The American Alpine Institute accepts applications for spring/summer seasonal and year-round staff members between November 1 and January 31. Referred to by Jon Krakauer as “the best all-around climbing school and guide service in North America,” AAI is based in Bellingham, Washington, and offers technical instruction and guiding in rock, alpine, and ski disciplines across eight U.S. states and 16 countries.
Each year, the Institute typically hires four to eight new full-time or full-time seasonal guides. In addition, part-time Denali guides, avalanche instructors, IFMGA European guides, and guest guides are recruited throughout the year as needs arise.
Candidates for full-time and full-time seasonal positions who lack significant AMGA training are required to participate in AAI’s Guide Training Course, held in early May. This intensive, three-week program—led by Michael Powers (AAI Assistant Director for Staff Development, IFMGA Guide, and former AMGA Technical Director)—focuses on guide technique during the first two weeks and culminates with an opportunity for new guides to student-teach under the direct supervision of senior guides in the third week.
Summer work commences immediately after the Guide Training Course and continues through the end of the season. Depending on each guide’s flexibility and experience, there may also be opportunities for winter guiding in the Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, Red Rock Canyon, southwest Colorado, or South America.
It is not uncommon for guides in their second or third year with AAI to receive offers for seasonal work on Denali or elsewhere in the Alaska Range, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to fostering long-term careers in high-altitude guiding.