American Alpine Institute

Spreading The Spirit of Alpinism since 1975

For a half-of-a century American Alpine Institute has pioneered technical climbing education in the United States. At a time when most American guides provided no instruction to their participants, the founders launched a mountaineering school offering courses in ice climbing, rock climbing, glacier skills, and off-piste skiing, with a mission to grow their students into self-sufficient climbers.

Today, the Institute continues this tradition of teaching skill mastery and self-leadership, an approach that contributes to our extraordinary record of safety and success in the great ranges of the world. Come climb with us and launch a long career in the mountains ... or just enjoy a day of thrill and challenge.