993: The CMC Conservation Committee

    • 1992: John Harts

    • 1991: Robert M. McConnell

The Angelo Heilprin Citation

It was through the dedicated efforts of Angelo Heilprin that The American Alpine Club was founded. In May 1901, he and twelve others met in Philadelphia to draft the objects of the proposed association. In March 1902, the AAC was formally organized; Angelo Heilprin was elected the first Vice President of the Club. The Angelo Heilprin Citation was established by the American Alpine Club in 1976. It is awarded annually to that person who has, in the opinion of the citation committee, shown exemplary service to the club. It is specifically understood that service to the club itself can be differentiated from outstanding mountaineering accomplishment or service through the club to the climbing community. The purpose of this citation is to recognize those who have worked to maintain and strengthen the organization and thus further its ability to serve its fundamental purposes. The selection committee is appointed annually by the president and is charged with preparing an appropriate presentation at the Annual Dinner.

The David A. Sowles Memorial Award

David A. Sowles was killed at the age of 29 in a tragic accident during a lightening storm in the Alps on August 4, 1963. He was considered a mountaineer's mountaineer. He climbed with grace, style, and elegance matched only by the professional guides. He moved swiftly, always safely, and with the utmost consideration for the welfare of his companions. The David A. Sowles Memorial Award was established in 1981 by his climbing partner and good friend Andrew Kauffman. It is conferred from time to time on mountaineers who have distinguished themselves, with unselfish devotion at personal risk or sacrifice of a major objective, in going to the assistance of fellow climbers imperiled in the mountains. It is dedicated to the memory of David A. Sowles.

    • 2023: Teresa Richey

    • 2022: John Heilprin & John Kascenska

    • 2021: Rick Merritt & Nancy Savickas

    • 2020: David Thoenen

    • 2019: Thomas Hornbein, MD

    • 2018: Ellen Lapham

    • 2017: David Riggs

    • 2016: Jim Donini

    • 2015: Cody Smith

    • 2014: Robert Hall

    • 2013: William Fetterhoff

    • 2012: Bruce Franks & Phil Powers

    • 2011: Bob Craig

    • 2010: Mark Richey

    • 2009: Charlie Sassara

    • 2008: James F. Henriot

    • 2007: Doug Colwell

    • 2006: Bill Atkinson

    • 2005: Virginia Boucher

    • 2004: Greg Sievers

    • 2003: Linda McMillan

    • 2002: Louis F. Reichardt

    • 2000: Eliza P. Moran

    • 1999: Verne Reed

    • 1998: Glenn E. Porzak

    • 1997: George Ross Sainsbury

    • 1996: Edward Everett Vaill

    • 1995: Michael Foley Browning

    • 1994: Theodore Paul (Sam) Streibert

    • 1993: Ann Carter

    • 1992: James Dell Morrissey

    • 1991: Philip Erard

    • 1990: John E. (Jed) Williamson

    • 1988: Armando M. Menocal III & Andrew John Kauffman

    • 1987: James P. McCarthy

    • 1986: John L. J. Hart

    • 1985: Henry S. Hall Jr

    • 1984: Robert H. Bates

    • 1983: John & Ruth Mendenhall

    • 1982: Kenneth A. Henderson

    • 1981: Horst Von Hennig

    • 1980: William Lowell Putnam

    • 1979: Charles S. Houston M.D.

    • 1978: Nicholas B. Clinch

    • 1977: H. Adams Carter

    • 1976: Raffi Bedayn

  • 2022

    • David Nyman

    2019

    • Dennis Urubko

    • Adam Bielecki

    • Jaroslaw Botor

    • Piotrek Tomala

    2016

    • Mike Helms

    • Bob Kandiko

    2013

    • Peter Hackett

    2009

    • Pemba Gyalje Sherpa

    2003

    • Charlie Sassara

    • Jack Tackle

    2002

    • Simone Moro

    • Tap Richards

    • Jason Tanguay

    • Dave Hahn

    1999

    • Richard French Wilcox, Jr.

    • Mountain Rescue Service

    1998

    • Elizabeth H. White

    1997

    • Anatoli Boukreev

    • Pete Athans

    • Todd Burleson

    1994

    • Ed Viesturs

    • Ed Webster

    1992

    • Paul Doherty

    • Harry McDade

    1990

    • John Martin Petroske

    1988

    • Jenny Lake Rangers of the Grand Teton National Park

    1985

    • Eiho Otani

    • James Wickwire

    • Kim Momb

    • Jack R. Durrance M.D.

    1983

    • Douglas J. Cannalte

    • Soichi Yamada

    • Sizuya Tanaka

    • Kiyo Saito

    • Yoshio Ota

    • Shunsuke Tamura

    • Tetsuro Hatano

    • Toshito Kabayshi

    • Soichi Funai

    1982

    • Gary Hemming

    1981

    • Leigh N. Ortenburger

    • Thomas O. Nevison

    • H.R.A. Streather

    • Peter K. Schoening

    • Charles S. Houston M.D.

    • Dee Molenaar

    • George I. Bell

    • Robert W. Craig

    • Dee Molenaar

    • Peter K. Schoening

    • H.R.A. Streather

    • Thomas O. Nevison

    • Leigh N. Ortenburger

The H. Adams Carter Literary Award

H. Adams “Ad” Carter (1914-1995) was an alpinist, language teacher, and Editor of the American Alpine Journal for 35 years. Read more about him in the American Alpine Journal linked here. The Literary Award was established to recognize excellence in alpine literature by North American writers. Recipients of the award have contributed extensively and over many years to mountain literature. Recipients are not selected through a submission process.

