The Ragged Mountain Foundation is proud to sponsor the Jim Wilcox Award
Sponsored by The Ragged Mountain Foundation, the annual Jim Wilcox Award is designed to help support small teams
tackling big dreams in the great mountains of the world-- from New England to Nepal.
Climbs proposed should present a significant technical or personal
challenge, including, but not limited to: a first ascent, repeat ascent,
or first alpine style ascent.
Awards will be made to climbers whose
plans best exemplify the spirit of adventure through modern, technical
climbing, with special emphasis placed on ‘leave no trace’ ethics and
best style of ascent. Grants of $500 will be awarded each year to one
member / team.
James Wilcox was an outstanding and versatile climber,
who strived for excellence in his life, and inspired excellence in
others. We honor his achievements through the creation of the James
Wilcox Award: A living memorial to Jim’s adventurous spirit and a
catalyst for the future adventures of others, on big walls throughout
the world.
Documents
Wilcox Award application
Wilcox Award poster
doc format
pdf format
pdf format
Print and display the poster anywhere you think climbers might see it.
Nominations - New!
NEW in 2011: In addition to the traditional application process, you
may submit a nomination form on behalf of a qualified candidate or team.
How to Apply
Deadline for applications is annually on May 31.
Completed applications for the James Wilcox Memorial Award may be submitted as follows:
via U.S. Mail to: The James Wilcox Memorial Award c/o Julia Zaslow Wilcox, 109 Warrenton Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
Additional pages may be attached. Questions may be submitted electronically to: jwilcoxclimb@aol.com.
FAQ
Who was Jim Wilcox? Jim Wilcox was an outstanding and versatile climber, and a friend to all who had the opportunity to cross his path. During the 1980's he was at the forefront of new route development in Connecticut, and his home was "climbing central" for the CT climbing community. Jim was involved with Connecticut's access and protection issues, and co-authored the guidebook to Chatfield Hollow. Jim was proud to serve on the Board of the Ragged Mountain Foundation. But what Jim is most remembered for is his impassioned commitment to big wall climbing and mountaineering. He climbed many big walls from the northeast to Yosemite to the mountains of Europe.
What is the purpose of the Wilcox Award? This award is a memorial to Jim and his love of adventure. Its aim is to allow other climbers to experience the excitement and commitment of big walls or big mountains that they would not otherwise be able to visit. We hope that this award will strengthen the Connecticut climbing community by providing new opportunities to RMF members and providing inspiration through the shared experience.
Where does the money come from? This award is funded by the James Wilcox Fund. All of the money in this fund was donated to the RMF in Jim's memory. Membership dues and general contributions to the RMF are not used for the Wilcox Fund. The RMF occasionally holds fundraising events to benefit this fund.
How are the awards selected? The selection process will consider the following aspects of a proposed ascent:
Personal Challenge: does this climb push the participants to a new level?
Opportunity: will the Wilcox grant provide an opportunity to your party that would not have been available without it?
Significance: is the proposed ascent of interest to the climbing community?
Style: Will the route be climbed in good style - both technically and ethically?
All sorts of climbs could potentially be funded: big walls, remote peaks, new routes. Small parties are preferred and participants are encouraged to leave no trace of their ascent. The seriousness of the objective is not the only basis for consideration - you need not have a long climbing resume or a record of first ascents. Rather, we hope that the proposed route will present a personal challenge to the applicants.
I'm not an elite climber, just a weekend warrior - should I apply? You don't have to be going to Nepal or Peru to get a Wilcox award. Maybe you want to do your first ever big wall in Yosemite or see an unclimbed line on a remote peak in the Cascades. This award is about pushing your personal limits, not necessarily being on the cutting edge of the sport.
Who can apply? Any member of the RMF can apply for the Wilcox Award. If you are not a member, you can join online or by mailing in a membership application. Annual dues are only $15 and include a subscription to Overlook, the RMF newsletter. RMF Board Members are ineligible during their elected term(s). What are my obligations if I receive an award? If you receive an award, we ask that you share your experience with the RMF through photos and a written account of your trip. If possible, we would like you to talk about your experiences at the RMF annual meeting or some other RMF event that will be available to our membership.
Who are the past winners and what were their accomplishments? A summary of Wilcox Award winners is posted here.
I have more questions - where should I ask them? Contact info@raggedmtn.org to talk with us about the award.
