Beginner to Expert Mountain Programs
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Accredited by the AMGA continuously since 1986, longer than any other American guide service.
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Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
Rock Climbing
Once mere skill-practice for mountaineers, rock climbing is now a highly developed sport, with numerous sub-disciplines such as trad, sport, and aid.
Ice Climbing
One of the most fundamental skills of mountaineering, ice climbing comprises skills for tackling both waterfall ice and alpine ice/glacier ice.
High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits
Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training
Avalanche safety training is a must for anyone who ventures into the backcountry in winter, and we offer the gold standard in avalanche education.
Hiking And Backpacking
Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
Wilderness Skills
Those who venture into the wilderness must draw from a deep skill base, including navigation, outdoor cooking, water purification, and countless others.
Outdoor Educator & Guide Training
Technical and non-technical leadership courses from the AMGA's longest-accredited guide service
Technical Rescue & Medical
Industry standard technical rescue and wilderness medicine instruction
PROGRAMS & TRIPS
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Few experiences compare to standing on the summit of a glaciated peak, and Mount Baker is one of the most accessible big mountains in North America. In just 3 or … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 (AMTL 1) is the foundation of AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. It is the ultimate introduction to the world … Read more
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
AAI’s Denali program was designed to provide the safest and most successful guided expeditions on the mountain. We accomplish this goal through a process of continuous improvement, subjecting our expedition practices … Read more
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in … Read more
Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering
Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for … Read more
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
When accidents happen in the mountains, knowing how to respond efficiently and safely can make all the difference. Imagine a lead climber taking a fall several pitches up, or an … Read more
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mount Shuksan is widely considered one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, and for good reason. This iconic North Cascades peak has dramatic steep faces, sparkling hanging glaciers, lush … Read more
Explore Our
Destinations
AAI operates worldwide, with principal outdoor campuses in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Sierra Nevada, the desert southwest, and the Colorado Rockies. Browse by region and range below.
AAI offers introductory courses in every kind of mountain pursuit, from fun-in-the-sun rock climbing to backcountry skiing, technical rescue, and the Seven Summits. Here in the United States, we operate in Washington, California, Alaska, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, and our programs run from a single day of recreational climbing to 48 days of intensive training. Read our Get Started guide to begin your journey.
As you browse our site, you’ll never be far from information helping you decide what’s right for you. All AAI programs are marked with two difficulty meters, showing the technical skill level and the physical fitness level needed to participate.
Spreading The Spirit of Alpinism since 1975
For more than half a century, American Alpine Institute has pioneered technical mountain education in the United States. At a time when most American guides provided no instruction to their clients, AAI’s 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, ski, or build your mountain skills with us, and launch a long career in the mountains … or just enjoy one day of thrill and challenge.
Meet Our TeamEquipment Shop
Since 1985, The Equipment Shop at American Alpine Institute has set the standard for mountain shops in the Northwest. Our Guides’ Choice program, created in 1992, has used feedback from our guides in the field to select the best new gear, consistently setting trends and adopting brands that go on to become national standards. With a full rental shop, equipment maintenance services such as ski tuning and tool sharpening, and expert staff, AAI is the true “one stop shop” for mountain equipment, whether you’re a student participating in an AAI trip or an independent climber or skier.
AAI blog
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 5/21/26
Northwest: –King 5 is reporting that, “The King County Sheriff’s Office performed a mountaintop rescue Saturday after a hiker fell
Read MoreChickenheads in Rock Anchors
In many granite landscapes, chickenheads—rounded knobs formed by differential erosion—provide elegant, low-impact anchor options when cracks and horns are scarce.
Read MoreMay 18th, 1980 – Mt. St. Helens Erupts
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens unleashed the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. After weeks of earthquakes
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