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Bellingham Area
Bellingham Area Programs
Bellingham, Washington is home to the American Alpine Institute and the perfect gateway to the North Cascades. Just minutes from trailheads, it offers access to rugged peaks, glaciers, and world-class alpine terrain where your skills, confidence, and passion for the mountains can grow.
The AAI Mountain Center, with classrooms and demonstration space, provides a venue for short courses, films, and events for the outdoor community. Refine your search using the filters below.
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
When accidents happen in the mountains, knowing how to respond efficiently and safely can make all the difference. Imagine a lead climber taking a fall several pitches up, or an … Read more
Avalanche Training – AIARE Rescue
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, hands-on course that prepares you for the moment no one wants, but every backcountry traveler must be ready for. You’ll build critical rescue skills … Read more
Avalanche Training – AIARE 1
This course is intended for people interested in backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or virtually any activity in the winter mountains. We will teach students what to look for … Read more
Avalanche Training – AIARE 2
AIARE Avalanche Level 2 is designed for experienced backcountry travelers who want to deepen their understanding of avalanche hazard management. Building on the decision-making framework taught in AIARE 1, this … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Fundamentals The Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part 1 program is your gateway to safe, confident travel in winter backcountry terrain. Designed for skiers and … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
Technical Ski Alpinism Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part II is the second step in our progressive winter backcountry curriculum, designed to build technical competence, efficiency, and confidence for … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part III
Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making This 12-day program helps advanced skiers and splitboarders refine their technical skills, deepen their avalanche judgement, and confidently plan and execute multi-day objectives in … Read more
Backcountry Ski Course with Avalanche Training
Winter Backcountry Skills Part 1: Introduction to Backcountry Travel This comprehensive course package is designed for individuals seeking to establish a solid foundation in winter backcountry travel. By combining our … Read more
Technical Rope Rescue Level I – Operations
When accidents happen on steep or rugged terrain, first responders need the skills to act quickly and safely. Whether it’s a vehicle over an embankment, a stranded hiker, or an … Read more
Technical Rope Rescue Level II – Technician
The American Alpine Institute Rope Rescue Level II: Technician Course builds on the Operations Level foundation, advancing participants to complex hauling systems, high-line techniques, dynamic rope applications, and rescue team … Read more
Leaders of Tomorrow – Rock Climbing Camp
Climbing, camping, and adventure with other teens are at the heart of the American Alpine Institute’s Leaders of Tomorrow Rock Climbing Camp. Designed for 15- to 17-year-olds, this program blends … Read more
Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator
Many people jump through the hoops. They get a few certifications, they build their outdoor resume and then they try to make the transition. They try to transition from the … Read more
Petzl PPE Competent Person Course
The PPE Competent Person course credential is considered an industry standard for those that manage fleets of work-at-height equipment or oversee vertical workers. The three-day program was designed to provide … Read more
Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course
Every time we step into the backcountry we have an impact. We walk on terrain that may be changed by our method of travel. We build fires and go to … Read more
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
AAI’s Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive course was designed for those who would like to become experts in wilderness and/or backcountry navigation. This is an excellent program for those who wish to … Read more
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification Course
This course follows the curriculum from the American Avalanche Institute, which is one of only 6 organizations in the US that have been vetted and approved by the American Avalanche … Read more
Avalanche Refresher – AIARE 1
You’re out on a ski tour in the backcountry and the slope you’ve decided to descend looks questionable. You have avalanche training, but it’s been a while since you’ve used … Read more
Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional
The American Alpine Institute offers various vocational programs designed to address educational and certification needs for outdoor professionals. These professionals include climbers, mountaineers, ski patrollers, mountain rescue technicians, outdoor educators, … Read more
Guided Rock Climbing at Mt. Erie, WA
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 … Read more
Events, Films and Speakers
The American Alpine Institute offers a wide array of events throughout the year. These include actual events, seminars, educational programming, volunteer opportunities, adopt-a-crag events, films, speakers, art and photography displays. … Read more
Climbing Seminars
The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute is proud to present two “ground-school” seminars. The Introduction to Crevasse Rescue program is a 4-hour overview of baseline glacier travel and … Read more
Backcountry Navigation Essentials
AAI’s Backcountry Navigtion Essentials class was designed for those that are in the process of becoming indepent wilderness travelers in complex terrain. This three-hour program provides a baseline from which … Read more
Beginning Rock Climbing – Mt Erie, WA
The Beginning Rock Climbing course is designed for individuals who have little to no experience in outdoor rock climbing. The objective of this 2-day course is to give participants the … Read more
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification Course
Please note, this course is sponsored by American Alpine Institute and is directly run by American Avalanche Institute instructors. It follows the curriculum guidelines set out by the American Avalache … Read more
