John Lauchlan Memorial Award

04/28/2026

04/26/2026

This year the John Lauchlan Memorial Award will support three teams as they undertake challenging alpine climbs around the world. Thanks to sponsors .equipment.na

and

1) , and will attempt the unclimbed 1,600-meter north buttress of Gharkun, 6,521m.

2) and will attempt the unclimbed South-southwest face of Nevado Maripos (5842m).

3) .giroux and Jason Tuck will return to northern India to climb technical unclimbed 6000 m peaks in Zanskar.

We wish all of the climbers great adventures and safe trips as they push their abilities in the greater ranges.

Thanks again to for administration of the award.

John Lauchlan Memorial Award :Promoting mountain experiences that challenge the human spirit

The John Lauchlan Memorial Award is a cash and mentorship award designed to assist Canadian climbers.

The award exists to perpetuate the bold and adventurous spirit which John Lauchlan exemplified in his climbing exploits. Specifically, the award strives to promote the development of Canadian climbers through the support of worthy expeditions and mountainous adventures. The JLA encourages climbers from all backgrounds and from any community in Canada to apply.

01/07/2026

⏰ Deadline for applications for the John Lauchlan Memorial Award is January 31, 2026!

alpineclubofcanada.ca/grant/john-lauchlan-memorial-award/

12/30/2025

The John Lauchlan Memorial Award is again accepting requests for funding, for trips in 2026. Apply early and often, and tell all of your friends.

The award exists to perpetuate the bold and adventurous spirit which John Lauchlan exemplified in his climbing exploits. Specifically, the award strives to promote the development of Canadian climbers through the support of worthy expeditions and mountainous adventures.

Thanks to our summit sponsor Rab, as well as our longtime sponsor Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, and CiloGear and Confluence Climbing.

This year's award was a huge success, with a team making the coveted ascent of the Hidden Pillar of Ultar Sar, as well as a team making a foray on a remote granite big wall in the Coast Range. The award is happy to back young climbers on trips to a greater range, or Canadian mountains, and making smart decisions.

Check out the details at:

https://alpineclubofcanada.ca/.../john-lauchlan-memorial.../

Thanks to the Alpine Club of Canada for hosting and facilitating the award, Canada's primary grant for high end alpinism.

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equipment.na

11/01/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6q0qj9L5o2Xt7ISW1CYnwC

For insight into what it takes to climb a cutting edge climb in the Greater Ranges, like the one climbed by the John Lauchlan Memorial Award sponsored team on Ultar Sar.

10/06/2025

Lauchlan Award winner this year, Maarten van Haeren will be presenting at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

While the big crowds will be seeing the headliners upstairs, a smaller group will see a presentation of cutting edge alpinism at the festival 's coolest event, the Dirtbag Cafe.

Maarten and team pulled off one of the most coveted ascents of recent times, this summer on Ultra Sar.

Get your tickets early, this event sells out every year.

08/30/2025

News back from the Lauchlan supported team of , , and .

"A trip that was full of highs and lows, we pushed our limits, climbed, packed heavy loads and built tons of character."

The John Lauchlan Memorial Award this year supported this team of three BC climbers to the Filer Creek walls of the central coast range, a mecca for large granite bigwalls. With consultation with the Klahoose Nation, these three went to investigate one of the most well-known but unclimbed walls of the valley.

"We climbed over 14 new pitches all 60+ rope stretchers to get through 'the endless slabs' finally reaching the meat of the climb when we were hit with a week-long rain storm and 3-7 degree temperatures....A 16 hour push to get down in the midst of the rain storm was nothing short of epic"

The primary request of the Lauchlan Award committee when awarding trips is that they place their own safety as a primary consideration. We are happy to hear of the team's progress and adventure.

"Already dreaming of returning to finish the job."

Thanks to the award's sponsors:
equipment.na




and for the help of the with coordinating the award .

07/01/2025

Happy for , , and and their awesome efforts on Ultar Sar!

It takes an enormous amount of effort, planning, training, and commitment to undertake these huge alpine climbs. There aren't so many people who are willing to undertake the experience, a small number of Canadians among the crowd.

As a smaller market it is awesome to see the support that the Lauchlan Award sponsors gave to this team, part of making their efforts a success.

So, thanks again to .equipment , , , , and a few individual donors for supporting the team.

Joining the big time!! Nice effort to the three, looking forward to seeing you back in Canada.

06/27/2025

Wild climb!!

Massive 3,100-metre new alpine route in Karakoram required over 70 rappels! Read bout it here: https://theboldandcold.com/f/triumphant-ascent-of-ultar-sar%E2%80%99s-southeast-pillar-in-karakoram

06/15/2025

Huge news!!!

Congratulations to , and !!!!

First ascent of the Hidden Pillar of Ultar Sar. Often attempted and now climbed by these three recipients of the Lauchlan Memorial Award.

Thanks again to the award sponsors: .equipment , , , .

Can't wait to hear the story from the gents themselves. Well done!!