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Journalists have called AAI's four-part mountain leadership program "the country's most respected and thorough rock and mountaineering course." Part one (12 days) introduces glacier skills and alpine rock climbing at a moderate difficulty level. After training on the Easton Glacier, we climb Mount Baker, make ascents in the Washington Pass area, and conclude with a student-led ascent of a major North Cascades summit.
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Some of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
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This course provides a general introduction to the sport of mountain climbing, including one day of rock climbing and five days on Mt. Baker for a thorough introduction to glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, and movement on snow and ice. The course culminates with a climb of Mt. Baker.
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These seminars are free and open to the public. While not a substitute for field training, the seminar provides a general introduction to avalanche safety in the backcountry.
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This 1-day Avalanche course is for those who have already completed an avalanche education course and would like to refresh their skills. This field-based clinic provides an excellent review of the material in the AIARE Level 1 course and includes a discussion of industry updates.
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This course was originally introduced in the 2017/2018 season, but has since become an integral step in the AIARE avalanche education progression. This 1-day course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
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This entry-level avalanche course provides skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, mountaineers and snowmobilers with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize risk in avalanche terrain. AAI's program employs curriculum developed by American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), an organization with decades of experience developing techniques, protocols and skills for those that recreate and work in avalanche terrain.
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This course takes AIARE's avalanche curriculum and tailors it specifically towards motorized users, whether on a sled or a snowbike. This introductory level course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain.
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The Backcountry Navigation Essentials course is a three-hour introductory course for those who spend time in the wilderness both on and off-trail. This program provides you with the basic skills required to manage wilderness route-finding on trails, in complicated terrain or in whiteout conditions.
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American Alpine Institute has a wide variety of winter programming available to teach you the skills you need to travel through the untracked backcountry. Many of these programs dovetail together and you can flow from one into another with minimal down-time. Whether you're beginner, intermediate, or advanced, there's a winning combination waiting for you.
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This 1-day course is designed for those who have little or no backcountry skiing experience and want to learn the basics. We'll introduce you to the different types of gear that allow us to travel through the backcountry, including use of climbing skins and other backcountry tools. Once on the snow, you'll learn specific techniques for moving through pristine backcountry terrain.
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An introductory weekend backpacking trip designed for people with little or no overnight camping experience in the wilderness. Set in the North Cascades of Washington, this course covers equipment selection, navigation, meal planning and cooking, and campsite selection.
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Join us for a unique trek through the heart of California's High Sierra, a place John Muir called the "Range of Light." We take care of the logistics, so you can simply enjoy yourself in this beautiful place.
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Join us for a custom private backpacking trip in the North Cascades, a vast and rugged wilderness in northwest Washington State. Learn the fundamentals of wilderness living while enjoying some of the most inspiring alpine scenery in North America.
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The Beginning Rock Climbing course is an introduction designed for people who have little or no experience in rock climbing. The course is ideal for those who are curious and want to experience the thrill of rock climbing in a beautiful natural setting. By the end of the course, participants should feel comfortable climbing with experienced friends and be able to pass a rock gym belayer's test.
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The high peaks of Bolivia's Cordillera Real offer some of the most spectacular alpine climbing in the world. Join AAI for just the first part of this skill-building expedition, or use it to prepare and acclimatize for the Illimani Expedition.
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One of the most iconic and historic venues in American rock climbing, Boulder, Colorado offers stunningly diverse climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park and the Flatirons, including everything from short sport lines to 1,000-foot multi-pitch adventures. With thousands of routes to choose from – from novice to expert – the Boulder area may be the best all-around rock climbing destination in the United States.
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Of the fifteen mountains in California that top 14,000 feet in elevation, all but two - Mt. Shasta and White Mountain Peak - are located in the Sierra Nevada range. AAI offers private and group guided trips to all these rugged summits.
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This trek offers exploration in diverse and remote areas of China, awe-inspiring scenery, and the chance to experience Tibetan and Chinese cultures.
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The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute provides a wide array of "ground school" type programs for climbers and mountaineers of all types. These are entry level theory based programs that allow climbers to practice skills in a controlled setting before employing them outside. These programs provide an excellent supplement or preparation for outdoor programs and adventures.
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Straddling the continental divide of north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber's paradise. From long scrambling routes to classic alpine rock and ice climbs and front-country cragging, the park offers everything a climber could want.
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Rock climbing is an ideal activity for any organization or corporation interested in team building. The sport presents teamwork as a natural solution to overcoming intense mental and physical challenges.
