Skiing and Snowboarding - All Programs
AAI's core ski and snowboard courses are offered in the outstanding Mt. Baker backcountry in Northwest Washington. A record-setting snowpack, easy road access, proximity to Mt. Baker Ski Area, and stunning alpine terrain combine to make this the best place in North America to build skills from basic backcountry skiing to advanced ski mountaineering. Courses are also offered in the Sierra Nevada of California and Colorado's San Juans.
Skiing and Snowboarding - All Programs
A skier in the North Cascades. Andy BourneThis 1-day course is designed for those who have little or no backcountry skiing experience and want to learn the basics. We'll introduce you to the different types of gear that allow us to travel through the backcountry, including use of climbing skins and other backcountry tools. Once on the snow, you'll learn specific techniques for moving through pristine backcountry terrain.
- Location:Washington, Colorado
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 Days
- Cost:$295
A skier skins uphill in the Mt. Baker backcountry. Scott Schumann"One run in the backcountry is worth ten in the front country." This is so commonly said that it has become a cliche ... and, yet, it's true. Come and join us on our 2-day clinic designed to take you beyond the basics and get you ready to go further, higher, and steeper.
- Location:North Cascades, WA; Eastern Sierras, CA; San Juan Mountains, CO
- Season:January - April
- Length:2 Days
- Cost:$460 (3 person min); Private trip pricing listed in 'Details and Dates'
A splitboard in uphill ski mode. Andy BourneUse of a splitboard allows snowboarders to easily reach places that just a few years ago were only been accessible to skiers, without the added hassle of carrying snowshoes. Snowboarders can rent splitboards from AAI's rental shop.
- Location:Mt. Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - April
- Length:2 days
- Cost:615
A skier enjoys backcountry terrain. Lyle HaugsvenAmerican Alpine Institute has a wide variety of winter programming available to teach you the skills you need to travel through the untracked backcountry. Many of these programs dovetail together and you can flow from one into another with minimal down-time. Whether you're beginner, intermediate, or advanced, there's a winning combination waiting for you.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - March
- Length:4 - 6 days + 2 evening lecture sessions
- Cost:$1195 (Skiing) $1450 (Splitboarding)
A skier reaps the rewards for his climb with an exposed descent. Mt. Baker, Washington. Ben TraxlerDevelop the technical skills and judgment required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best skiing available in the lower 48 states. Learn crevasse rescue, roped skiing techniques, snow anchor construction, rappelling, and belaying skills as they apply to skiers and splitboarders in glaciated terrain.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:March - May
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:6 days: $1650 (minimum of 2 participants)
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Flying down a steep chute. Lyle HaugsvenTour the backcountry around Table Mountain or Shuksan Arm, or climb Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan and make a classic ski descent. Complete a major multi-day tour in the North Cascades on skis or split snowboard. Or work on your off-piste skills with coaching from a professional guide. We have private programs available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Location:Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:December - June (varies with conditions)
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1 day-trips
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Ascending an untouched slope of fresh snow in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Ian PetersonThe San Juan Mountains, a high rugged mountain range in southwestern Colorado, offers endless backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With around 200+ inches of snow per year and over 300 days of sunshine annually, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a bluebird pow day in Colorado’s backcountry.
- Location:San Juan Mountains, Colorado
- Season:Winter and Spring
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1
Crossing the Argentiere Glacier. Tim ConnellyOur high route through the heart of the Alps is among the most scenic alpine tours in the world. We combine safety and avalanche training with glacier skiing techniques on this incredible ski traverse.
- Location:Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland
- Season:Spring
- Length:8 days
- Cost:Cost varies
Camp at the base of a winter ski objective. Justin WoodYou know about moving through the backcountry, and you've taken an Avalanche Course. Now take your winter travel to the next level with this course on winter overnight skills.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - April
- Length:2 days
- Cost:$415 (minimum 2 participants)
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A skier rips through exceptionally dry Hokkaido powder. Gregg OliveriHokkaido, Japan is one of the best places in the world to backcountry ski and snowboard. The combination of light, dry snow that feels more like fairy dust, moderate lines, beautiful vistas and a rich cultural experience provide for an exceptional introduction to Japan's backcountry. The American Alpine Institute offers a flexible program that includes seven days of skiing or riding, while exploring several different backcountry and sidecountry venues in Hokkaido.
- Location:Hokkaido, Japan
- Season:December - March
- Length:Varies
- Cost:$637 per person, per day for 1 - 3 people
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