American Alpine Institute began in 1975 as a climbing school, and our core mission still stresses rigorous climbing education. 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.
A mock victim waits in a crevasse on Mt. Baker as students build a Z-pulley system to perform the rescue. Dylan TaylorThis course provides a general introduction to the sport of mountain climbing, including one day of rock climbing and five days on Mt. Baker for a thorough introduction to glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, and movement on snow and ice. The course culminates with a climb of Mt. Baker.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1825
A climber finishing pitch 3 of the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell (7,720 ft.), a granite spire in Washington Pass. Jason MartinThis course provides a thorough introduction to alpine rock climbing at a moderate standard. Take this course to raise your skills to the intermediate level while climbing a series of spectacular North Cascades alpine summits such as South Early Winter Spire, Liberty Bell, Eldorado Peak, and Mt. Shuksan. Taken together with Alpinism 1, this course is the equivalent of our Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 1.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$2055
A student sets up a Z-pulley system to extract a fallen climber from a crevasse. Dylan TaylorThis 3-day course is a thorough introduction to the bare minimum skills necessary to climb glaciated peaks in a party led by a more seasoned climber. Though the course is designed as a cost-effective introduction, it is also popular with experienced leaders as a refresher course. Continual improvement of our curriculum ensures that this course is a good way to keep up with the state of the art.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 Days
- Cost:$925 Regular Season
High on the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. Alasdair TurnerThe first course offered by AAI in 1975, this intensive program provides thorough instruction in all the skills required on difficult alpine ice climbs. Through this curriculum, you will develop a complete repertoire of state-of-the-art high-angle snow and ice climbing skills and learn to apply them efficiently in all conditions. All of this instruction is located in America's top glacier training area, the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - August
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:$2055
A climber on the Broadway Ledge of Longs Peak in the winter. Picture by Zach LovellColorado’s glacier-carved Rocky Mountain National Park is a winter playground for all climbers alike. From fascinating waterfall ice climbing to spicy mixed climbing, there is something for every winter enthusiast here. Come explore this beautiful national park with us and climb that route you've been eyeing!
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:January – March
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Pricing
A climber works up the fantastic North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak (5.5, III). Photo by Mike PowersSome of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, CA
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 or 12 days
- Cost:$1920 ($3600 for Parts 1 and 2)
Climbers nearing the summit of Sahale Peak, with Sharkfin Tower and Boston Peak in the background. Gerry ChikeJournalists have called AAI's four-part mountain leadership program "the country's most respected and thorough rock and mountaineering course." Part one (12 days) introduces glacier skills and alpine rock climbing at a moderate difficulty level. After training on the Easton Glacier, we climb Mount Baker, make ascents in the Washington Pass area, and conclude with a student-led ascent of a major North Cascades summit.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3495
Climbers near the summit of Forbidden Peak, on the West Ridge route. Bryan FeinsteinPart 2 of AAI’s four-part mountain leadership series introduces rock and alpine ice leadership skills. We then put those skills to the test on student-led ascents of the challenging peaks around Boston Basin, such as Forbidden Peak and Sharkfin Tower, and on an alpine ice climb on the massive glaciers of Mount Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3550
Snowpatch Spire in the Bugaboos of British Columbia. Andy BournePart 3 of AAI’s alpine leadership curriculum introduces advanced alpine skills and expedition planning. Students co-lead a significant expedition to a remote part of Washington’s North Cascades or to British Columbia’s Bugaboo Provincial Park.
- Location:North Cascades, WA or Bugaboos, BC
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$4100 Cascade Traverse; $4125 Bugaboos
A climber moving up on Mt. Munday, Coast Range, BC. Michael PowersThe final part of AAI’s alpine leadership series calls on all the skills acquired in the first three parts as we mount an expedition to attempt significant objectives in one of three remote locations: a remote traverse in the Cascade range that includes several ascents, a ski mountaineering program deep within the Cascades. Or a trip to the Coast Range of British Columbia for an ascent of 13,186-ft. Mt. Waddington.
