Ellingwood “Golden Ice Axe” Mountaineering Award

Named after Albert Ellingwood, legendary Colorado Mountain Club member, former Club president in the 1950’s and pioneering climber in the US.  The Ellingwood (Golden Axe) Award is presented annually since 2002 to a CMC member who best reflects the Colorado Mountain Club’s climbing ethics, demonstrates and teaches strong climbing skills, exemplifies leadership in positive manner and pushes the boundaries of climbing accomplishments in Colorado and around the world.  Award winners receive a unique “Golden Axe” pin crafted for this award along with recognition at the CMC’s Annual Benefit Gala and recognition within the Trail & Timberline Magazine.  

Albert Russell Ellingwood (22 June 1887 – 12 May 1934) was a pioneering mountaineer and climber and a founding member of the Colorado Mountain Club. He made first ascents of many peaks and routes in the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, including Lizard Head in the San Juan Mountains, Ellingwood Ridge on La Plata Peak in the Sawatch Range, and Crestone Needle in the Sangre de Cristo Range. Many mountain features are named for him, on peaks such as Middle Teton, on which Ellingwood made the first ascent, the Ellingwood Ridge of La Plata Peak, and the Ellingwood Arete ascent of Crestone Needle; the fourteener Ellingwood Point, near Blanca Peak in southern Colorado, is named for him as well.

The brave pioneer of previously unattempted climbs died prematurely at the age of 46. At that time he was assistant dean at Northwestern University. Ellingwood was a Rhodes Scholar and was a professor of political science at Colorado College.

To Apply:

The Ellingwood Award is currently on hiatus. Please check back later for information, or contact CMC Development staff for more information at give@cmc.org.

Inaugural CMC Benefit Gala

February 7, 2020

The Hangar at The Stanley Marketplace

Please join us for a night of dinner, comradery, cocktails, and a special keynote address
by adventurer Erik Weihenmayer, all while raising critical funds for our youth and adult education programs. 

The Winner of the Blaurock Award will be presented with the Silver Piton and recognized at this wonderful event!