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We CLIMB 

with friends who share our love for the mountains and adventure. 

We believe 

in the power of the ascent, a passion for adventure, teamwork, responsibility, safety, and the pursuit of dreams. 

We dream 

of climbing rock, the crunch of crampons on ice, the high mountain sunrise and sharing the experience with amazing people 

like you. 

featured events

  • Canada Ice Expedition 2026

    • 02/07/2026
    • 02/15/2026
    • Alberta, Canada
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Join MAA in Alberta, Canada for a stellar week of backcountry ice climbing. The Canadian Rockies are well known for world-class adventurous multi-pitch ice climbing. We'll operate from a couple beautiful hostels in Banff & Rampart Creek and drive to any number of ice destinations within an hour or so away. This event is geared for those who are experienced backcountry ice climbers, can lead or follow at the WI4-WI5 level, and can handle 1-3 hour approaches. Loaner gear is available to paid members. Maximum of 6 participants. Recommended ICE 3 or equivalent experience such as the MAA Bozeman and/or Cody ice expeditions.

    Screened Event: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified with instructions to pay the expedition fee.

    DETAILS:

    • DATES: Saturday, February 7th to Sunday, February 15th, 2026 (9 days: 2 days for travel and 7 for climbing)
    • LOCATIONS: Alberta, Canada: (1) Banff Alpine Center; (2) Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
    • SHARED COST: $900 per participant. This covers accommodations for 8 nights, airfare or mileage reimbursement to get the ELs and gear to Alberta, and a mandatory MAA operations and gear usage fee ($300). Vehicle rentals (if needed) for transportation to/from hostels and objectives will be an additional cost to be determined at our planning meeting or in the field, and shared amongst the team members.
    • EVENT LEADERS: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen, Todd Martin
    • MIN / MAX: 3/9
    • REFUNDS: Full refunds are available 90 days before the trip date. Between 30 and 90 days, 50% refunds are possible. Less than 30 days, no refunds will be given.
    • PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use your own equipment. If you're missing something, club loaner gear may be available (except footwear). Please let the event leader know if you need something.
    • WHAT TO BRING: Warm boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, belay device, eye protection (sunny & cloudy days), carabiners, slings, any personal lead climbing or anchor building equipment, rope, cold weather clothing, shell layers, multiple socks and gloves, pack, sleeping bag, travel clothes.
    • MEDICAL: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
    • TRAVEL: Each person is responsible for their travel, either driving or flying. This will be coordinated as a group. 

    ITINERARY:

    • Team online meeting/conference call in late December or early January (TBD)
    • Saturday, February 7th: Arrive in Calgary. Meet and proceed to the Banff Alpine Center hostel, check in and prepare for the next few days.
    • Sunday, February 8th: Climbing multi-pitch backcountry ice in teams of 2 or 3, returning to the Banff hostel each night. 
    • Tuesday, February 10th: Exit the Banff Alpine Center hostel and relocate to the Rampart Creek hostel. Most likely climbing at the Weeping Wall that day. We will have 2 nights (10th & 11th) at Rampart and be climbing at locations in the surrounding areas. This hostel is remote and more primitive than our Banff location, so please visit the Rampart hostel website and be prepared for the limitations. 
    • Thursday, February 12th: Exit the Rampart Creek hostel and proceed back to the Banff Alpine Center for the remainder of the trip. Depending on conditions and team consensus, we may climb in either the Rampart area or another location along the way back to Banff on Thursday. We will continue crushing ice through Saturday while based in Banff. 
    • Sunday, February 15th: Clean up, check out and proceed home. 

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • Because of the demands of this event it is for Apex or Base level participants only.

    • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

    • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

    • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

    • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

    • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

    • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training. 

    • Travel arrangements are separate. Flights can be arranged to Cody, remember winter time flights into Wyoming can be unreliable. Driving may also be hampered by winter storms and road closures.

    For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or darren@mountainascent.org, or (916) 872-3399.

    Show details

  • Whitney Ice 2026 Expedition

    • 03/23/2026
    • 8:00 AM
    • 03/28/2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • Lone Pine, CA
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Join MAA members to climb Mt. Whitney and ice climbing at Thor Falls. Our expedition goals are three fold; 1. a winter-style ascent of Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers Route or Pinnacle Ridge, 2. to climb the fun, high-altitude water ice at Thor Falls, and at the very least 3. to enjoy rock climbing at Alabama Hills, which can be done in almost any weather. This is all weather dependent - but we are going to climb something! ICE 1 and MTN 2 training also provided. Prior experience climbing steep snow and winter camping required. Either skis or snowshoes are required. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 10. Hope to have you out with us!

    SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified, and will need to pay the hostel fee to confirm. Thank you! 

    DETAILS:

    • What's happening: 4-day ascent climbing between 6,000' - 9,000' total elevation depending upon how far we can drive up the road. Ice climbing WI2-WI3, steep snow climbing, winter rock climbing up to Class 4, multi-day winter camping, snowshoeing or skiing. Possibly desert rock climbing.
    • Where to meet: Whitney Portal Hostel in Lone Pine, 5:00 pm, Monday, March 23rd.
    • Event Leader: Darren Shutt, (916) 872-3399
    • Minimum / Maximum: 4,10
    • Required Skills and Fitness: solid working ability to move in mountain terrain, camp for multiple days in freezing (or stormy) weather, winter mountaineering (MTN 2), ice climbing (ICE 1), and strong fitness to handle a potentially HUGE amount of elevation gain, climbing 9,000' from the valley all the way to the summit of Whitney in deep snow while carrying a heavy pack over the course of 2 - 3 days. 
    • What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body - 4 layers for upper and 3 layers for lower, minimum. 2 pair socks and gloves, warm mittens, warm headwear, sunglasses, goggles, gaiters. Belay device, prusik, 2 locking and 2 non-locking carabiners, 2 runners, harness, helmet, warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons fit to your boots, pair of ice tools, mountain axe, food for 4 nights / 5 days, water bottles with insulating sleeve, spoon, cup, warm sleeping bag, 2 sleeping pads, trekking pole(s), snowshoes or skis, snow shovel. Rock shoes just in case the weather is really bad and we end up climbing at Alabama Hills! Technical equipment such as rope, rock and snow protection, and stove, pots, fuel, group cook shelter and tents may be supplied by MAA. Bring what you have of these items and we'll select the group gear. Leave about 10 liters of space and up to 10 lbs capacity for group gear.  
    • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
    • Accommodations: Whitney Portal Hostel beds will be reserved by MAA. This group cost will be split by everyone attending, likely around $50.
    • Additional: The entire itinerary is very dependent upon conditions and weather. Chief of these is avalanche danger. This will be assessed on the MR route and at other places in the canyon. If determined to be unsafe, we will not proceed. Temperatures, storms, wind and the resulting visibility will determine how far we get up the Whitney Massif. This is why the itinerary is so flexible.

    ITINERARY:

    • PRIOR: Expedition Conference Call and logistics, probably early March
    • DAY 1, Monday, March 23rd: Meet and greet in Lone Pine at the Whitney Portal Hostel in the evening. Check in is between 3:00 and 8:00 pm. Decide on a plan, sort gear and make preparations.  We'll catch dinner in town around 6:30. Team planning and logistics at 8:00 pm. If the weather is completely uncooperative we will climb rock at Alabama Hills while we wait for better conditions.
    • DAY 2, Tuesday, March 24th: Early start, hiking up the Whitney Portal road or driving up as far as we can. Once at the Whitney Portal, we'll take the regular trail to the Lone Pine Creek junction. Go up Lone Pine Creek trail to Ebersbacher Ledges (or if winter route is possible, stay in the creek bottom) and continue to Lower Boy Scout Lake (LBS). Establish camp in the trees there near water. Total elevation gain approx. 6,500' from the valley. LBS lake elevation approx 10,500.
    • DAY 3-5, Wednesday, March 25th - Friday, March 27th: a winter ascent of Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers route or from Pinnacle Ridge, and ice climbing at Thor Falls, between LBS and UBS lake. Also possible is an ascent of Mt. Thor or Mt. Carillon. All objectives will be dependent upon team assembled, avalanche conditions and weather. 
    • DAY 6, Saturday, March 28th: Return to the trailhead, and head home.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • This event is open to all Apex, Base, and Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

    • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

    • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

    • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

    • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

    • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

    • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

    Show details

  • Mt. Robson 2026 Expedition, BC Canada

    • 07/25/2026
    • 6:00 AM
    • 08/07/2026
    • 10:00 PM
    • Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
    • 0
    • 2 registrants
    Registration is closed

    Mt. Robson 2026 Expedition BC Canada

    Join Apex Members to climb the Kain Face on the Monarch of the Canadian Rockies. At 12,972 with the infamous 9,000' high Emperor Face, bristling with glaciers and unrivalled in majesty, Mt. Robson is the undisputed "high point" of the Canadian Rockies and has always been a place of challenging yet amazing alpine climbing. We'll basecamp at the Dome and climb the historic Kain Face route, with options to also climb Mt. Resplendent and The Helmet as conditions allow. 

