In memory of Higino “Quino” Gonzalez
Quino Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of Quino Gonzalez, this scholarship helps aspiring mountaineers ages 18 to 24 launch or advance their careers in the mountains. Recipients receive partial tuition scholarships for approved American Alpine Institute programs, providing access to world-class instruction, mentorship, and technical training while honoring Quino’s enduring legacy of excellence, generosity, and commitment to developing the next generation of climbers.
The Quino Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship – In Memory of Our Friend and Colleague
Thank you for your interest!
Purpose
The Quino Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to help young climbers pursue ambitious goals on the world’s high mountains. We recognize that high-altitude mountaineering is an expensive endeavor, and for many talented young people, financial barriers can make these experiences seem out of reach. This includes not-just-the-mountains-themselves, but the training required to tackle them.
Throughout his career, Quino Gonzalez built an extraordinary legacy on high-altitude peaks around the world, serving for many years as a lead guide on Denali while mentoring countless aspiring mountaineers. This scholarship honors his passion for exploration, education, and helping others grow in the mountains.
By reducing financial barriers, the scholarship provides deserving young adults with the opportunity to gain the skills, experience, and confidence needed to explore high-altitude terrain and pursue their own alpine dreams.
Inspiration
Higinio “Quino” Gonzalez was a revered mountain guide, mentor, and alpinist whose influence reached far beyond the summits he climbed. A longtime ski and rock climbing guide in Utah and Alaska, Quino earned the respect of the mountain community through his exceptional skill, quiet leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. Tragically, he lost his life in an avalanche in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon on February 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, mentorship, and generosity.
Originally from Chile and certified as an AMGA Rock Guide, Quino was admired not only for his technical expertise but also for the kindness and humility he brought to every expedition. He forged lifelong friendships with clients, fellow guides, students, and climbing partners, and was known as someone who would help anyone in need without hesitation. He believed that the mountains were for everyone willing to learn, work hard, and approach them with respect.
Quino’s climbing career took him to some of the world’s most spectacular ranges. He guided extensively in Alaska and in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca, explored the vast icefields of Patagonia, and climbed major peaks in the Karakoram, including Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and K2. Yet despite these remarkable accomplishments, he measured success not by the summits he reached, but by the people he inspired along the way.
The Quino Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship honors that legacy. By helping young climbers overcome financial barriers to high-altitude mountaineering, the scholarship reflects Quino’s lifelong commitment to mentorship, education, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of alpinists. It exists to help aspiring climbers develop the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue ambitious goals in the mountains—just as Quino encouraged so many others to do throughout his life.
Scholarship Award
The American Alpine Institute will award one or more $1500 tuition scholarship(s) for qualifying programs.
Qualifying Programs
To be awarded, applicants must meet the prerequisites to the program for which they are applying.
- Alpinism 1: Introduction to Mountaineering
- Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part I
- Winter Mountaineering in the Sierra
- Denali Prep
- Alaska Range Mountaineering
- Denali (Mt. McKinley) West Buttress
Applications
Eligibility:
- 18-24 years of age at the time of the program
- Meet or exceed the listed prerequisites for the requested program
- Potential recipients must submit a professional resume, outdoor resume, letter of recommendation, and completed application that expresses their interest in high altitude mountaineering.
- Recipients will be asked to share their experiences at the end of their program on social media platforms.
An application missing a resume, letter of recommendation, or outdoor resume is considered incomplete and will not be considered for the scholarship. For more information or tips on outdoor resume creation, feel free to email us at info@alpineinstitute.com.
The Fine Print:
- Award winners must choose from programs that are confirmed to run.
- Award winners may not apply unrelated discounts or special offers to a program for which they are using their scholarship.
- The award expires when the awardee turns 25.
The Quino Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship is open for applications from September 1 through October 31. We will announce the winner(s) in late December.