The American Alpine Club’s Mountain Fellowship Committee recently announced eight selections for Fall 2010. The biannual award, begun in 1966, encourages climbers under the age of 25 to explore uncharted territory; award winners usually target unfrequented ranges, unclimbed peaks, or difficult new routes. While grants are not large enough to finance a trip entirely, the AAC hopes the money makes it possible for a few young climbers to gain experience in mountain areas that otherwise would be out of their reach.

This fall, the AAC awarded $4,400 to eight climbers attempting routes, old and new, from Argentina to Mongolia. Fall 2010 Recipients:

• Scott Bennett (25)—$600 from the Rick Mosher Fund for a possible first ascent of Cerro Pollone’s East Peak, Argentina.

• Tyler Botzon (21)—$400 for a climb of Ama Dablam, Nepal.

• Christopher Carter (21)—$400 for ski mountaineering in Altai Mountains, Mongolia.

• Sean Dormer (22)—$1000 from the REI Challenge Fund for possible first ascents in Arrigetch Mountains, Alaska.

• Hayden Kennedy (20)—$400 for a possible first ascent of the North Face of Chamlang, China.

• Jewell Lund (24)—$400 for climbs in Kara Su Valley, Kyrgyzstan.

• Jacon Mayer (23) and Max Talsky (23)—$600 each from the Boyd Everett Fund for an ascent of the Cassin Ridge on Denali, Alaska.

“Just how cool is it that an organization like the AAC even exists?” grant recipient Jacon Mayer asked. “We’re getting money to seek challenge and inspiration in the high mountains!”

The Club’s Mountain Fellowship Committee of Eiichi Fukushima (Chair), Yvon Chouinard, James Funsten, Kestrel Hanson, Joe LaBelle, Pete Metcalf, Travis Spitzer, and Geoff Tabin makes their selections twice a year, eight to ten weeks after the April 1 and November 1 deadlines. To learn more about the Mountain Fellowship Grants and the AAC’s other award programs, visit the AAC grants webpage.