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North Cascades
North Cascades Programs
The North Cascades is AAI’s home range and a vast alpine playground running north-south roughly from the Fraser River in British Columbia to Stevens Pass, and from the Twin Sisters range in the west to the Methow Valley in the east. Within this area are numerous sub-ranges and geographic regions, with distinct wildlife, geology, and climate. There are enough summits to keep a climber busy for a lifetime.
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
Ski Mountaineering
This 6-day course is designed for backcountry skiers and splitboarders ready to take on glaciated terrain. Based in the backcountry of Mt. Baker, the clinic starts with core touring skills. … Read more
Seven Summits Training Course
Denali from the Southwest. Alasdair Turner. The Seven Summits draw a special breed of climber. Since the publication of “Into Thin Air” in 1996, high-altitude climbing in general and the … 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 – Summit Camp
The American Alpine Institute’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program is the only comprehensive youth climbing and mountaineering program of its kind in North America. Designed for motivated teens and young … Read more
Introduction to Splitboard Snowboarding
Splitboarding opens up a new world of backcountry access for snowboarders—offering the freedom to tour uphill and ride untracked lines without the burden of snowshoes. This course is designed for … Read more
Introduction to Swiftwater Canyoning
Swiftwater canyoneering (also referred to as canyoning) is the art and craft of descending technical canyons through a combination of rappelling, sliding, jumping, swimming and hiking. There is a lot … Read more
Backcountry Skiing – Intro
This one-day intro to backcountry skiing course is perfect for strong resort skiers ready to leave the groomers behind and discover the freedom of untracked snow. Under the guidance of … Read more
Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding in the Cascades
We offer guided ski and snowboard descents on some of Washington’s most iconic peaks, including Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and others. Our private trips are … 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
Advanced Mountain Rescue
Complex team and self-rescue operations are made even more complex by a remote environment, but in mountain rescue, a remote environment is just the beginning. The complexities of rescue activity … 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
Mountain Programs for Youth Organizations
Research shows that adventure education has an incredibly positive impact on children and youth. These types of experiences increase confidence, encourage cooperation, enhance communication skills, build self-reliance, strengthen friendships and … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 4 (AMTL 4) is the capstone of the American Alpine Institute’s four-part alpine training progression. This advanced expedition course is where climbers bring together … Read more
Canyoning Washington: Skills and Descents
The American Alpine Institute’s Washington Canyoning: Skills and Descents program was designed for those who are interested in entry to intermediate level instructional guided descents in the Pacific Northwest. AAI … Read more
Backcountry Skiing – Advanced
This immersive two-day backcountry skiing clinic is designed for experienced skiers and splitboarders who want to go beyond the basics and push deeper into the wilderness. You’ll refine your touring … Read more
Winter Camping in the Cascades
This course equips skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers with the essential skills to confidently spend multiple nights in the winter backcountry. Whether you’re heading out on early winter mountaineering trips … Read more
Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades
Cascades winter terrain is a complex and highly variable environment where ephemeral conditions demand precision and experience. Formed by fluctuating temperatures and intricate mountain systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient … Read more
Snowshoeing – Mt Baker
The Mount Baker backcountry is world-renowned for the variety of terrain and the utterly stunning beauty. Snowshoeing is the perfect way for beginner-level winter wilderness travelers to access some of … Read more
Backpacking in the North Cascades
Our private and custom backpacking trips will have you enjoying some of the most remote and inspiring alpine scenery in North America. From lush valley floors covered with old-growth fir … 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
Crevasse Rescue for Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders
The glaciated peaks of the Cascades provide a wonderful playground for backcountry skiers and boarders to access to long, sweeping mountain lines, without having to deal with the ones you … Read more
