Mountain Hardwear and American Alpine Club Extend Deadline for Women’s Climbing Grant

November 16, 2021

Richmond, Calif. (November 16, 2021) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Mountain Hardwear, a leader in performance equipment and apparel for climbers, mountaineers, and athletes in partnership with the American Alpine Club (AAC) have extended the deadline for the McNeill-Nott Award through December 31, 2021.

The AAC partnered with Mountain Hardwear to establish the McNeill-Nott Award after the untimely death of Mountain Hardwear athlete, Sue Nott, and her climbing partner Karen McNeill on Mt. Foraker in 2006. This award seeks to preserve the spirit of these two talented and courageous climbers by giving grants to amateur female climbers exploring new routes or unclimbed peaks with small and lightweight teams.

Two to three grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded to amateur teams that best meet the criteria for pursuing an exploratory and adventuresome mountaineering objective. AAC representatives, athletes, and volunteers will review the applications, which will be judged on various factors including, the exploratory nature and remoteness of the objective, the teams overall experience level, and the significance of the proposed climb. Teams climbing with the highest ethical standards and using a minimum of fixed ropes, camps, personnel, and equipment are strongly favored.

When asked how the McNeill-Nott Grant contributes to the growth of women in alpine climbing, 2021 recipient, Natalie Afonina, notes that the grant offers parameters to think big and unlock an extra level of motivation.

“People think these trips go off without a hitch, but half the time we are winging it. You learn along the way, you have to be adaptable and flexible, and as long as you’re staying safe, these things are going to happen. There’s no better teacher than experience, so take the leap, buy the flights, and show up.”

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2021, and must be submitted via the online portal no later than 11:59 p.m. MST on December 31. Recipients will be notified after the selection committee has made their final award choices in January.

Grant recipients are asked to do their best to practice low impact and leave-no-trace ethics, acting as strong mountain stewards. Winners will be required to provide a written trip report along with photos and/or videos of their expedition. It is expected that, if called upon, recipients  will give presentations of their expedition at national or local AAC-sponsored events or other public engagements.

For more information and to apply please visit https://americanalpineclub.org/mcneillnott

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, CA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company that distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and 27 countries worldwide. We build essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. This level of technical precision continues to inspire everything we do. Our designers challenge every stitch and detail to continuously improve both function and comfort. www.mountainhardwear.com

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