Skip to content

Climb Denali! – Discounts Available on Select 2027 Trips. Click for details.

Get Started
Why AAI
News
Contact Us

Programs
- - - Programs
      
      American Alpine Institute offers a wide array of instructional programs, peak ascents, expeditions, and private programs. Browse the different program types here.
      View All Programs
  - - Instructional Courses
      
      Programs (64)
      
      Intensive mountain skills instruction and summit climbs
      
      Group Summit Climbs
      
      Programs (7)
      
      Introductory summit climbs with some skills instruction
      
      Expeditions
      
      Programs (35)
      
      Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
      
      Private & Custom Trips
      
      Programs (42)
      
      Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
      
      Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
      
      Programs (11)
      
      Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
      
      Government, Military, & Veterans
      
      Programs (3)
      
      Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans under the GI Bill
      
      Youth Climbing Programs
      
      Programs (3)
      
      Our youth programs inspire young adventurers to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and develop climbing and leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.
      
      Mountain Center
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Short classroom and outdoor courses, films, lectures, and other low-cost programming for the local outdoor community
Activities
- - - Activities
      
      American Alpine Institute offers mountain activities of all kinds, including rock-climbing, ice-climbing, mountaineering, and more. Browse activities here.
  - - Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
      
      Programs (55)
      
      This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
      
      Rock Climbing
      
      Programs (36)
      
      Once mere skill-practice for mountaineers, rock climbing is now a highly developed sport, with numerous sub-disciplines such as trad, sport, and aid.
      
      Ice Climbing
      
      Programs (11)
      
      One of the most fundamental skills of mountaineering, ice climbing comprises skills for tackling both waterfall ice and alpine ice/glacier ice.
      
      High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits
      
      Programs (30)
      
      Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
      
      Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
      
      Programs (22)
      
      Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
      
      Avalanche Training
      
      Programs (14)
      
      Avalanche safety training is a must for anyone who ventures into the backcountry in winter, and we offer the gold standard in avalanche education.
      
      Hiking And Backpacking
      
      Programs (15)
      
      Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
      
      Wilderness Skills
      
      Programs (8)
      
      Those who venture into the wilderness must draw from a deep skill base, including navigation, outdoor cooking, water purification, and countless others.
      
      Outdoor Educator & Guide Training
      
      Programs (14)
      
      Technical and non-technical leadership courses from the AMGA's longest-accredited guide service
      
      Technical Rescue & Medical
      
      Programs (8)
      
      Industry standard technical rescue and wilderness medicine instruction
Destinations
- - - - Most Popular
      - North America
      - South America
      - Asia
      - Africa
      - Oceania
      - Europe
      - Antarctica
  - - Destination
      
      View All Programs
      
      Programs (24)
      
      Bellingham Area
      
      The gateway to the North Cascades, Bellingham is home to our headquarters and the AAI Mountain Center.
      
      Programs (12)
      
      Mount Baker
      
      At 10,780 feet, heavily glaciated Mt. Baker presents climbing objectives for all skill-levels.
      
      Programs (5)
      
      Denali / McKinley
      
      The highest summit in North America, at 20,310 feet, and the hardest of the Seven Summits
      
      Programs (1)
      
      Mt. Whitney / Sierra
      
      The highest peak in the conterminous United States and the fabled "Range of Light"
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Ecuador's Volcanoes
      
      The high-altitude volcanoes of the Ecuadorean Andes are among the most sought-after summits in South America.
      
      Programs (17)
      
      Red Rock / Las Vegas
      
      Desert rock climbing at its best – and at its most accessible, just miles from the Las Vegas strip
      
      Programs (12)
      
      Joshua Tree
      
      A winter paradise for desert rock climbing, Joshua Tree is home to literally thousands of climbs for all skill levels.
      
