Start Your Adventure
Instructional Courses
Instructional Courses Programs
American Alpine Institute began in 1975 as a climbing school, and our core mission still stresses rigorous climbing education. Most of our popular courses deliver intensive, hands-on instruction on the way to real objectives, whether alpine summits like Mt. Baker, classic rock or ice climbs, or sought-after ski descents.
The courses listed below are held on a regular schedule in our main outdoor campuses in Washington and the Southwest, as well as in other locations. Courses are open to the public, making them the most cost-efficient way to gain solid climbing skills quickly. Any of these courses can also be taken on a private basis.
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
Winter Mountaineering Course
Winter mountaineering encompasses one of the most aesthetic and rewarding facets of the sport of climbing. Winter mountaineering has as much to do with mental challenge as it does with … Read more
Squamish Rock Leadership
Squamish is where climbers take the next step. Here, sweeping granite walls rise from deep forests and the waters of Howe Sound—clean cracks, splitter corners, and sculpted faces that have … Read more
Bugaboos Trad Leadership & Multi-Pitch Efficiency
Tucked deep in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, the Bugaboos offer a world-class classroom for climbers ready to step confidently into the realm of alpine rock leadership. Soaring granite … 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
Alaska Range Mountaineering
AAI Guide Hali Scroggins high on Radio Control Tower in the Alaska Range. Kevin McGarity. This action packed ten-day program, provides a complete training in the foundational skills of alpine … Read more
Alaska Range Ski Mountaineering
The Alaska Range offers some of the finest ski mountaineering terrain on earth—vast glaciers, technical peaks, steep descents, and true expedition climbing in a remote wilderness environment. This program is … 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
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
