Stanford Alpine Club. The Club pursued a varied program during the past year, mixing local practice climbs with larger-scale ventures into the Sierra and beyond. The first day of spring vacation found three members at Glacier Lodge preparing for an attempted winter ascent of Middle Palisade. Although a high camp was established at 12,000 feet, the summit face proved to be covered with verglas, and threatening weather forced the group off the mountain short of the top. Following the usual Yosemite Valley rock-climbing weekends during spring quarter, a trip was organized into the Minarets after school let out. It was attended by nearly a dozen climbers and was accompanied by beautiful weather. It promises to become an annual event. Summer trips to major climbing areas in the Cascades, Sierras, Tetons, and Canada were highlighted by a two-week expedition into the nearly unexplored Battle Range, which adjoins the southern boundary of the Selkirks. The four-man party was hampered by the weather, as were nearly all climbers in Canada last summer, but they made a difficult ascent of an unnamed 11,000-foot peak.

The first practice climbs of fall quarter saw the beginning of intensive instruction for new people, who at times numbered 40 or more. Before being allowed to climb with the Club in Yosemite, prospective members are required to attend three practice climbs and pass a qualification test which includes proficiency in knot tying, belaying, rappelling, and basic climbing techniques. Winter activities include an emphasis on skiing and winter mountaineering, along with rock climbing at Pinnacles National Monument. Ski tours are organized to the various Sierra huts, which provide an easy day in and out and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

Michael Roberts, President