The Franklin Alpine Club began during my first year (2022), on a train to Andermatt, with four friends who convinced me to join them for skiing on the first day of the season. It was 8:30 in the morning, and we were filled with energy, as every ski enthusiast is when heading to the mountains. Alex, Kate, George, Grace, and I talked about how surprised we were that there wasn’t a ski or outdoor club at a school surrounded by the Swiss Alps. That’s when we all got excited about the idea of starting one. We began planning the hikes, ski trips, climbing adventures, and everything in between. By the time our second year rolled around, we had talked about it all summer and were ready to make it happen. Our love for the outdoors was something we wanted to share with everyone at Franklin.
Last year was the first official year of the Alpine Club. As soon as we introduced the club on campus, we quickly gained interest, becoming the largest club on campus with over 100 members. Even professors approached us with curiosity, sharing stories about a previous outdoor club. That’s when we discovered there had been a club before ours. In a small closet next to the gym office—what I believe is the world’s smallest climbing closet—we found what was left of the old club, a step back in time. Inside were climbing magazine clippings, notes, old chalk, and dirty mats—a true outdoor enthusiast’s creation. You could feel the energy of those who spent time there before, and they even left a note for future climbers. They knew we would return and that Franklin’s love for the outdoors would be restored. To all the past climbers and alpinists of Franklin, we appreciate your passion and spirit because it hasn’t left the school.
This made us sit and reflect on how we wanted the Alpine Club to look. Our vision became clear: our collective goal is to lower the barriers to entry and introduce students on campus to the outdoors in a less intimidating and safe manner. The Franklin Alpine Club strives to make the beautiful nature around our campus more accessible. The FAC builds community by providing opportunities, resources, and gear.
We are working to achieve this goal in several ways. Currently, we organize one large, accessible trip to the mountains every fall as an introduction to the club and to the outdoors. Last year, we went to Arnisee in Uri, where we had a cookout, and members could relax by the lake, visit the local farm café, or hike further if they wanted. It was a great way to meet new people and connect with the mountains in a less intense way. We believe this helps dismantle a huge misconception in the alpine community—that getting outdoors requires extreme physical ability, which often discourages people from trying. We want to show people that enjoying the outdoors looks different for everyone. Appreciating the beauty and intensity of the landscapes that surround us is an experience we want as many people as possible to have. We had an amazing turnout, and everyone had a great time. That’s when we knew this is exactly what Franklin needs.
Since then, we’ve gone on multiple trips, including a weekend ski trip to Grindelwald, which was such a great time that we’re planning to offer it again this winter. We even had our first climbing lesson with an instructor that gave students an opportunity to try a more exclusive activity in a safe and affordable manner. We’ve also seen high engagement from members borrowing gear and heading out on their own. We’ve started a gear loaning system so students can access the proper equipment to go on adventures.
As we continue to explore, we’ve faced some limitations in the club’s ability to safely equip everyone who wants to join. Every weekend, we’ve had gear—like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks—being borrowed, and we’ve often had to tell people we don’t have enough equipment available. This has prevented some students from going camping with the necessary gear. Safety is one of our top priorities and our hope is to continue allocating our limited funds from SGA toward purchasing appropriate gear to support future Franklin students in getting outside for years to come.
By Bella Smith ’26
The Franklin Alpine Club provides an insider perspective on a significant aspect of university life for everyone who has experienced Franklin, as well as for those with family attending. The club shares the story of how it came to be and what it means to its members. The club was created by Alex Ribeiro, Grace Meller, Bella Smith, Kate Taylor, and George Haffenreffer, who now make up the current executive board.
Follow Our Adventures: Stay connected with the Franklin Alpine Club on Instagram @Alpineclub.fus
Get in Touch: For more details about the club, feel free to reach out via email at smith552@student.fus.edu
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