Our flagship program for current and aspiring Section trip leaders. Apply now for the opportunity to receive a week of heavily subsidized leadership training based out of our ever-popular GMC.
Mountain leadership development is part of The Alpine Club of Canada’s mandate. Hundreds of volunteers give of their time at both the Section and National levels to ensure other ACC members have a safe and enjoyable time in the mountains. To support the leadership development needs of these tireless and invaluable volunteers, The North Face and The Alpine Club of Canada offer a Mountain Leadership Course for activity organizers from all ACC sections. These courses takes place annually in the summer, and bi–annually in the winter. The principal objective of these courses is to empower ACC volunteers by enhancing their leadership skill sets. Through alpine environments and technical travel, these leadership courses emphasize the ‘human-factor’ in leaders’ decision-making and the creation of inclusive, enjoyable experiences, applicable to ACC activities across Canada.
Application Opens: February 14th, 2025
Application Deadline: Limited space is still available on the course and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis, contact the office if you have any questions or concerns about your application.
A complete application for the Mountain Leadership Course will include the submission of the following three components no later than 11:59 PM (MST) on March 31st, 2025:
Please ensure that your application is complete, and that your letter of reference and section endorsement have been submitted. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
If you have been selected for one of the spots on the Mountain Leadership Course, you will be notified no later than April 14th, 2025. Payment for this course will be required at your earliest convenience. This form will be sent out to candidates who have been selected. Participants will not be allowed to attend the course if the completed forms are not received prior to the commencement of camp.
This leadership course is designed for those members who already have some climbing experience and may have taken some related courses. The objective of the Mountain Leadership Course is to provide leadership training for our section activity organizers. It should be emphasized that this course is designed to complement, not replace, technical or leadership training courses offered at the local level; rather, it is an exceptional opportunity for participants from across the country to share a focused learning program.
The following criteria are used when assessing applications:
Your instructor team is lead by ACMG certified alpine or full mountain guides. Supported by dedicated and experienced section trip leaders/coordinators. Bringing professional and recreation perspectives on mountain leadership together, tailored for the club and your needs.
* Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.
Risks include but are not limited to: Cornices and crevasses. Trees, tree wells, and tree stumps. Cliffs, creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Snowcat roads and road ranks. Fences and other man-made structures. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control. Becoming lost or separated from the group. Slips, trips, and falls.
Risks include but are not limited to: Slips trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligent first aid. Negligence of the guide Including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities
Risks include but are not limited to: Rockfall and icefall can be caused by natural forces or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. climbing/scrambling/hiking)
Risks include but are not limited to: Mountaineering and ice climbing present the risk of falling from the wall causing the climber to collide with the wall or ground which can lead to injury or death. The risk of a belay failure is also present which can contribute to a ground fall.
Risks include but are not limited to: Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.
We appreciate that the lands known today as Canada are home to the enduring presence of all First Nations and Métis people, and the Inuit and we acknowledge the past, present, and future generations of these Nations who continue to lead us in stewarding this land, as well as honour their knowledge and cultural ties to this place. The Alpine Club of Canada’s head office is located in the traditional lands of Treaty 7, which is comprised of the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Wesley, Chiniki, and Bearspaw; three Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika; the Mountain Cree; and the Tsuu T’ina of the Dene people. This territory is also shared with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Before the signing of Treaty 7, and prior to the establishment of provincial boundaries, this region was also used by the Ktunaxa and the Maskwacis people.
General Inquiries
Phone: 403-678-3200
Email: [email protected]
201 Indian Flats Rd.
PO Box 8040 Main St, Canmore, AB, T1W 2T8, Canada
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The Alpine Club of Canada is a registered Amateur Athletic Association and a registered Canadian charity (Registration No: 10670 4182 RR0001). The ACC’s US Foundation can accept charitable donations from donors living in the United States. We will issue a charitable tax receipt for eligible donations of $20 or more.
