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High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits
High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits Programs
High altitude mountaineering draws a special kind of adventurer and athlete. In some ways, high altitude climbing is the ultimate endurance sport, requiring deep reserves of physical stamina and will-power. In other ways, the pursuit of high altitude peaks is the best of adventure travel, enabling engagement with local cultures and peoples.
The American Alpine Institute began offering expeditions to high altitude summits in the Andes in the 1970s, and has guided ascents of Denali (Mt. McKinley) since 1980. At the same time, the Institute has offered Skills Expeditions and domestic instructional programs to impart the skills that these peaks demand, enabling climbers to lead their own expeditions, if they choose. Browse the programs below to find your next high altitude project.
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
AAI’s Denali program was designed to provide the safest and most successful guided expeditions on the mountain. We accomplish this goal through a process of continuous improvement, subjecting our expedition practices … Read more
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in … 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
Ecuador – Chimborazo Climb
Chimborazo stands out as not only the tallest mountain in Ecuador, but as the the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth. This is … Read more
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Ascend the “Roof of Africa” with the American Alpine Institute, where world-class expertise meets the ultimate high-altitude challenge. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro stands as the crown jewel of the Seven … Read more
Mt. Everest Expedition – South Col
Descending high on Everest after a succesful summit. AAI Collection. Mount Everest is still the ultimate mountaineering adventure. As the highest mountain in the world, Everest has immense appeal and … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Range
The Central Alaska Range is made up of the peaks and valleys that surround Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker. In the deep glacial gorges that drop from Denali’s flanks … 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
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
Mt. Elbrus Expedition
Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, reaching well over 18,000 feet in Russia on the divide between Europe and Asia. While the mountain … Read more
Carstensz Pyramid/Puncak Jaya
Rising like a shark’s fin out of the mist of a jungle far below, 16,024-foot/4884-meter Carstensz Pyramid is the highest peak in Australasia and one of the most remote of … Read more
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
The Cassin Ridge (Alaska Grade 5, 5.8, AI 4) The Cassin Ridge follows the major ridgeline in the center of the photo. Bradford Washburn Denali offers one of the world’s … Read more
Denali Expedition (Mt. Mckinley) – West Rib
A climber pauses during the physical ascent of the West Rib. AAI Collection. Denali’s West Rib route is a step up in difficulty from the West Buttress, the route normally … Read more
Tocllaraju Skills Expedition
Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is one of the most rugged and heavily glaciated ranges in the Andes. Famous for its dry, sun-baked, fluted snow slopes, the range is home to Peru’s … Read more
Peru – Chopicalqui Expedition
Chopicalqui (6,354 m / 20,846 ft) is a stunning peak in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. It offers a compelling mix of adventure, alpine beauty, and personal achievement. This iconic … Read more
Peru – Huascaran Expedition
Nevado Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru and one of the world’s most imposing summits. It offers a challenging ascent requiring strong intermediate level alpine skills, and an unusual … Read more
Peru – Artesonraju Expedition
Classic, aesthetic, pure: the line up the Southeast Face of Artesonraju (19,768′) quickly becomes a captivating objective for anyone who sets eyes on the mountain. Often compared to Alpamayo because … Read more
Peru – Alpamayo and Kitaraju Expedition
Alpamayo is in many people’s minds the most beautiful mountain in the world, and the goal of this expedition is to climb the peak’s elegant Southwest Face. After a meeting … Read more
Reddomaine Expedition and Monastery Trek
Southwest China and eastern Tibet have one of the largest concentrations of the world’s remaining un-climbed mountains. Ranges of young, sharply etched peaks with beautiful rock faces and pristine glaciers … Read more
Ecuador – Antisana and Illiniza
This 10-day expedition is an excellent choice for intermediate climbers who want to apply their skills to moderately challenging high altitude routes on peaks that are often admired and, in … Read more
Aconcagua Expedition – Upper Guanacos Traverse
Located near the western edge of Argentina’s famous wine-producing province of Mendoza, Aconcagua rises to a height of almost 23,000 feet – the highest summit outside the Himalaya. The American … Read more
Bolivia – Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition
The Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition is a 10-day climbing program that includes skills instruction and review that is presented at both introductory and more advanced levels. The introductory level includes … Read more
Bolivia – Illimani Expedition
This is a 5-day expedition to climb the highest peak in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real. Team members first make the ascents (and enjoy the benefits of the acclimatization accomplished) in Bolivia – … Read more
Ama Dablam Expedition
Ama Dablam was first climbed in 1961 by a New Zealand and American team and we follow their original route, the southwest ridge. A seven-day trek into Lobuche Base Camp … Read more