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Climb high altitude volcanoes in Ecuador! This program offers mountaineers two days of skills training before ascents of Cayambe (18,997 ft/5790m) and Cotopaxi (19,348 ft/5897m) by way of classic snow and ice routes. The skills training allows even novice climbers to access these beautiful alpine summits.
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The American Alpine Institute Mountain Center offers a wide array of equipment related programs. These include clinics on everything from ski waxing and skin cutting to field equipment repair, from personal protective equipment tracking for professionals to the use of field electronics, from rock rack upkeep to sharpening ice screws. Keep an eye on the calendar for programs and details.
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The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute hosts a wide array of events, films, speakers, photography and art exhibits throughout the year. The American Alpine Institute's mission is to provide world class mountain education, exceptional guided experiences and to inspire natural preservation. Mountain Center programming reflects AAI's deep devotion to this mission.
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At 10,525-feet tall, Glacier Peak is not only Washington State's fourth tallest volcano, it is also the State's most remote. This six-day introduction to mountaineering program provides fit novice climbers with an exceptional instructional experience deep in the heart of the Cascades. Glacier Peak is a stunning mountain, surrounded by other stunning mountains...
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This 3-day course is a thorough introduction to the bare minimum skills necessary to climb glaciated peaks in a party led by a more seasoned climber. Though the course is designed as a cost-effective introduction, it is also popular with experienced leaders as a refresher course. Continual improvement of our curriculum ensures that this course is a good way to keep up with the state of the art.
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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 sit some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring mountains in world.
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The glacier and rock ascents in the North Cascades offer beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience some of the best alpine climbing in America.
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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.
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Ever since the days of famous early mountaineers like Clarence King and John Muir, the Eastern Sierra has been known as one of the most serenely beautiful alpine areas in America.
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The clean granite of Washington Pass and the Liberty Bell Group provides some of the best and most accessible alpine rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest. Classics like the Southwest Buttress of South Early Winter Spire make for rewarding outings for intermediate climbers, while the spectacular Liberty Crack challenges the most advanced.
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The San Juan Mountains, a high rugged mountain range in southwestern Colorado, offers endless backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With around 200+ inches of snow per year and over 300 days of sunshine annually, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a bluebird pow day in Colorado’s backcountry.
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Tour the backcountry around Table Mountain or Shuksan Arm, or climb Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan and make a classic ski descent. Complete a major multi-day tour in the North Cascades on skis or split snowboard. Or work on your off-piste skills with coaching from a professional guide. We have private programs available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
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Located just 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, lies Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Red Rock provides endless hiking opportunities with options for all ability levels. During our guided hikes, you will explore Red Rock and learn about the geological features, natural history, and plants and animals of the area.
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Colorado’s glacier-carved Rocky Mountain National Park is a winter playground for all climbers alike. From fascinating waterfall ice climbing to spicy mixed climbing, there is something for every winter enthusiast here. Come explore this beautiful national park with us and climb that route you've been eyeing!
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Washington is home to a great variety of ice climbing opportunities. Learn the basics of ice climbing in one of our introductory courses or, once you have the skills, join us for a guided winter ascent of an alpine route.
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With immediate proximity to town and hundreds of routes to learn and train on, there is no better place to learn or explore ice climbing than the Ouray Ice Park and the San Juan backcountry of the Rocky Mountains.
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Accessible from Sacramento, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Lee Vining Canyon and the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra provides some of the finest steep water ice climbing in North America. The Canyon is an excellent place to learn to climb, advance your skills, push into multi-pitch terrain, or combine all of these things into one highly educational, customized course.
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Joshua Tree National Park is a true winter playground for climbers of all levels, and the ultimate climbing road-trip destination. The area touts high quality rock with abundant cracks, challenging edges, and a very high friction factor. Come enjoy the sun with us and try climbing outdoors for the first time, learn to lead, or perfect your crack technique in an other-worldly landscape.
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Leavenworth is perhaps the best rock climbing area in the state for recreation and skill-building at all levels. Ease of access, good camping, and high-quality granite combine to make a great outing, whether for a day or a week.
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Mount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber, or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Island and Pacific ocean, the views are stunning. The access at Mount Erie and it's central location in Western Washington make it an ideal spot for climbers who have only a day or even a half day to get out and climb.
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The striking white granite of Squamish is most frequently compared to the high quality rock found in Yosemite. Unlike its southern counterpart, Squamish lies far from crowds and R.V. lines.
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The town of Moab is surrounded by rock. Climbs of all ability levels are available, just minutes from downtown Moab. Indeed, one of the great advantages to climbing in Moab is the ease of access. Many of the practice crags just outside of town are so close to the road that you can literally open your car door and put on your harness.