      Programs (48)
      
      North Cascades
      
      Nicknamed "America's Alps", The North Cascades are the most heavily glaciated range in the conterminous United States.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      French Alps
      
      The French Alps are the world capital of alpinism, and for good reason: the range offers hundreds of the highest quality rock, snow, and ice routes with unmatched accessibility.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Swiss Alps
      
      From scenic climbs like the Rothorn to classics like the Matterhorn and Eiger, Switzerland's Alps offer spectacular and varied climbing in the birthplace of mountaineering.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      Russia
      
      Crowning the great geographic and cultural divide between Europe and Asia, 18,510-foot Mt. Elbrus is one of the world's coveted "Seven Summits."
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Nepal
      
      Tucked on the south slopes of the fabled "Roof of the World," the mountain kingdom of Nepal is the homeland of the famed Sherpas and the launch pad for expeditions to Mt. Everest.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      China
      
      AAI offers technical climbing, mountaineering expeditions, and trekking and cultural experiences in the Himalaya and Sichuan areas of China.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      Japan
      
      Japan's northern island of Hokkaido offers world-class powder snow skiing and wonderful cultural experiences. Both of these immersive aspects enrich a traveler's soul in their own unique ways.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      Southeast Asia
      
      Rock climbing in Southeast Asia offers diverse natural landscapes, including iconic limestone caves, coastal cliffs, and expansive mountain ranges, catering to all skill levels.
      
      Programs (2)
      
      East Africa
      
      Although not traditionally a major destination for climbers, Africa is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya, and in recent years has become a destination for adventurous rock climbers.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      New Zealand
      
      Guided ascents of the classic routes in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, including Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt. Tasman, and Mt. Aspiring. Helicopter and hut supported climbing allows for multiple ascents in a short amount of time.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      New Guinea
      
      New Guinea is home to Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid), the highest mountain peak of an island on Earth, and the highest peak in the Sudirman Range of Mimika Regency, Indonesia, and the larger Oceania region.
      
      Programs (77)
      
      Washington
      
      Washington State is a mountaineer’s paradise, with rugged peaks, glaciers, and iconic alpine routes that make it one of the most diverse climbing destinations in North America.
      
      Programs (23)
      
      California
      
      Alpine rock climbing and cragging in the Eastern Sierra Nevada range and Joshua Tree
      
      Programs (11)
      
      Alaska
      
      Expeditions and custom trips in the Alaska Range, Denali National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
      
      Programs (7)
      
      Utah
      
      Guided desert rock climbing and climbing instruction in the Moab area and Indian Creek
      
      Programs (16)
      
      Colorado
      
      Ragged rock, powdery snow, and glistening ice can all be found in the mountainous playground that is Colorado.
      
      Programs (19)
      
      Nevada
      
      Our Nevada campus centers on Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston, outside Las Vegas.
      
      Programs (7)
      
      British Columbia
      
      British Columbia is a mountaineer’s paradise, offering rugged peaks, glaciers, and world-class climbing destinations like Squamish and the Bugaboos.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Ecuador
      
      High-altitude summits, hot springs, and haciendas – Ecuador is adventure tourism at its finest, and a paradise for a mountaineer.
      
      Programs (6)
      
      Peru
      
      Peru's Cordillera Blanca is an alpinst's dream – a rugged, heavily glaciated range with spectacular, picture perfect summits.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Argentina
      
      Argentina is the eastern gateway to the jagged Andes that form the border between it and its more rugged, icy neighbor to the west, Chile.
      
      Programs (4)
      
      Bolivia
      
      The high peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real offer some of the most spectacular alpine climbing in the world.
      
      Programs (1)
      
      Ellsworth Range
      
      Entirely unexplored until 1966, the Ellsworth range was long regarded as a scientific curiosity. In that year the American Alpine Club, backed by the National Science Foundation, organized the first successful ascent of Mt. Vinson, and a new era of Antarctic exploration was born.
Equipment Shop
- - - Equipment Shop & Rentals
      
      View Equipment Shop

No programs found

Searching...

Climbing for Change Scholarship Application

In partnership with Kai Lightner and the Climbing For Change Organization, the Alpine Institute offers this tuition scholarship awarded annually toward approved AAI courses in various amounts.

Eligibility Criteria

Self-identified as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color including Latinx, Asian, mixed race.
18 years of age or older.
Meet or exceed the listed prerequisites for the requested program(s).

An application missing a resume, letter of recommendation, or outdoor resume is considered incomplete and will not be considered for the scholarship.

For more information, feel free to email us at info@alpineinstitute.com.

Climbing for Change Scholarship Application Form

Step 1 of 5

20%

Applicant Contact Information

Name

First Last

Email

Phone

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Identifying Information

AAI does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The answers collected below are used to determine scholarship award eligibility and for scholarship tracking purposes.

