Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Alpine Ascents International
The good tidings of the mountains have the power to transform us. To experience the technicolor hues of an alpine sunrise or to gaze into the blue depths of a crevasse is to walk away humbled and awestruck at the beauty of our public lands. For too long, these life-altering experiences have been out of reach for the many – particularly those of color who have historically had less access to the outdoors, whether it be from a lack of green spaces in urban neighborhoods to feeling unwelcome in typical outdoor recreation areas.
From our founding, environmental protection has been fundamental to our mission and the intersectionality of environmentalism and social justice can no longer be overlooked. A diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires respect for the wilderness and the unity to protect it. Cherishing and persevering our alpine environment for the enjoyment of all starts with welcoming everyone to our rope team and breaking down the barriers to access.
Inclusivity at Alpine Ascents International
At Alpine Ascents International, each of us contributes to fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance that runs from our corporate office in Seattle to the rope team on the summit of Tahoma.
Goals
Continue to actively recruit and retain mountain guide and administrative staff from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Expand affinity programming to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Provide opportunities for BIPOC climbers to gain mentorship / technical training for outdoor industry jobs such as mountain guiding.
Craft an attentive land acknowledgement statement for each domestic program and post prominently on the respective climb / course page.
Instruct our guide staff in the importance of land acknowledgement and best practices for delivering a land acknowledgement to our clientele.
Highlight at least one DEI topic in each issue of our internal newsletter.
2025 Free BIPOC Guide Development Program Kulshan Affinity Climb
Join us for a free, fully guided climb of Kulshan (Mount Baker) from August 24-26, 2025, designed for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) climbers interested in applying for the 2026 Alpine Ascents BIPOC Guide Development Program. Led by graduates of the program, this climb offers a unique opportunity to experience a guided expedition firsthand, connect with past participants, and build community with other aspiring guides. If you’re considering a future in mountain guiding, this climb provides valuable insight into the transition from recreational climbing to professional guiding. You can read more about the Guide Development Program here.
This climb is open to BIPOC climbers who meet the basic prerequisites of the Guide Development Program (or will meet the prerequisites by the time of this climb) and are interested in applying for the 2026 cohort. Space is limited to 9 climbers. More details, including application instructions and deadlines, can be found below.
Your Guides for the Climb
- 2023 Guide Development Program Graduate & Alpine Ascents Guide
- Seattle Environmental Professionals of Color
- Big City Mountaineers Instructor
- 2024 Guide Development Program Graduate & Alpine Ascents Guide
- Check out Esteban’s blog post about his experience in the Guide Development Program.
- 2023 and 2024 Guide Development Program Trainer & Mentor
- AIARE Professional Growth Network Program Advisor
- WA State Recreation and Conservation Office Committee Member
Climb Details
- Climb Dates: August 24-26, 2025
- Mandatory Gear Check: August 23, 4 PM at Alpine Ascents Headquarters (Seattle)
- Itinerary & Logistics: The climb follows the same itinerary and logistics as our standard 3-Day Kulshan climb.
- Rental Gear Assistance: Available upon request.
Eligibility Requirements
The Guide Development Program serves as a bridge between recreational climbing and professional guiding. The following qualifications will set candidates up for success in the program:
- Two years of personal climbing experience on a variety of terrain
- At least 1 – 2 personal glaciated climbs completed
- Competence in overnight backcountry camping
- Interest pursuing a career in mountain guiding
- Desire to build your climbing resume, refine skills, and push yourself in the mountains
- Legally authorized to work in the United States
If you do not meet the above prerequisites but want to build foundational climbing skills in an affinity space, we encourage you to explore mountain leadership courses with Climbers of Color.
Note: As we cannot provide transportation, lodging, or travel assistance, this opportunity is best suited for climbers based in the Pacific Northwest.
Application Instructions
Submit the following materials to [email protected] by April 1, 2025:
✅ 2025 Kulshan Affinity Climb Application – Please fill out this linked Google form.
✅ Professional Outdoor Employment Resume
Need guidance on crafting an outdoor resume? You can integrate your personal adventures, technical expertise, and volunteer work into a professional resume. While some employers may overlook your Pacific Crest Trail accomplishment, we value it. Explore our sample resume to get started.
2025 Application Timeline
📅 Application Period: February 15 – March 30, 2025
📅 Climb Participants Selected: April 15, 2025
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Alpine Ascents Guide Manager and previous Guide Development Program participants, and selections will be based on:
✔ Identification as part of the BIPOC community
✔ Commitment to pursuing a career in mountain guiding
✔ Strength of outdoor/climbing resume
✔ Interest in personal climbing progression
✔ Availability for August 24-26 climb and August 23 gear check in Seattle
✔ Preference given to climbers local to the Pacific Northwest
For any questions, reach out to [email protected]. We look forward to climbing with you!
Alpine Ascents International and the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge
Alpine Ascents International is proud to sign the pledge and partner with In Solidarity.
By signing the pledge, Alpine Ascents International is committing to:
- Hire and support a diverse workforce and executive leadership.
- Present representative marking and advertising in our media.
- Engage and support broadly representative ambassador and athlete teams.
- Share our experiences with other leading companies.
By committing to The Pledge, we commit to establishing programs and initiatives around diversity and inclusion. In recognition of the greater outdoor community within which we exist, we will help other companies in their own paths to inclusive representation, and make ourselves open to real conversations about the challenges we face together.
We believe the outdoor industry will reach its full potential when it represents everyone who goes outside, and works to reverse the erasure of Indigenous communities who are the original stewards of our land. By committing to The Pledge and advocating for diversity and inclusion within our workplaces, industries, and broader business community, we create an outdoor landscape that includes and empowers everyone.
The course was very informative and incredibly useful in development of my skills. The guides were all very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed my 10 days with AAI and definitely hope to join for more programs in the future.
