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Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
“Alpine climbing” refers to mountain climbing in its most classic form. An alpine climber uses a wide range of techniques to gain a summit, often carrying the bare minimum of technical gear, and relying instead on a deep skill base, adaptability, and good decision making. The courses listed here emphasize the multi-disciplinary character of true alpine climbing, teaching some combination of rock climbing, ice climbing, snow skills, and glacier travel – and usually all of the above.
AAI offers courses and guided ascents throughout the Cascades, the Alaska Range, the eastern Sierra Nevada, and many other alpine climbing destinations. Refine your search using the filters below.
The Palisade Traverse
This is one of the most classic routes in the Eastern Sierra, and one of the very best ridge traverses on the planet. With a highpoint over 14,000 feet and … Read more
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
Climbing Mount St. Helens is a very unique opportunity considering its historical 1980 eruption. The flanks of this Southern Cascade Volcano offer fantastic beginner level ascents while climbing past volcanic … Read more
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
This program runs primarily on a private basis, and is somewhat conditions-dependent. The Eastern Sierra is famous for its golden granite, but it is equally famous for its steep and … Read more
Southern Cascades Volcanoes Skills and Climb
Only 31 miles apart, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens have a lot in common. Both mountains are still considered active volcanoes. This might seem odd due to the fact … Read more
Patagonia Icefield Expedition
The immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. Encompassing vast glaciers, hundreds of peaks, and some of the most spectacular … Read more
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
Gorra Blanca (9,514 ft / 2900 m) sits on the border between Argentina and Chile and marks one of the gateways to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is one … Read more
The Alps Trilogy – Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger
Since the birth of mountaineering, these three peaks have captured climbers like no others: Mont Blanc (15,771 ft.), the highest point in Western Europe, because its ascent heralded the dawn … Read more
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in … Read more
Alpine Rock Climbing
The most beautiful rock on the planet is that which is found on the high spires and jagged peaks of the great ranges of the world. The aesthetics of alpine … Read more
Mt. Adams Skills and Climb
At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is the second tallest mountain in the state of Washington. It’s remarkable size and spectacular ten-glacier mantle make it one of the most beautiful mountains … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Range
The Central Alaska Range is made up of the peaks and valleys that surround Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker. In the deep glacial gorges that drop from Denali’s flanks … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the French Alps/Chamonix
The French Alps in the area near Chamonix encompass the highest concentration of quality alpine routes in the world. There are classics here at every technical level, and at each … Read more
Little Switzerland/Pika Glacier Expedition
Little Switzerland is the name given to a series of dramatic granite spires jutting up out of the Pika Glacier like broken teeth. Found just 35 miles south of Denali … Read more
Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional
The American Alpine Institute offers various vocational programs designed to address educational and certification needs for outdoor professionals. These professionals include climbers, mountaineers, ski patrollers, mountain rescue technicians, outdoor educators, … Read more
Mountain Programs for Youth Organizations
Research shows that adventure education has an incredibly positive impact on children and youth. These types of experiences increase confidence, encourage cooperation, enhance communication skills, build self-reliance, strengthen friendships and … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 (AMTL 4) is the capstone of the American Alpine Institute’s four-part alpine training progression. This advanced expedition course is where climbers bring together … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland is one of those places alpinists dream about–equally because of its place in the history of the sport and the nearly endless climbing possibilities that exist throughout the country. … Read more
Climbing Seminars
The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute is proud to present two “ground-school” seminars. The Introduction to Crevasse Rescue program is a 4-hour overview of baseline glacier travel and … Read more
Military and Government Mountain Training
Military, law enforcement and other government agents are often required to work in “high-end” mountain terrain to achieve their tactical objectives. These settings may require technical rock climbing, glacier mountaineering, … Read more
Carstensz Pyramid/Puncak Jaya
Rising like a shark’s fin out of the mist of a jungle far below, 16,024-foot/4884-meter Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak in Australasia and one of the most remote of … Read more
Saint Elias Range Skills Expedition
Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America’s largest and most rugged national park, containing one of the world’s least visited expanse of mountain terrain. Bordering Canada’s Yukon, this vast area … Read more
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
The Cassin Ridge (Alaska Grade 5, 5.8, AI 4) The Cassin Ridge follows the major ridgeline in the center of the photo. Bradford Washburn Denali offers one of the world’s … Read more
Guided Ice Climbing & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), straddling the Continental Divide, encompasses hundreds of winter climbs and thousands of skiable acres for any ability level. The high elevation and cold temperatures of … Read more
California Fourteeners Climbs
We’ve put together a list of the fifteen peaks in California that break the fourteen thousand foot barrier. Climbing routes on these peaks are varied and cater to a wide … Read more
