American Alpine Club Sponsors Alaska Climbing Festivals
Working with local nonprofit
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
The American Alpine Club (AAC) became the new title sponsor of two major climbing festivals in Valdez, Alaska, the Outdoor Industry Association announced on Tuesday in a press release. The AAC will work with local nonprofit sports commission Levitation 49 to host the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival and Valdez Rock Climbing Festival.
The Valdez Ice Climbing Festival is an event for pro and beginner climbers that’s been taking place since 1983; the Valdez Rock Climbing Festival has been around for two years. Both events include competitions, clinics, film screenings, a bonfire, and more.
“Denali, the Alaska Range, and Wrangells have long been pivotal springboards for cutting-edge alpinism around the world,” Eddie Espinosa, western states manager for the AAC, told the Outdoor Industry Association in the release. “I’m sure other climbers, especially in the Northwest Region, will be as eager as I am to check out these events.”
Valdez is a town with a population of 4,353, located 300 miles east of Anchorage via road, and a destination for heli-skiing, kite-skiing, snowboarding, and more.
The AAC Valdez Ice Climbing Festival will be held February 12 to 15. The AAC Valdez Rock Climbing Festival is scheduled for May 27 to 30.