American Alpine Club Gala
October 17-19, 2025 in Denver, CO
The 2025 American Alpine Club Gala is designed with connection in mind. We’re bringing the same intimacy of a campfire chat to this Gala by reimagining this year’s event, creating extra space for attendees to catch up with friends old and new. After all, the Gala brings together AAC members from all over the world, and there are a lot of climbing stories and jokes that need to be shared! The Gala is THE event to gather together and show support for the AAC.
This year’s Gala will feature a cocktail reception, delicious dinner, time to mix and mingle, a celebration of the 2025 Awardees, and time to highlight our collective impact through the Club’s work. The highlight of the evening will be hearing from keynote speakers, Kelly Cordes and Jack Tackle!
Thank you for a successful 2025 Gala!
2025 Gala Keynote Speakers
As an undersized kid who wanted to be a cowboy, Kelly Cordes never dreamed that climbing would define his life. But he stumbled upon an obsession that took him to places of unimaginable beauty. He established challenging alpine routes in Alaska, Peru, Patagonia, and Pakistan along the way. Some of his notable ascents include: the first ascent of the Azeem Ridge on Great Trango Tower, Pakistan; first link-up of Tiempos Perdidos and the upper West Face ice routes on Cerro Torre, Patagonia; first ascent of Personal Jesus on Nevado Ulta, Peru; first ascent of The Trailer Park on London Tower, Alaska; first ascent of Deadbeat, Thunder Mountain, Alaska; and the first ascent of Ring of Fire, Thunder Mountain, Alaska. His personal experiences intersected with a larger journey in his award-winning book, The Tower: A Chronicle of Climbing and Controversy on Cerro Torre. Cordes was also a senior editor of the American Alpine Journal for many years. He claims to never tire of mountains and wild places.
For 52 years, Jack Tackle has focused on alpine climbing, particularly first ascents, in the Himalayas, South America, and Alaska. Jack Tackle is best known for his climbing in Alaska. He has done 35 separate trips, combining both attempts and successes since 1976, and completed 17 significant first ascents in Alaska’s various ranges. Tackle is a past Board member of the AAC (nine years) and served as Treasurer of the AAC from 2009-2012. He has been a member of the AAC since 1978. He presently serves on the Pinnacle and Grand Teton Climber Ranch committees and is the chairman of the AAC Cutting Edge Grant committee. For 30 years, Tackle was an independent sales rep for outdoor brands, including Patagonia, Black Diamond Equipment, and Vasque Footwear.
Thank you to our incredible volunteer host committee, led by chair Cody Smith!
AAC President Nina Williams, speaking at the 2024 Gala. Emma Lynne Photography.
Committee members include:
Jason Antin, Brian Block, Kailey Cox, Angela Donini, Kevin Duncan, Sibylle Hechtel, Lynn Hill, Olivia Hsu, David Landman, Jamie Logan, William Loopesko, Jordan Revis, Scott Richards, Cody Smith, Travis Spitzer, Greg Thomsen, Mark Udall, Jay Underwood, Christian Wintour, Cedar Wright, Graham Zimmerman
PC: Emma Lynne Photography.
PC: Emma Lynne Photography
AAC Gala Weekend Schedule
*Our Gala weekend schedule is subject to change, stay tuned as we are updating the schedule and adding more events.
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6 PM - 7:30 PM: Eventually a Sequoia: An Evening of Stories, Art, and Adventure with Jeremy Collins
Free and open to the public (doors open at 5:45pm)
Location: RiNo ArtPark Truss House (3400 Arkins Court, Denver)
Join artist and author Jeremy Collins for an immersive, multimedia event around his new book Eventually a Sequoia: Stories of Art, Adventure & the Wisdom of Giants! Based on Jeremy’s extensive, art-filled travel journals, Eventually a Sequoia is an inspirational and vivid exploration of the natural world and how it can empower an individual to grow, change, heal, and thrive. Part memoir, part manifesto, Eventually a Sequoia is an invitation for all of us to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our place in it. On October 16, Jeremy will share a very special interactive, mobile art installation and live storytelling experience that immerses the audience inside of Jeremy’s artist sketchbook. This presentation will be followed by time for audience Q&A, and a book signing. The fun continues with an after-party following the event at nearby Number 38 (3560 Chestnut Pl.).
Thank you to the organizations partnering with us on this special event: Denver Public Library, Protect Our Winters, The Shop at Matter, RiNo Art District, and Mountaineers Books.
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4:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Climbing at Movement Baker, powered by Ocun
Get your body moving after a day of travel and come climb with the AAC Denver Chapter at Movement Baker! Ocun will also have a demo fleet of shoes available to try on all evening. This climbing gym has a bold presence at 32,000 square feet, with 81 independent anchors, over 120 bouldering problems, and 25-50 foot walls.
RSVP here (open to all AAC Members, included non-Gala Attendees)
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM: VIP Welcome Event
A special kick off to the weekend at the American Mountaineering Center and AAC HQ, featuring tours of the AAC Library and special exhibits of climbing history.
Included with purchase of VIP Tables and Patron tickets.
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9 AM - 2 PM: Clear Creek Climbing with Jamie Logan & Jason Antin
Enjoy community and some of the best climbing Colorado has to offer in Clear Creek Canyon in Golden! This meetup is hosted by IFMGA Mountain Guide & AAC Prescription Star Jason Antin and the legendary local crusher Jamie Logan.
Limited to 12 attendees
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Flatirons Hike with Scott Richards
Take a hike! Explore the most iconic landscape in the front range - the Boulder Flatirons - with AAC Gala Host Committee Member Scott Richards.