- Location:Cascade Range, WA; Coast Range, BC
- Season:April - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$4175 Ptarmigan; $4275 Ski
Glacier Peak. The standard route is the Disappointment Peak Cleaver on the left-hand skyline.At 10,525-feet tall, Glacier Peak is not only Washington State's fourth tallest volcano, it is also the State's most remote. This six-day introduction to mountaineering program provides fit novice climbers with an exceptional instructional experience deep in the heart of the Cascades. Glacier Peak is a stunning mountain, surrounded by other stunning mountains...
- Location:Glacier Peak, WA
- Season:June - July
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1570
A student learning to rappel on the Sunset Slabs, Mt. Erie. Jason MartinThe Beginning Rock Climbing course is an introduction designed for people who have little or no experience in rock climbing. The course is ideal for those who are curious and want to experience the thrill of rock climbing in a beautiful natural setting. By the end of the course, participants should feel comfortable climbing with experienced friends and be able to pass a rock gym belayer's test.
- Location:Mt. Erie, WA
- Season:June - September
- Length:1 or 2 Days
- Cost:$225 per day (min. of 3 participants)
A climber learns rock-climbing fundamentals while protected by a top-rope. Scott SchumannA four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$995
A climber practices taking a lead fall on day three of AAI's Learn to Lead course. AAI CollectionThe objective of the Learn to Lead program is to introduce climbers to the techniques required for leading single-pitch traditional rock climbing routes, while advancing technical and movement skills.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$1095
An aid climber works his way up City Park, a classic aid line at Index, WA. Andy Bourne.This four-day aid climbing and big wall technique seminar is designed for competent leaders who wish to expand their horizons and their climbing ability by exploring advanced aid and free climbing skills.
- Location:Index, Washington; Red Rock, Nevada; also offered in Utah and Colorado
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$1195
Nearing the summit of the Moose's Tooth. Tad McCrea. An adventurous introduction to big mountain expeditions, you'll learn the climbing skills and techniques used in modern alpine mountaineering and earn the opportunity to climb several beautiful peaks in the heart of the Alaska Range. Prepare for Denali or other major climbs around the world.
- Location:Alaska Range, Alaska
- Season:April - June
- Length:10 days
- Cost:$6,995 (3:1 Climber to Guide Ratio)
A climber follows a pitch on Chouinard Falls, Lee Vining Canyon, CA. Ian McEleneyThe introductory course will teach new ice climbers the basics of ice climbing, crampons, ice tools, ice screws, belaying, knots and top-rope climbing techniques - all the basics required to be a competent top-roping ice climbing partner. The intermediate course will cover ice climbing techniques on steeper ground and gain the skills to follow and lead ice climbs in a multi-pitch setting.
- Location:Colorado and California
- Season:January - March
- Length:2-day Intro Course / 5-day Intermediate Course
- Cost:$650 for Intro Course / $1495 for Intermediate Course
A climber learning rock technique on a top-rope. Jason MartinThe 3-day SPI Course is designed to enable capable recreational rock climbers to become effective rock climbing instructors. The 2-day SPI Exam tests students' performance of industry standard practices.
- Location:Washington, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Course: 3 days. Exam: 2 days. Refresher: 1 day.
- Cost:Course: $750, Exam: $525, Refresher: $250
A fortified camp on the summit of Mount Baker. AAI CollectionDesigned for serious Denali aspirants or those planning other cold-weather, high-altitude expeditions, this program provides an introduction to general mountaineering skills such as self-arrest and crevasse rescue, as well as more specific expedition skills like camp fortification, sled rigging, and fixed line climbing.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:January - March
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$2,255
Beginning the climb and six days of training on Mt. Baker, one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the lower 48 states. Gerry ChikeAAI’s flagship youth leadership program focuses on situational judgment and decision-making in a mountain setting while providing a base of general outdoor know-how and mountain sense. Participants learn rock-climbing skills, glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, navigation and other skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker as well as on other peaks.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:July - August
- Length:6 or 13-Days
- Cost:6-Day: $2395; 13-Day: $5395- All Inclusive Pricing
Seven SummitsClimbing the Seven Summits - even with top guides - requires a wide array of mountaineering skills and knowledge. AAI's Seven Summits training course is based on a phased approach that prepares you for the upcoming climbs in your progression. In addition to giving you a
solid grasp of all the fundamental tools and techniques of the mountaineer, the course provides intensive preparation for cold, altitude, and expedition conditions.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:September - May & January - April
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Phase 1: $2445; Phase 2: $2880; Phase 3: $2820
Mountaineering guides must have the ability to take care of people in extreme environments. Alasdair TurnerThis comprehensive training program prepares anyone with a love of the mountains to launch a career in mountain guiding. Experienced climbers can place out of introductory level courses. This program is eligible for federal VA Educational Benefits.
