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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.
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
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
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 & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), straddling the Continental Divide, encompasses hundreds of winter climbs and thousands of skiable acres for any ability level. The high elevation and cold temperatures of … 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
Beginning Rock Climbing – Mt Erie, WA
The Beginning Rock Climbing course is designed for individuals who have little to no experience in outdoor rock climbing. The objective of this 2-day course is to give participants the … Read more
Wilderness First Responder
Have you ever been three-days from a trailhead with no cellphone reception and thought about what would happen if someone got hurt? What if a snake bit someone? What if … 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
AMGA Climbing Wall Instructor
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Climbing Wall Instructor Certification is for professionals who teach climbing on indoor gyms and artificial climbing walls. This two-and-a-half-day course and exam aims to … Read more
LGBTQ+ Climbing and Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of Queer climbing and mountaineering programs, including LGBTQ+ rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. LGBTQ+ affinity courses offer a powerful opportunity for … 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
