Mentorship for the Next Level, with Sam Hennessey and Anne Gilbert Chase

Introducing the AAC Mentorship Program

The episode opens with an introduction to the American Alpine Club's new year-long Alpine Track mentorship program, designed for intermediate to advanced climbers ready to tackle big mountains. Host Hannah Provo sets the stage for a deep dive into mentorship, community, and the unique challenges of alpine climbing in the U.S.

Meet the Mentors: Sam Hennessey and Ann Gilbert Chase

Sam and Ann introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds as climbers, guides, and professionals—Sam as a mountain guide traveling between the U.S. and Europe, and Ann as a nurse and mother in Bozeman. Both emphasize their identity as climbers first, not alpinists, due to the elitist connotations of the term.

The Vision and Structure of the Alpine Track

The mentors detail the program’s goals: a year-long, multi-meetup initiative focused on risk management, technical skills, and team bonding. It’s designed for climbers who have mastered basics but lack the experience to safely navigate big mountains. The program emphasizes community, mentorship, and real-world practice over isolated learning.

Why Mentorship Matters in the U.S. Climbing Community

The hosts and guests discuss the lack of accessible mentorship in the U.S., contrasting it with Europe’s established programs. They highlight how geographic isolation, lack of access to experienced partners, and the transition from gym to crag leave many climbers stranded at an intermediate level.