- Location:Washington - Cascades
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Complete course of study varies, $12,000-$30,000 depending on previous experience.
Demonstrating the use of a Rutschblock Test to determine slope stability. Rick KaiserThis entry-level avalanche course provides skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, mountaineers and snowmobilers with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize risk in avalanche terrain. AAI's program employs curriculum developed by American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), an organization with decades of experience developing techniques, protocols and skills for those that recreate and work in avalanche terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days or 1 Lecture Day + 2 Field Days
- Cost:$725 (Register by Nov. 15th for a $100 discount)
A rescuer gets low to the snow to get the best readings during the Fine Search phase of a rescue. Dyan PadagasThis course was originally introduced in the 2017/2018 season, but has since become an integral step in the AIARE avalanche education progression. This 1-day course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day
- Cost:$295
An avalanche class takes a day tour in the Mount Baker backcountry. Erik Johnson.This 1-day Avalanche course is for those who have already completed an avalanche education course and would like to refresh their skills. This field-based clinic provides an excellent review of the material in the AIARE Level 1 course and includes a discussion of industry updates.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day
- Cost:From $295
A snowmobilier enjoys deep snow, secure in the knowledge that she can react quickly in case of an avalanche burial.This course takes AIARE's avalanche curriculum and tailors it specifically towards motorized users, whether on a sled or a snowbike. This introductory level course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:January - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days for Rec 1 and Rec 2, 1 Field day for Rescue
- Cost:Varies
Discussing terrain choices. Rick KaiserThe AIARE Rec 2 course is designed for advanced recreational winter travelers who have already taken AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue Course. Focusing on snowpack, weather, and terrain assessment, the course builds decision-making skills and grooms students for leadership in the backcountry.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry
- Season:December - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings and 2 Field Days
- Cost:$745
An instructor explains the use of snow pits for snowpack analysis. Andy BourneThe Pro 1 Course is the introductory program for the new Professional Course Flow. Similar to the traditional Level 2 course, it is designed to train and certify workers new to the avalanche industry.
- Location:Mt. Baker and Glacier, WA
- Season:December
- Length:5 days in-person training + online lessons prior to meeting
- Cost:$1849
Recording observations in the snow pack. Coley GentzelThe Pro 2 Avalanche Course is an advanced certification course for experienced and advanced recreational backcountry travelers, professional guides, patrollers and avalanche workers moving into leadership roles within their operations or for experienced workers who desire to continue to develop their risk management leadership skills. The course is 1 evening session, then 6 days in the field and completes the professional avalanche course stream.
- Location:Mt. Baker Backcountry
- Season:Winter
- Length:1 evening + 6 days
- Cost:$2649
A skier in the North Cascades. Andy BourneThis 1-day course is designed for those who have little or no backcountry skiing experience and want to learn the basics. We'll introduce you to the different types of gear that allow us to travel through the backcountry, including use of climbing skins and other backcountry tools. Once on the snow, you'll learn specific techniques for moving through pristine backcountry terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 Days
- Cost:$395
A skier skins uphill in the Mt. Baker backcountry. Scott Schumann"One run in the backcountry is worth ten in the front country." This is so commonly said that it has become a cliche ... and, yet, it's true. Come and join us on our 2-day clinic designed to take you beyond the basics and get you ready to go further, higher, and steeper.
