Denver is almost synonymous with the outdoors. The city is known for its mile-high altitude, 300 days of sunshine, and close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. And at the University of Denver, there’s a club that helps students experience all that Colorado has to offer.
Founded in 1928, Alpine Club is the largest and longest-running club on campus. Its mission is simple: to provide students of all abilities and experience levels access to the outdoors in an ethical and meaningful way.
The Alpine Club offers 20-25 unique experiences throughout the academic year, about eight trips per quarter. Currently, the club is seeing record-breaking interest. Since classes began this fall, they’ve had 350 students join the club.
“I’m astounded by the number of members,” says club treasurer Dimitry Afanasenko, a senior finance major. “This is a good sign that we’re taking steps in the right direction to promote the club.”
Club membership is $55, and any student enrolled in classes is eligible to join at any point during the academic year. Members get priority registration and a discounted member rate for all events.
Thanks to its longstanding presence and community ties, the club is able to secure experiences and lodging at discounted rates. Together with ongoing fundraising efforts, these resources help sustain the club. As the club’s treasurer, Afanasenko views it as his responsibility to be a careful steward of the club’s finances.
“The club isn’t a vehicle for making a return. Our ‘return’ is gathered from what the students experience. We spend every ounce of effort to make sure the students have a great experience with the club,” he says.
The Alpine Club blends a love for the outdoors with a strong sense of community. For Afanasenko, some of his favorite college memories are tied to the club.
“I’m a big believer in community. I’m trying to dedicate my life to creating community for others and myself. The Alpine Club has given me an opportunity to create positive change,” he says.
The Alpine Club welcomes all members of the DU community, whether they’re seasoned outdoor enthusiasts or trying something for the first time. There’s something for everyone.
“I can’t count the number of officers who joined the Alpine Club having never camped or skied before. We design these trips to be accessible to the entire DU community, regardless of skill level,” Afanasenko says.
For nearly 100 years, the Alpine Club has fostered friendship, built confidence, and created unforgettable outdoor experiences. This year, the club is planning even more on-campus events, allowing even more students to connect to the club.
“It’s more than just an outdoors club. It’s a strong campus community. It’s a staple of DU,” Afanasenko says.
The club is gearing up for an exciting lineup of outdoor adventures this fall. Here’s a list of upcoming trips. To learn more about the trips or how to join the club, visit the Alpine Club website.
- Weekend Backpacking: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21
- Hike a Fourteener ‒ Grays and Torreys: Saturday, Sept. 27
- Fly Fishing: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 3-5
- Fruita Mountain Biking: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 10-12
- Climbing Trip: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 17-19
- Spooky Day Hike: Saturday, Nov. 1
- 11 Mile Multi Sport: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-9