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Located just 20 miles from the world famous Las Vegas Strip, the Red Rocks of Southern Nevada provide options for climbers of all ability levels. Red Rock Canyon is an excellent place to learn to climb, advance your skills, climb a long multi-pitch route, or combine all of these things for a highly educational program!
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The introductory course will teach new ice climbers the basics of ice climbing, crampons, ice tools, ice screws, belaying, knots and top-rope climbing techniques - all the basics required to be a competent top-roping ice climbing partner. The intermediate course will cover ice climbing techniques on steeper ground and gain the skills to follow and lead ice climbs in a multi-pitch setting.
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Use of a splitboard allows snowboarders to easily reach places that just a few years ago were only been accessible to skiers, without the added hassle of carrying snowshoes. Snowboarders can rent splitboards from AAI's rental shop.
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Kilimanjaro is among the most diverse and rewarding of the world's great climbs. This iconic peak provides the experience of a lifetime. Join us for a journey to the roof of Africa, experience local cultures, wildlife viewing, and a high altitude trek to the top of one of the most memorable of the Seven Summits.
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Queer folks interested in climbing with other queer folks are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a LGBTQ+ affinity AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-LGBTQ+ environment. Programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
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Our exploration of western Bolivia includes a tour of La Paz, Inca and Aymara archaeological sites, and a five-day trek that takes us over a 15,000-foot pass and through Aymara mountain villages largely unaffected by the modern world. Join us for the trek only, or continue with our Cordillera Real Expedition.
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AAI’s flagship youth leadership program focuses on situational judgment and decision-making in a mountain setting while providing a base of general outdoor know-how and mountain sense. Participants learn rock-climbing skills, glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, navigation and other skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker as well as on other peaks.
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The Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course provides students an opportunity to develop a high level of understanding of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Those who successfully complete the course will have the skills to provide Leave No Trace educational programming to their own student participants. This is an essential course for outdoor educators, guides and rangers.
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The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course (formally known as the Master Educator course) provides participants with extensive training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics, through practical application in a field-based setting. A more comprehensive version of the Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course (formally known as the Trainer course), the Level 2 Instructor Course is designed for people who are actively teaching backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public.
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Just a couple hours from Denver, Longs Peak, the highest point in the northern Front Range, beckons hikers to its 14,259-foot summit. But the final mile of the ascent of the Keyhole route is a strenuous Class 3 scramble, and a guide is highly recommended to help manage the risks and insure a rewarding experience.
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Members of the military, law enforcement personnel, and civilian security contractors often require high-end mountain, Arctic or high altitude training to accomplish their missions. The American Alpine Institute offers a wide array of custom rock and ice climbing, skiing, mountaineering, cold weather, high altitude and high-angle rescue training options for government and military officials.
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The American Alpine Institute has extensive experience putting together unique mountain programs for facilitated groups. These programs may include a variety of mountain skills, including backpacking, rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, Leave No Trace, backcountry skiing, or avalanche awareness. AAI has developed several custom programs that meet the needs of Boy Scout and Girl Scout units, schools and universities, as well as summer camps and church groups.
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This comprehensive training program prepares anyone with a love of the mountains to launch a career in mountain guiding. Experienced climbers can place out of introductory level courses. This program is eligible for federal VA Educational Benefits.
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Mount Adams offers fantastic beginner level ascents while providing stunning views of the surrounding country. It is considered an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills.
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This 3- or 4-day guided climb of Mt. Baker (Koma Kulshan) is for novice mountaineers who have limited time, but would like to experience the thrill of ascending immense glaciers to the mountain's 10,781-foot summit. Climb this beautiful volcano with the American Alpine Institute, the company that has put more people on the summit of Mt. Baker than all of the other guide services combined!
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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." The mountain is heavily glaciated, but its slopes are of moderate angle, making it a suitable climb for those with basic alpine skills and an interest in high altitude climbing. Added attractions on this expedition are the visit to Moscow and cultural experiences in the Caucasus.
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Mt. St. Helens offers an excellent beginner-level ascent while providing stunning views of the surrounding country. This Southern Cascade Volcano is an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills.
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Climb the striking Mt. Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier, Fisher Chimneys or the North Face. Join us on the Sulphide for a low ratio, beginner/intermediate group climb that incorporates introductory glacier training and rock scrambling; or join us for a more advanced private ascent of the scenic Fisher Chimneys or the challenging North Face.
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This trekking program explores several of the largest mountain valley systems in the Khumbu Himalaya. This trip runs alongside our Island Peak expedition, making it ideal for friends and family to join along the expedition and travel beside the expedition team.