- Location:North Cascades, WA; Eastern Sierras, CA; San Juan Mountains, CO
- Season:January - April
- Length:2 Days
- Cost:$460 (3 person min); Private trip pricing listed in 'Details and Dates'
A skier reaps the rewards for his climb with an exposed descent. Mt. Baker, Washington. Ben TraxlerDevelop the technical skills and judgment required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best skiing available in the lower 48 states. Learn crevasse rescue, roped skiing techniques, snow anchor construction, rappelling, and belaying skills as they apply to skiers and splitboarders in glaciated terrain.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:March - May
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:6 days: $1650 (minimum of 2 participants)
Students practicing multi-pitch techniques at Crystal Crag, near Mammoth. Michael PowersLike our well-known Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership - Part 1, this course introduces snow, ice, and alpine rock climbing skills at a moderate difficulty level. Participants learn fundamentals of snow climbing in the non-glaciated setting of the Eastern Sierra, then focus on alpine rock and ice while tackling major routes such as the Swiss Arete on Mt. Sill (14,153) and the U-Notch Couloir on North Palisade (14,242').
- Location:Eastern Sierra, CA
- Season:Spring – Fall
- Length:Flexible
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Many rescues begin by tying off a belay device. Ben TraxlerThe Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers program is an intensive one to two-day seminar on improvised multi-pitch rock rescue techniques. Participants study a series of haul, lower, rappel and rope-climbing systems and then apply them to a variety of practical scenarios. Individuals who complete this rock-rescue program should be able to apply these skills to a wide array of complex high-angle problems.
- Location:BC, WA, CA, NV and UT
- Season:Year-round
- Length:1 - 2 days
- Cost:$595 (min. of 2 participants)
A rescue practitioner operates a line during a lowering operation. Jason MartinThe American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Level I program is an NFPA compliant rope rescue course. Students will develop the skills to perform rescues and recoveries at the operations level in both steep and high-angle team-rescue scenarios.
- Location:WA
- Season:Year
- Length:4 days
- Cost:Operations Course - $1165, Operations and Technician Combined - $1950
Students set up their rigging as they prepare to conduct a rescue. Jason MartinThe American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Level II program is an NFPA compliant rope rescue course. Students will develop the skills to perform rescues and recoveries at the technician level in both steep and high-angle team-rescue scenarios.
- Location:WA
- Season:Year-round
- Length:5 days
- Cost:Technician Course - $1365, Operations and Technician Combined - $1950
A patient is loaded into a litter for evacuation. Jason MartinThe Advanced Mountain Rescue course integrates both rope rescue and self-rescue techniques in a high mountain glaciated environment. Students will apply a series of lowland rescue techniques with mountain modifications in order to develop the skills required for mountain rescue. Additionally, participants will spend a significant amount of time developing strategies to solve complex crevasse rescue problems.
- Location:Mt. Baker, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:5 days
- Cost:$1495
A rescuer places a patient in a litter in a crevasse. Jason MartinThe American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive is the most complete rope rescue course offered in the United States. It is the only course available anywhere that addresses the techniques required for team-rescue as well as those needed for self-rescue.
- Location:Bellingham and Mt. Baker, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
- Cost:$3495
Trail-signs often attempt to keep backcountry users on the established trail. Jason MartinThe Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course provides students an opportunity to develop a high level of understanding of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Those who successfully complete the course will have the skills to provide Leave No Trace educational programming to their own student participants. This is an essential course for outdoor educators, guides and rangers.
- Location:WA, CA, and NV
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days
- Cost:$350 - Group Discounts Available
Climbers use an established cairn to stay on trail and minimize impact during their descent. Grayson Ridge.The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course (formally known as the Master Educator course) provides participants with extensive training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics, through practical application in a field-based setting. A more comprehensive version of the Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course (formally known as the Trainer course), the Level 2 Instructor Course is designed for people who are actively teaching backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public.
- Location:Washington, California & Nevada
- Season:Year-Round
- Length:5 or 6-Days Depending on Program
- Cost:$895
Camp at the base of a winter ski objective. Justin WoodYou know about moving through the backcountry, and you've taken an Avalanche Course. Now take your winter travel to the next level with this course on winter overnight skills.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - April
- Length:2 days
- Cost:$475 (minimum 2 participants)
A Women's Only Alpinism 1 descending the Easton Glacier on their way back to Bellingham. Lauren SmithWomen interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies