Why Climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) with American Alpine Institute?
American Alpine Institute
Climbing Denali with the American Alpine Institute (AAI) isn’t just about reaching North America’s highest summit—it’s about doing it the… Read More
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AAI's website articles take a deep dive into topics important to climbers, skiers, and general outdoor enthusiasts, with an emphasis on skills, route information, and trip reports.
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- Ask a Guide Letters (22)
- Expert Tips (23)
- FAQs (3)
- Peaks and Routes (5)
- Route Information (2)
- Skills (1)
- Trip Reports (7)
- AAI Programs (2)
Deep Snow Immersion: Tree Wells and Moats
American Alpine Institute
...collapses, and the more a person struggles, the deeper they sink. It’s called snow immersion suffocation (SIS), and tragically, it… Read More
Toprope Solo Techniques
American Alpine Institute
...Accidents in North American Climbing, and mountain guide, Jason Anton, talk about ways to avoid a similar accident. https://youtube.com/shorts/wLE98eTe_ec?si=NVkeUnLtRf1DNy9I Whitney… Read More
Micro Cam Considerations
American Alpine Institute
Micro cams live in the world of finger cracks and below—tiny constrictions where larger gear simply won’t go. These cams… Read More
Simul-Climbing Technique
American Alpine Institute
Simul-climbing is an advanced climbing technique where two climbers move up a route at the same time while tied to… Read More
Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...AAI Climbing Blog features several other posts that highlight women in climbing, including awe-inspiring rock climbing videos (2013), a discussion… Read More
Mt. Shuksan Climbing Guide: Top 3 Routes Explained
American Alpine Institute
...routes and alpine ice climbing, its diverse terrain offers challenges and thrills for every level of mountaineer. Sulphide Glacier Grade… Read More
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
Climb the Highest Peaks on the Seven Continents The highest peaks on each of the seven continents – collectively nicknamed… Read More
Top Backcountry Skiing Routes and Objectives in the North Cascades
American Alpine Institute
...Mt Herman Mt Herman (Anderson Creek Tour) White Salmon Glacier Table Mountain and the Blueberry Chutes Ruth Mountain Goat Mountain… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
The North Cascades are a playground for climbers and mountaineers of all skill levels, offering a wide range of routes… Read More
Summit Mt. Baker: A Guide to the Easton, Squak, and Coleman-Deming Routes
American Alpine Institute
...nib. From camp to the summit is 3.5mi/5.5km with 4870ft/1480m of gain. Key Stats Total Distance (round trip): ~15mi/24km Total… Read More
Grand Tour of the Eastern Sierra
American Alpine Institute
Eight Days of Climbing with AAI in the “Range of Light” Text and Photos by Zac Merriman Zac on the… Read More
Kilimanjaro Trek: Good Living on the Top of Africa
American Alpine Institute
AAI Program Coordinator Hard-core alpinists beware: This is not a thrilling story of alpine bravery, nor is it an… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...our perfect day in the mountains on a classic route like Epinephrine. Interested in climbing Epinephrine? Click the link to… Read More
Snow Flotation for Climbers: Skis or Snowshoes?
American Alpine Institute
...a fall hazard. Terrain type Terrain type is very critical in my own decision-making. When the terrain is wide-open, such… Read More
Success in Sichuan: Second Ascent of Reddomaine
American Alpine Institute
An AAI Team Makes the Second Ascent of China’s 20,050-foot Reddomaine By Aidan Loehr AAI Instructor and Guide Mountain… Read More
Fighting for Fitzroy
American Alpine Institute
AAI Instructor and Guide Rising from the middle of the flat Patagonian steppe, Fitzroy and Cerro Torre are two… Read More
Father and Son in the Alps: Climbing the Alps Trilogy
American Alpine Institute
...alpine rock routes at Washington Pass: the Becky Route on Liberty Bell (5.6) and the South Arete of South Early… Read More
Rock Shoes: Board-Lasted vs. Slip-Lasted
American Alpine Institute
...individual at the climbing shop. “Dude, you need shoes that hurt,” he tells you. “They should be at least two… Read More
50 Classic Climbs
American Alpine Institute
...the climbing world and in our society as a whole have forced a reassessment of the traditional answers to these… Read More
Selecting Equipment for Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Getting equipped for waterfall ice climbing, a highly equipment-intensive activity, used to be easy. You just had to buy some… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...variability can creep in and there can be a mix of rain occasionally, but rain-free days are often warm and… Read More
Crevasse Rescue – Introduction
American Alpine Institute
...needs to happen quickly, even if the climber is uninjured. Crevasse rescue is a mandatory skill for mountaineers, followers and… Read More
Using Your Camera in the Mountains
American Alpine Institute
Alasdair Turner As a guide who always carries a camera, I am often asked about cameras on climbing trips and… Read More
