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Washington
Washington Programs
The North Cascades of western Washington, with their spectacular glaciers, prominent summits, and moderate elevation, make the best mountain training ground in the contiguous U.S. Our headquarters in Bellingham, WA, serves as home base for a vast outdoor campus that includes rock climbing destinations like Leavenworth and Index, world-class skiing and boarding in the Mount Baker backcountry, and classic alpine climbing routes from Mount Baker to the Pickett Range to Washington Pass.
Browse our courses, private climbs, and special programs in Washington state. Refine your search using the filters below.
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Few experiences compare to standing on the summit of a glaciated peak, and Mount Baker is one of the most accessible big mountains in North America. In just 3 or … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 (AMTL 1) is the foundation of AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. It is the ultimate introduction to the world … Read more
Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering
Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for … Read more
Alpinism 2 – Intermediate Mountaineering
Designed as the natural progression from AAI’s Alpinism 1 – Intro to Mountaineering, this program is ideal for those with a few days of rock climbing under their belt and … Read more
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Train on the massive glaciers of Washington’s Mt. Baker, one of the premier glacier training grounds in the United States. This three-day program teaches essential glacier mountaineering skills, including front-pointing … Read more
Alpine Ice Climbing – Introduction
Our Alpine Ice program is designed for climbers who are ready to push beyond the basics and step into the vertical world of steep alpine ice. Over the course of … Read more
Outdoor Rock Climbing – Intensive Introduction
If you’re new to rock climbing or have only climbed indoors, stepping outside opens up a whole new world of adventure. Outdoor climbing introduces unique physical and mental challenges that … Read more
Learn to Lead – Trad Rock Climbing Leadership
Our Learn to Lead – Introduction to Traditional Rock Leadership Course gives you the skills and confidence to lead your own single-pitch trad climbs. You’ll practice gear placement, anchor building, … Read more
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for … Read more
Denali Prep Course
Descending the West Buttress on Denali. AAI Collection. Denali is high, cold and physically demanding. The mountain is home to some of the most severe weather and climbing conditions on … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 2
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 2 (AMTL 2) is the next step in AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. For decades, this program has set the … Read more
Guided Alpine Rock Climbing in the North Cascades
Climbing with a guide is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the exciting wilderness ascents of the North Cascades. Part of the attraction of the climbs is the … Read more
Mountaineering Instructor Professional Training Program
“How Do I Become a Mountain Guide?” This is one of the most common questions that we get from climbers who are just starting out. The short answer is to … Read more
Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers
Even experienced climbers can face unexpected challenges on the rock. Your partner may get stuck mid-route, a novice climber may freeze halfway up a toprope, or an injury could make … Read more
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
Backpacking and Wilderness Skills
This immersive two-day course is the perfect starting point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are new to overnight camping in the mountains. Participants gain the skills and confidence to … Read more
Mt. Rainier – Kautz Glacier Climb
Mount Rainier is home to some of the most iconic glacier climbs in the United States, and the Kautz Glacier Route is one of the most rewarding ways to reach … Read more
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mount Shuksan is widely considered one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, and for good reason. This iconic North Cascades peak has dramatic steep faces, sparkling hanging glaciers, lush … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades
The classic alpine routes of the North Cascades offer tremendous variety and contrast. Some consist wholly of ridge and face climbing on rock, while others are entirely on snow and … Read more
Ptarmigan Traverse
In 1938 a group of mountaineers from the Ptarmigan Climbing Club hatched a plan. Bill Cox, Calder Bressler, Ray W. Clough, and Tom Myers decided to make a high traverse from … Read more
Glacier Peak Climb and Skills Clinic
Glacier Peak, the most remote of Washington’s Cascade volcanoes, offers a truly classic alpine experience. Our Glacier Peak Skills and Climb program combines an unforgettable summit attempt with hands-on instruction … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 3 (AMTL 3) from the American Alpine Institute is a key step in our four-part mountaineering course progression. This advanced alpine climbing program builds … 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