Age

Race/Ethnicty

Pronouns

Social Media Handles (optional)

Climbing Experience

Rock Climbing Experience: Please indicate your current skill level

None

Indoor

Bouldering

Top Rope

Follow Single Pitch Sport

Lead Single Pitch Sport

Follow Multi-Pitch Sport

Lead Multi-Pitch Sport

Follow Single Pitch Trad

Lead Single Pitch Trad

Follow Multi Pitch Trad

Lead Multi Pitch Trad

Ice Climbing Experience: Please indicate your current skill level

None

Tope Rope Waterfall

Follow Waterfall

Lead Waterfall

Follow Multi Pitch Waterfall

Lead Multi Pitch Waterfall

Follow Alpine Ice

Lead Alpine Ice

Glacier Experience: Please indicate your current skill level

None

Ice Axe Self Arrest

Crampon Techniques

Summited a Glaciated Peak

Lead a Summit of a Glaciated Peak

Comfortable with Crevasse Rescue Hauling Systems

Rescue Experience: Please indicate your current skill level

None

Simple Self Rescue Skills (escape belay etc)

Advanced Self Rescue Skills

Search and Rescue Team Member

Other Certified Rope Rescue Certificate Holder

Describe your current involvement in the outdoors. Include any opportunities where you helped others in outdoor spaces, taught skills, or fostered inclusion.

List any certificates you currently hold or previous courses you have taken (WFR, SPI, CPR, etc).

What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain and/or which course are you most interested in?

Motivation and Impact

How has your time in the outdoors shaped your growth, perspective, or goals?

What challenges have you faced as a BIPOC individual in the outdoors, and how have you navigated them?

How would receiving this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

What inspires you to use your outdoor experiences to support, teach, or uplift others in the community?

Is there anything else you’d like the scholarship committee to know about you, your goals, or your passion for the outdoors?

Document Uploads

Please upload a letter of recommendation, your outdoor resume, and a general resume to accompany your scholarship. If not included, the application will be deemed incomplete and not eligible for consideration.

Upload Outdoor Resume Here

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Upload General Resume Here

Max. file size: 2 GB.

Upload Letter of Recommendation Here

Max. file size: 2 GB.

To provide world class mountain education, exceptional guided experiences and to inspire natural preservation.

Newsletter Sign-up

Stay connected with latest trips and deals.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Email

Programs

Founded in 1975, American Alpine Institute is a mountaineering school and guide service offering a wide array of courses, peak ascents, expeditions, and private programs in North America and around the world.

View All Programs

Types

Instructional Courses
Group Summit Climbs
Expeditions
Private & Custom Trips
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Government, Military, & Veterans
Youth Climbing Programs
Mountain Center

Activities

Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Rock Climbing
Ice Climbing
High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
Avalanche Training
Hiking And Backpacking
Wilderness Skills
Outdoor Educator & Guide Training
Technical Rescue & Medical

Popular Destinations

Mount Baker
North Cascades
Mt. Whitney / Sierra
Denali / McKinley
Ecuador Volcanoes
Red Rock / Las Vegas
Joshua Tree
Bellingham Area

AMGA Accredited since 1986

Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association continuously since 1986, longer than any other American guide service.

The second guide service world-wide to receive Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation.

World Headquarters

4041 Home Road, Ste A Bellingham, WA 98226

Main Office

Monday - Friday:  
9:00am to 5:30pm

Equipment Shop

Monday - Friday:  
10:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday - Sunday
Noon - 6:00pm

Why AAI?

Meet The Team
About Us
Testimonials
Promotions
Travel Services
Careers
Scholarships
Veteran Programs

Get Started

Browse Programs
Why Climb Mountains?
Start Your Journey
Beginner Climbing Courses
AAI Difficulty Levels Explained
FAQ
Register Now
Gear & Rentals
Policies

Copyright ©2026 American Alpine Institute. All rights reserved.

American Alpine Institute is an equal opportunity provider and an authorized permittee in the public lands in which it operates.

No programs found

Searching...

Popular

Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering Rock Climbing Avalanche Training Outdoor Educator & Guide Training Mount Baker

Programs
Activities
Destinations
Equipment Shop
Get Started
Why AAI
News
Contact Us