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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.
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
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
AMGA Single-Pitch Instructor Course and Exam
Single Pitch Instructor Certification The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course is the first in the AMGA sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. The SPI … 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
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
Ice Climbing – Introduction
Ice climbing is a vital part of any alpine climber’s quiver of skills. Over the last three decades, advancements in equipment and clothing have made the sport much more accessible … Read more
Leave No Trace Level 1 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
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 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
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
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
Alpine Rock Climbing
The most beautiful rock on the planet is that which is found on the high spires and jagged peaks of the great ranges of the world. The aesthetics of alpine … 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