Associations
American Alpine Club: for nearly a century, the club has represented the interests of mountaineers and rock climbers, including exploration and scientific study, promotion of mountaineers and mountains, and conservation and preservation of mountain regions and climbing areas. Phone: 303-384-0110.

American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA): non-profit organization provides support, education and standards for American mountain guides with a goal of raising the technical and professional standards of mountain guiding in the United States. The group offers certification courses in the disciplines of rock, alpine and ski mountaineering. Phone: 303-271-0984.

American Sport Climbers Federation: organization for climbing gyms and competitors of all skill levels. Supports the development of sport climbing competition and sanctions climbing competitions in the United States. Phone: 888-272-3769.

Schools
American Alpine Institute: comprehensive training and expedition center for climbing and skiing. Teaches programs in a range of rock, alpine, and expeditionary environments throughout the world. Phone: 360-671-1505.

International Mountain Climbing School: offers climbing programs in the eastern United States dedicated to technical mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and international treks and expeditions. Phone: 603-356-7064.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): teaches the skills of mountaineering and outdoor survival and leadership. Phone: 307-332-5300.

Outward Bound: learn leadership skills while climbing and backcountry camping with the least possible impact on the environment. Phone: 888-882-6863.

Books
Knots & Ropes for Climbers, by Duane Raleigh
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, Don Graydon and Kurt Hanson, editors
Everest, A Mountaineering History, by Walter Unsworth

Magazines
Climbing: the leading magazine of the mountain climbing world. Published nine issues a year.
Rock & Ice: the latest climbing news, gear reviews, mini guides to new crags, expert performance tips and climbing photography. Published 8 times a year.