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A four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
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Thoroughly explore the Cerro Torre and Fitzroy massifs, view exotic wildlife from lakeside camps, climb to Marconi Pass, explore Glacier Torre, and ascend Cerro Marconi Norte and Cerro Velluda.
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This program explores the most important sites of the Inca Empire and Spanish colonization in the central Andes, with particular attention given to Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive accomplishments of an ancient civilization in the world.
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This six-day all-inclusive course was designed to provide teenagers with the foundational skills required to rock climb outside. During the program, students will learn how to set up top-ropes, rappel, build basic anchors, and otherwise manage themselves in a single-pitch rock climbing setting.
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Climbing the Seven Summits - even with top guides - requires a wide array of mountaineering skills and knowledge. AAI's Seven Summits training course is based on a phased approach that prepares you for the upcoming climbs in your progression. In addition to giving you a
solid grasp of all the fundamental tools and techniques of the mountaineer, the course provides intensive preparation for cold, altitude, and expedition conditions.
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Learn the fundamentals of alpine rock climbing in the Sierra Nevada Range. This dramatic range has a variety of rock faces, rock ridges, and high summits that make it an excellent training ground on which to acquire the skills of general mountaineering on rock. In this introductory course, we take advantage of all that the Sierra has to offer, practicing on a wide variety of terrain in order to create an excellent foundation for climbing skills.
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Snowshoeing is the perfect way for winter wilderness travelers to access some of the most wild and scenic backcountry in the United States. While skiers in the family ride the lifts, join us and experience winter's wonders in the North Cascades.
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Laos is an incredible place to rock climb. Amazing limestone walls rise sharply out of a lush jungle, featuring huge holds and amazing movement. On rest days, you will immerse yourself in a unique culture that has existed for thousands of years. You will enjoy delicious food, explore soaring temples, and meet welcoming local people. Join us for the rock climbing trip of a lifetime!
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The Southern Cascades Volcanoes offer excellent beginner level ascents while providing stunning views of the surrounding country. Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens are ideal peaks for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills.
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Join us for a world-class safari experience. We offer driving, walking, and camping safaris through a number of areas in Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Lake Manara, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Mt. Meru, and many other areas.
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The American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Level I program is an NFPA compliant rope rescue course. Students will develop the skills to perform rescues and recoveries at the operations level in both steep and high-angle team-rescue scenarios.
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This expedition provides a fantastic introduction to Himalayan climbing, and a unique opportunity climb three classic high altitude peaks in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This program takes you through rural Nepal, past Everest Basecamp to Lobuche East (20,075ft/6,119m), Pokalde (19,048ft/5,806m) and Island Peak (20,305ft/6,189m). All three provide exceptional climbing experiences in one of the most famous alpine settings in the world! This is an expedition achievable to those newer to climbing but who have a desire to adventure in the highest mountains.
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Join us on this spectacular trek through the heart of the French and Swiss Alps, from Chamonix to Zermatt. This is the hiker's Haute Route, a summer super-light backpacking version of the famous winter ski hut trip.
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AAI's Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional (VTOP) courses are vocational in nature and are designed to fill in education gaps students might have as climbers, mountaineers, ski patrollers, mountain rescue technicians, outdoor educators, office administrators, instructors, guides, etc. Each course can be taken as a stand-alone program to satisfy job requirements. Many outdoor professions require certifications and continuing education trainings to remain current while employed.
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The Wilderness First Responder first aid program was designed for serious outdoor practitioners. The course provides students with the skills required to manage minor backcountry ailments while simultaneously providing them with baseline techniques that they will need in order to respond to more serious incidents. This course is often required for outdoor professionals.
*This course does not count for continuing education hours towards an EMT Certification.
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The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute regularly presents a variety of wilderness skills programs. These seminars were designed to meet the needs of both technical and non-technical wilderness adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. AAI has cultivated the material for these programs from a combination of experienced guides, expert practitioners and years of experience in mountain education.
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American Alpine Institute has a wide variety of winter programming available to teach you the skills you need to travel through the untracked backcountry. Many of these programs dovetail together and you can flow from one into another with minimal down-time. Whether you're beginner, intermediate, or advanced, there's a winning combination waiting for you.
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You know about moving through the backcountry, and you've taken an Avalanche Course. Now take your winter travel to the next level with this course on winter overnight skills.
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Snowshoeing and hiking in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a truly unique experience. Even though this area is considered a desert, it often receives large amounts of snow and can provide a one-of-a-kind experience for winter hikers. Mt. Charleston, Mummy Mountain, Griffith Peak, and the countless canyons, cliffs and trails between them are a sight to behold when they are shrouded in a snowy cloak.
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Women interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.