Curriculum

Part II of this progression takes the skills you learned in Part I and focuses on expanding your technical skill, adapting and applying past experience to the winter environments, introducing you to multi-day winter objectives, and preparing you for advanced avalanche leadership. You’ll learn to move efficiently in steeper and more complex terrain, begin using ropes, anchors, and winter mountaineering techniques, and practice winter camping as a system, not just an add-on.

  • Winter Mountaineering 
    • The Physics & Physiology of Cold Weather
      • An introduction to human physiology in cold weather
      • Equipment, clothing, and shelter for the winter and expedition climber
      • Internal maintenance – food and hydration in a cold environment
    • Winter and Expeditionary Climbing and Protective Systems
      • Selection and use of ropes, knots and harnesses
      • Design concept, selection and use of ice axe and secondary hand tools
      • Proper choice and application of the primary ice axe positions
      • Use of crampons, including French, German, and American techniques
      • Selection and placement of snow and/or ice anchors for protection and belays
      • Winter rock climbing and mixed climbing skills
      • Establishment and maintenance of fixed lines and fixed protection
    • Skills for Winter Travel
      • Techniques for traveling varied backcountry snow conditions
      • Traveling efficiently and conservatively in avalanche terrain
      • Techniques for traveling with a pack in low and high angle terrain
      • Route finding and tour planning
      • White-out navigation using both map & compass and a GPS
      • Leave No Trace ethics in winter
      • Introduction to winter camping and multi-day logistics
  • Introduction to Ski Alpinism
    • Snow anchor construction w/ skis/board
    • Snow belays (body belay, dynamic off anchors)
    • Lowers
    • Rappelling with skis/board on pack and on feet

 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Move efficiently in steep winter terrain with a heavy pack
  • Apply rope systems for winter mountaineering travel
  • Plan and execute multi-day winter objectives
  • Operate confidently in complex alpine terrain under variable conditions
  • Build the experience needed to progress toward advanced avalanche leadership

 

Course Progression

These programs were developed by American Alpine Institute instructors to bridge the gap from introductory backcountry travel to advanced avalanche leadership training and ski mountaineering. They reflect decades of experience teaching winter mountaineering skills and a deliberate approach to student progression.

This progression is intentionally designed to allow students to complete Parts I and II in succession, then spend time gaining independent experience before returning for advanced avalanche leadership training in Part III.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Fundamentals

This introductory course builds a strong foundation for winter backcountry travel. Students develop efficient touring skills, avalanche awareness, decision-making tools, and companion rescue techniques needed to begin traveling confidently in avalanche terrain.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Part II

Technical Ski Alpinism

This intermediate stage expands into winter mountaineering skills, including technical movement, rope systems, and an introduction to winter camping and multi-day travel. The focus is on efficiency, judgment, and operating in more complex alpine terrain. By blending the worlds of backcountry skiing and alpinism, year-round opportunities to explore the mountains start to become more of a reality.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Part III

Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making

The final course emphasizes advanced avalanche leadership, complex terrain assessment, and expedition-style decision-making. Students refine their technical and leadership skills while preparing for independent travel and professional-level objectives in serious winter environments.

Together, these courses are designed to help you move from foundational skills to confident, independent winter travel and leadership.

Details

Prerequisites

  • Completion of Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I Course (or equivalent experience)
  • Completion of an A3 approved Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course
  • Completion of an A3 approved Avalanche Rescue Course
  • Previous summer overnight backpacking experience
  • Ability to cook for yourself on a backpacking stove
  • Excellent physical fitness

 

Avalanche Gear

The AAI Equipment Shop rents avalanche gear, including beacons, probes, and shovels.  We also have backcountry skis and boots, splitboards, packs, and ski poles for rent.  See AAI rental pricing sheet.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions: Included in the course cost are group technical climbing equipment like ropes and pickets, transportation to the climbing areas from AAI headquarters, all permits and camping fees, front-country lodging during the course and the guide fee.

Exclusions: Not included in the course cost are all personal clothing and climbing gear, rentals, gratuities to the guide, meals, lodging for directly before or after the program, or travel insurance.