Curriculum

In Alpinism 2, students expand on their mountaineering foundation by combining glacier travel skills with a strong focus on alpine rock climbing. The curriculum includes multi-pitch systems, anchor evaluation, route finding on complex alpine terrain, and strategies for moving efficiently as a second on technical routes. Students also practice managing transitions between snow, ice, and rock while developing the judgment and decision-making needed for longer objectives. The course culminates with a student-led climb where participants apply the techniques they’ve practiced throughout the week.

Upon completion of the program, each participant should be qualified as a technically competent rope team member capable of following on multi-pitch alpine rock ascents.

Students Will Learn:

  • Toprope systems
  • Traditional climbing gear removal
  • Rappelling, knot passing, and more.
  • Leave No Trace techniques and principles.
  • Multi-pitch climbing, route-finding, and risk management
  • ​Single-line crevasse rescue and the knot pass.
  • Review of cramponing and ice axe technique​
  • Summit strategies, route finding, navigation, and hazard assessment​

Details

​Prerequisites

  • Overnight backpacking experience
  • Ability to cook for yourself on a backpacking stove
  • Familiarity with the basics of single-pitch rock climbing, including knots and hitches, belaying, rappelling, and basic climbing movement
  • Previous experience with self-arresting, cramponing, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel

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, and the guide fee.

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

Course Options

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

After Alpinism 2, you have several exciting options to keep building your skills. Many climbers take the next step into Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership 2 (AMTL 2), where the curriculum expands into multi-pitch alpine rock, steep alpine ice, advanced rescue systems, and technical leadership.

If you’d prefer to combine both Alpinism 1 and 2 into one comprehensive experience, you can also choose Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership 1 (AMTL 1). This 12-day program integrates both courses with the exact same curriculum, allowing you to complete both seamlessly.

For those who want to focus on specific skills, shorter programs like Learn to Lead, Alpine Ice, or Self-Rescue for Climbers offer targeted training that pairs perfectly with the foundation you’ve built in Alpinism 2.

Navigate with Confidence

While this program includes backcountry navigation, time on the mountain is limited. Many climbers choose to expand their skills by adding a dedicated navigation course, either the three-hour Backcountry Navigation Essentials class or the full-day Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive program. These add-ons give you extra practice and confidence with route-finding, map reading, and glacier navigation, ensuring you’re fully prepared to move independently and efficiently in the backcountry.

When to Climb in the Cascades

Every month in the Cascades tells a different story. Early, mid, and late summer each bring unique conditions that affect your climb. See how the season you choose can shape your route, snow conditions, and overall experience in this article.