The Pinnacle Award

The Pinnacle award is to be given annually to a person who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has demonstrated the highest level of skill in the mountaineering arts and who, through the application of this skill, courage, and perseverance, has achieved outstanding success in the various fields of mountaineering endeavor.

  • Dougald MacDonald: 2023
    Pat Ament: 2022
    David Smart: 2021
    Geof Childs: 2020
    Kelly Cordes: 2019
    Jeff Jackson: 2018
    David Stevenson: 2017
    Katie Ives: 2016
    Jeff Lowe: 2015
    Freddie Wilkinson: 2014
    Duane Raleigh: 2013
    Bernadette McDonald: 2012
    Royal Robbins: 2011
    Doug Robinson: 2010
    Maria Coffey: 2009
    John Harlin, III: 2008
    Alison Osius: 2007
    John Long: 2006
    John Sherman: 2005
    Mark Jenkins: 2004
    Brad Washburn: 2003
    Galen Rowell: 2003
    Tami Knight: 2003
    Rick Ridgeway: 2002
    Audrey Salkeld: 1999
    Michael Kennedy: 1998
    Broughton Coburn: 1997
    Jonathan Waterman: 1996
    Steve Roper: 1995
    Allen Steck: 1995
    Elizabeth Hawley: 1994
    Jeff Long: 1993
    David S. Roberts: 1992
    Ed Webster: 1990
    H. Adams Carter: 1988
    Greg Child: 1987
    Jonathan Roblee Krakauer: 1986

  • Josh Wharton: 2023
    Joe Terravecchia: 2022
    Ron Kauk: 2021
    Jamie Logan: 2020
    Kate Rutherford: 2019
    Alex Honnold: 2018
    Mark Twight: 2017
    Kevin Mahoney: 2016
    Kim Schmitz: 2015
    Steve House: 2014
    Tom Frost: 2013
    Mark Richey: 2012
    Fred Beckey: 2011
    Royal Robbins: 2010
    Layton Kor: 2009
    John Gill: 2008
    Carlos Buhler: 2007
    Henry Barber: 2006
    Mark Wilford: 2005
    Charlie Fowler: 2004
    Jay Smith: 2003
    Conrad Anker & Nancy Feagin: 2002
    Annie Whitehouse: 2000
    Jim Bridwell: 2000
    Jack Tackle: 1999
    Jim Donini: 1999
    Allen Steck: 1998
    Steven J. Swenson: 1997
    Greg Child: 1996
    Robyn Erbesfield: 1996
    Stewart Alexander (Alex) Lowe: 1995
    Alison Keith Osius: 1994
    Michael P. Kennedy: 1994
    Louis F. Reichardt: 1993
    Terrance Manbeck Mugs Stump (Posthumously): 1992
    Catherine Calhoun Grisson: 1991
    Peter Croft: 1991
    George Lowe: 1990
    Yvon Chouinard: 1989
    Todd Skinner: 1988
    Paul Piana Awarded: 1988
    Catherine M. Freer (Posthumously): 1987
    Jeff Lowe Awarded: 1986
    David Finlay Breashears: 1985
    Lynn Marie Hill: 1984
    John Roskelley: 1983
    John Bachar: 1983

    *A note on the naming of the award*
    This award was formally known as the Underhill Award, recognizing Robert L. M. and Miriam O'Brien Underhill as two of the great pioneers in American mountaineering. However, in 2022, the Club has changed the name of the award in light of Robert Underhill’s antisemitic and racist views, which the AAC wholly condemns. The AAC does not wish to elevate such damaging beliefs by continuing to use Underhill’s name. You can learn more about the work of Brad Rassler and Maurice Isserman in revealing Underhill’s antisemitc history     here. The award will be known as the Pinnacle Award moving forward.

Presidents Gold Medal

The President's Gold Medal is given very rarely for extraordinary accomplishments in the climbing world. Recipients are not selected through a submission process. 

  • 1999:

    • Tom Frost (1936-2018)

    • Dick Duane

    2006: Nick Clinch (1930-2016)

    2013: The 1963 American Mount Everest Expedition Members:

    • Al Auten (-2018)

    • Barry Bishop (1932-1994)

    • Jake Breitenbach (-1963)

    • Dave Dingman, Dan Doody (1933-1965)

    • Norman Dyhrenfurth (1918-2017)

    • Dick Emerson (1925-1982)

    • Tom Hornbein,

    • Lute Jerstad (1936-1998)

    • Jim Lester

    • Maynard Miller (1921-2014)

    • Dick Pownall (1927-2016)

    • Barry Prather (1939-1987)

    • Gil Roberts (1934-2000)

    • Jimmy Roberts (1916-1997)

    • Will Siri (1919-2004)

    • Jim Ullman (1907-1971)

    • Willi Unsoeld (1926-1979)

    • Jim Whittaker

    2015: Fred Beckey (1923-2017)

    2016: The 1966 American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition Members:

    • Nick Clinch (1930-2016)

    • Barry Corbet (1936-2004)

    • John Evans (1938-2020)

    • Eiichi Fukushima

    • Charley Hollister (1936-1999)

    • Bill Long

    • Brian Marts

    • Pete Schoening (1927-2004)

    • Samuel Silverstein

    • Richard Wahlstrom (1931-2003)

    2020: Thomas Hornbein, MD