Another summer has come and gone here in the Cascades and what a summer it was! With very few exceptions, it was a season of superb weather in the U.S., the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, and the French and Swiss Alps. It seems like yesterday that we gearing up for our first trips of the season in Alaska, and now we are switching gears to desert rock climbing, winter climbing in the Sierra and Rockies, and more adventures in Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina.

Thanks to all of you who were able to join us. It was great to see so many people experiencing rock and alpine mountaineering for the first time, so many taking their skills and experience to the next level, and others achieving life-long goals on big rock routes and high alpine summits. Our experiences of the summer were reminders of the richness of the sport of climbing and the depth of beauty in the mountains we visit.

In this edition of the newsletter you will find several exciting things. As some of you may be aware, Mount Rainier National Park is in the midst of revising their policy of commercial services. This will have a huge impact of the public's experience of the mountain and on the future of guiding on Mount Rainier. Please follow the link below for a detailed description and status of new concessions plan. Mount Rainier National Park staff members desperately need your opinion on the plan before they decide on its final form.

I hope you will also check out our new Patagonia program, the Patagonian Ice Cap Expedition, and a brief write-up and photos from climbing in the Sierra this summer.

Cheers from all the staff at AAI,

Rainier National Park is currently revising its Commercial Services Plan, and staff are now seeking your comments on whether to maintain one company with a dominant role on the mountain or to have multiple concessions offering services to the public.

Please follow the links to our detailed summary page which has copies of the actual concession plan and a feedback form. It is crucial that the Park receives a well rounded picture of public opinion on this draft plan.

Most staff at the Park favor having three concessions sharing the Muir route, but some top administrators are resistant to change. One thing is clear: change will not occur unless the Park hears from people like you on the benefits of having multiple guide services. Our view is that competition brings lower prices, better program content, and a higher level of customer service. What is your opinion ?

THE RED ROCK SEASON HAS BEGUN!

Our guides and climbers are getting out almost everyday and enjoying fantastic fall conditions in the desert. The sun has been shining and the temperatures have been perfect for climbing. Take time this winter to soak up some desert sun and enjoy a weekend in Vegas. Here are some photos from a few of this year's climbs and a brief summary of the options we will have for courses in the Las Vegas area this winter. Follow this link for our expanded Red Rock program page on the web site. If you have been to Red Rock or would prefer to climb in California, don't forget about the wonderful granite at Joshua Tree outside of Palm Springs!