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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.
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques
Introduction to Aid Climbing There is a point in every climber’s life when he or she looks at a massive vertical rock face and says, “I want to climb that.” … Read more
Multi-Pitch Skills Course
Do you dream of climbing technical peaks and big routes? The skills required to multi-pitch climb are an essential step toward the ascent of long complicated lines like Epinephrine in … 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
Mt. Adams Skills and Climb
At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is the second tallest mountain in the state of Washington. It’s remarkable size and spectacular ten-glacier mantle make it one of the most beautiful mountains … Read more
Guided Rock Climbing at Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is a diverse area. At least eight different crags lie within a ten mile radius of the picturesque “Bavarian” town after which the area is named. With the exception … 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
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
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
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
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 Rock Climbing at Index, WA
Index is one of the premier rock climbing areas in Washington state. The easily accessed, Yosemite-like granite walls rise dramatically above the lush Skykomish River valley and provide steep, varied … Read more
Rigging for Film, Television and Photography
Mountain environments are perhaps one of the most difficult and dangerous places that a production team can possibly work in. There is constant risk associated with this type of work. … Read more
Military and Government Mountain Training
Military, law enforcement and other government agents are often required to work in “high-end” mountain terrain to achieve their tactical objectives. These settings may require technical rock climbing, glacier mountaineering, … 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
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
Avalanche Training – Snowmobile AIARE Courses
Ready to step out of bounds and into the backcountry? Knowing how to judge avalanche conditions, where it’s more dangerous to travel versus where it is less dangerous, and being … 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