    This is a serious expedition with two mandatory team skills training dates prior to departure and will require a high degree of fitness. Prior experience climbing glaciers and multi-pitch ice or alpine ice required. We have room for 6. Hope to have you out with us!

    SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

    DETAILS:

    • What's happening: Climbing on Mt. Robson 12,972' with basecamp near the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier. Glacier travel, alpine ice climbing, backcountry and glacial navigation and camping. Up to two rope teams of three. Kain Face route is rated D, AI3, 50 degrees, and we will descend the same route either downclimbing or rappelling off V-thread anchors. There is the likelihood of climbing low 5th class broken rock with full packs and mountaineering boots on the Resplendent - Robson ridge if the Robson Glacier "Mousetrap" is too hazardous to attempt. All ascents will take between 10-16 hours, all will involve early alpine starts. Freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and hazardous conditions will always be present (and even a likelihood) on a mountain as large as Robson. Summit success rate is 50% at it's best, some years only 10%, depending upon conditions. Prior mandatory glacier and ice climbing training required. Loaner gear may be available.
    • Where to meet: Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
    • Event Leaders: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen
    • Minimum / Maximum: 3,6
    • Travel and gear coordination: International travel to Canada requires a valid passport. Group spreadsheet will be shared with confirmed participants.
    • Skills Requirements: Participants should be experienced in and know how to traverse and rescue on glacial terrain, climb 65-degree multi-pitch alpine ice with two tools, climb fifth class rock in mountaineering boots, lead belay, rappel, and clean ice and rock protection, as well as backcountry and glacial travel and camping. 
    • What to bring: Warm technical ice climbing boots, sharp ice crampons, a pair of sharp technical ice tools, harness, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 slings, prusik, Tibloc or Micro traxion, a snow picket, 16 cm ice screw, PAS, helmet, base layers, mid layers, shell layers, puffy with hood, 2 pair socks, gloves, mountain glasses, 40 - 60 liter climbing pack, sleeping bag, mat, tent, food for 6 days, 2 liter water carrying capacity, trekking poles, map, compass, strong headlamp with extra batteries, a few shovels and glacier wands for the group. Each person will carry crevasse rescue gear. MAA may supply some or all of the group technical equipment, ropes, tents, stoves, and fuel.
    • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

    ITINERARY:

    • PRIOR: Multi-pitch ice climbing training and glacier travel and rescue training prior, exact dates TBD. We will arrange gear and logistics online and on a conference call TBD, will communicate with registrants.
    • DAY 1 - Saturday, July 25th: Travel to Canada.
    • DAY 2 - Sunday, July 26th: Logistics  and travel to the trailhead.
    • DAY  3 -  Monday, July 27th: Hike approx. 13 miles to Berg Lake campsites, or further to camp at the foot of the Robson Glacier.
    • DAY 4 - Tuesday, July 28th: Ascend the Robson Glacier to view option to go through the "Mousetrap." If that is out of shape then we will ascend to the Robson / Resplendent col and traverse the exposed low-5th class broken ridge and upper glacier. This may involve roped protected climbing and rappelling, all with full packs. We'll establish basecamp at the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier, at the foot of the Kain Face.
    • DAY 5 - DAY 12, Wednesday, July 29th - Wednesday, August 5th: One week to rest, acclimate, climb and descend the Kain Face to the summit. Exact itinerary depends upon conditions, weather, and our team. Other routes we can climb from the same base camp are the Ice Arete (AD, 5.4) on Resplendent and the SE Ridge (PD+) on The Helmet.  
    • DAY 13 - Thursday, Aug. 6th: Break camp and hike out to the TH.
    • DAY 14 - Friday, Aug 7th: Fly or drive home. 

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

    • This event is open to all Apex members only. 

    • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

    • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

    • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

    • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

    • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

    • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

    • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.



    Show details



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