Finding a good mentor in the world of climbing can be a tricky proposition. It is rare to find accomplished climbers willing to take younger, semi-experienced climbers under their wing to help them find the next level in the mountains. Alpine Mentors, a program founded by alpine climbing pioneers Steve House, Vince Anderson and Eva House, hopes to change this proposition for aspiring climbers and alpinists between the ages of 21-30.
“Alpine Mentors is a way for mentors to interact with younger, not-as experienced, climbers,” says Steve House, a renown alpine climber who has put up technical first ascents around the world. “Those of us who dedicated our lives to climbing mountains learned much. This is where we can share that knowledge.”
Alpine Mentor’s upcoming Colorado Program hopes to enable young climbers to maximize the experience of moving through the mountains, and ultimately culminates with an expedition at the end of the program. The first group to graduate from the Alpine Mentors program finished with a four week expedition to Brahmasar 4 in the Indian Himalaya.
“I signed up for Alpine Mentors because I saw it as a huge step toward becoming the best alpinist I can be,” say Steve Van Sickle, one of the program’s graduates and a member of the expedition into the Himalaya. “Sleeping in a crevasse, summiting Denali, 3rd world travel, 1st world travel… It’s hard to sum up one my my greatest experiences into just a few highlights.”
Alpine Mentors is accepting applications for a two year program based in the scenic Ouray, Colorado. Mentors for the upcoming Colorado program include Steve House, Vince Anderson, and Josh Warton, amongst others. Those selected for the program will not pay tuition and receive gear from Patagonia, Grivel, Asolo, and Mountain Safety Research.
“The outdoor industry talks a lot about getting youth into the outdoors,” says Gary Smith, CEO of Polartec. “Alpine Mentors’ tangible approach of providing mentorship to a new generation of climbers is the kind of direct action that Polartec is proud to get behind.”
Applicants should live within a day’s drive to Ouray, Colorado. More requirements to apply and the application can be found on Alpine Mentor’s website, alpinementors.org. Applications will be accepted until midnight on December 31st, 2015.