5:00 PM: Check-In Opens
No need to bring your ticket, we’ll do all the heavy lifting and have you on our list! Just come dressed mountain chic and ready for an evening to remember!
5 PM - 6:30 PM: Cocktail Reception
The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at DCPA Seawell Ballroom. All Gala ticket holders are welcome to join us for appetizers, fun games, a photo booth, and a chance to mix and mingle. The highlight will certainly be our silent auction with everything from gear to art to trips of a lifetime!
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Awards
After the reception guests are invited to find their tables and enjoy a delicious meal. The program includes celebrating the 2025 award winners, featuring keynotes Jack Tackle and Kelly Cordes, while also sharing in our collective success stories from the past year.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Mix and Mingle
New this year we are keeping the main program short and sweet so you have time to visit with old friends and make some new ones! The bar will remain open as we mix and mingle.
9:00 PM: Check Out
As the main portion of the night concludes, you’ll be able to check out with our helpful staff to secure any items you won in the auction. You can take them home with you or have your items shipped to you, though we do ask you to cover shipping costs, ensuring more dollars can go to delivering on the AAC’s mission.
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM: After Party at The Front Porch
For those who want to keep the good times rolling, we’ll head to The Front Porch, a nearby bar, for the legendary Gala after party!
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10 AM - 11:30 AM: AAC Membership Meeting at the Westin Denver - Augusta Room
An update on the American Alpine Club from Executive Director, Ben Gabriel. Coffee and breakfast will be provided.
RSVP here (open to all AAC Members, included non-Gala Attendees)
Planning Your Trip
Attire: The weekend features a variety of events, everything from climbing to the Gala. For the Gala itself, attire is Mountain Chic, whatever that means to you!
Airport: If you are flying into town, Denver International Airport is the closest major airport. It provides a wide variety of public transit options.
Sponsored by:
Top 3 Reasons To Sponsor
You will help us advocate for climbing landscapes and our nation’s public lands–the very glue that brings this passionate community of climbers together.
You will help us deliver essential climbing knowledge and inspiration through our world-renowned publications, the American Alpine Journal and Accidents in North American Climbing.
Together we will raise funds vital to all of the AAC’s mission.
To learn more about the unique and dynamic event sponsorship opportunities available email Heidi McDowell at hmcdowell@americanalpineclub.org
FAQs
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Once a year, legends and newcomers alike shed their rock shoes and don their finest mountain chic, and come together to celebrate the AAC. During this weekend full of climbing, celebration, and festivity, old friends reconnect, new friendships are made, and we celebrate the impact of the Club’s work.
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Go to americanalpineclub.org/gala, click on the button “ Tickets”.
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The American Alpine Club’s 2025 Annual Gala will take place the evening of October 18, 2025 in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). General Reception begins at 5pm and Dinner begins at 6pm. The Seawell Ballroom is located at 1350 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80204
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The AAC has a discounted room block at the Westin Denver Downtown from October 16th-18th. Our negotiated rate is $249 per night and available until 09/26/2025 or sold out.
The Westin is located at 1672 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80202
It is only a five minute walk from the DCPA!
To reserve your Westin room today, visit our roomblock link here or call their In-House Reservations Dept. at (303) 572-9100.
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The weekend features a variety of events, everything from climbing to the Gala. For the Gala itself, attire is Mountain Chic, whatever that means to you!
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Mobility Assistance
Ramps, elevators and courtesy wheelchairs are available. Please seek a Volunteer for additional information.
Parking
Wheelchair accessible parking is located on levels 3, 4 and 5 of the complex garage. There is also curbside drop-off 14th St. between Curtis and Champa.
If you need additional accommodations, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@americanalpineclub.org or calling (303) 384-0110
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We are able to offer full refunds for ticket purchases until Tuesday, October 1st. After October 1st, we will not be able to offer any refunds.
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Although there will be no live-stream this year, we plan on recording the gala in full so people can watch the magic of the night from their own home after.
After the event, we will embed the recording on our Gala website so no registration will be required to watch.
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Food: The wonderful folks from “Sodexo Live!” will be catering the receptions with Hors D'oeuvres. Each Gala table will also have a variety of breads and a salad until our main Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian entrees arrive. Finish the night right with a dessert!
Beverages: Water & Coffee will be available throughout the night.
Adult Beverages: Yes please! There will be an open bar during the Gala.
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We can’t answer this question without first saying that our team LOVES dogs. That said, because of the nature of this event, dogs are sadly not allowed unless they are service animals. Please respect those who do need to bring their service animals with them by leaving your (adorable but non-service) fur friends at home.
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The silent auction opens October 6th, 9am MST
The silent auction closes at October 18th, 8pm MST
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You can view the auction by clicking here.
Click “Sign Up/Login”
Once registered/logged in, click on the “Auction” on the top right corner.
We encourage you to set “Max Bids”
Credit card information is required to place a bid.
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We will be using mobile bidding. You will be able to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to keep up with the status of your bids and continue bidding until the auction closes. You can be the winning bidder from wherever you are in the world!
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Browse the silent auction and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and Bolder Bid will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid.
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You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages make sure you have the correct mobile phone number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes you will also receive a text message if you have won any items.
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The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, historical sites, and entertainment venues, offering diverse options for visitors to explore
Nearby attractions and activities include:
Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies), Downtown Aquarium, and various bars and restaurants in the DCPA area.
Questions?
If you are having any trouble registering or have any questions about the Annual Gala, email Xavier Bravo at info@americanalpineclub.org or call the AAC Office at 303-384-0110.
Volunteer with Us!
We’re searching for local volunteers to help make this gathering the best it can be! If you are interested in volunteering, click the link below to explore shift options.