The Alpine Club of Canada

Publication Year: 2001.

The Alpine Club of Canada. The highlight of 2000 was the Mount Alberta climbing and trekking program held in commemoration of the first ascent of the peak 75 years ago. One climbing team and six trekking groups composed of 80 Japanese members of the Japanese Alpine Club and volunteers from the ACC took part in the program. While the climb of Mount Alberta was not successful, owing to poor conditions, all of the trekking programs based at the ACC huts were completed by all.

The Mount Alberta Hut was renovated as part of the above program, and the Peter and Catherine Whyte (Peyto) Hut on the Wapta Icefield was extended and virtually completely renovated. A vestibule was added, as were corner windows in an eating alcove, which provide unlimited views of the surrounding peaks to the south and west. Renovations continue on the clubhouse in Canmore.

The North Face Leadership courses, held in both summer and winter, continue to draw qualified applicants from the Club’s sections across Canada. One week in length, this program is designed to upgrade and refine the skills of already qualified volunteer leaders. These leaders then return to their sections to pass on their skills on section trips.

There were two major member recognitions in 2000. Chic Scott was awarded Honorary Membership. Chic has a long history in Canadian mountaineering, and his most recent publication, Pushing the Limits, details the history of Canadian mountaineering. The club was saddened by the passing of Bob Hind, its Honorary President, in 2000. Peter Fuhrmann was approved by the Board of Directors to become the next Honorary President. In addition to being a past president of the ACC (1984-1988) and the major organizer behind the Canadian Alpine Centre in Lake Louise, Bob was instrumental in the development of many alpine rescue techniques still in use today. Other awards were the Distinguished Service Award presented to David Myles and Mike Haden, while Allan Main received the Silver Rope for Leadership.

A new Members’ Handbook was published in the spring, and the first publication of a “Summit Series” appeared in the fall. This edition chronicled the life of member Don Forest, the first person to ascend all 11,000-foot peaks in the Canadian Rockies.

The full edition of the Club’s Access and Environment Policy was approved by the Board of Directors at their fall meeting. (The abridged version was approved several years ago.) At this meeting, the Annual General Meeting date was approved for spring 2001 and annually each spring thereafter to coincide with the Board of Directors meeting. The Mountain Guides’ Ball and a Board of Directors meeting will continue to be held each fall.

Bev Bendell