American Alpine Institute's Private Guided Programs are collaborations between you and our guides. You bring your enthusiasm, your skills, and your goal, whether it be a summit, a day of rock-climbing, or a ski traverse -- or virtually anything else you might want to do in the mountains. The guide brings his or her local knowledge, expertise, leadership abilities, energy, and commitment to your success and safety. The Institute was one of the founding members of the American Mountain Guides Association and a leader in the professionalization of mountain guiding in America. Climb, ski, or crag with us and see your vision become a reality.
A party of climbers nearing the top of Mt. Shuksan's spectacular summit pyramid, North Cascades, Washington. AAI CollectionThe glacier and rock ascents in the North Cascades offer beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience some of the best alpine climbing in America.
- Location:Northern Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Price varies. See details.
Topping out on Chablis Spire. Mark HoustonThe clean granite of Washington Pass and the Liberty Bell Group provides some of the best and most accessible alpine rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest. Classics like the Southwest Buttress of South Early Winter Spire make for rewarding outings for intermediate climbers, while the spectacular Liberty Crack challenges the most advanced.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
AAI climbers as they ascend the Swiss Arete of Mt. Sil. Kevin McGarityEver since the days of famous early mountaineers like Clarence King and John Muir, the Eastern Sierra has been known as one of the most serenely beautiful alpine areas in America.
- Location:Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:April - October
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Cost varies, see program details
Alpenglow lights the eastern rampart of Taylor Peak and the Cathedral Spires, seen from Sky Pond. Zach LovellStraddling the continental divide of north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber's paradise. From long scrambling routes to classic alpine rock and ice climbs and front-country cragging, the park offers everything a climber could want.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
AAI Guide Jim Mediatore savors the exposure on the legendary traverse on Ruper (5.8), Redgarden Wall, Eldorado Canyon.One of the most iconic and historic venues in American rock climbing, Boulder, Colorado offers stunningly diverse climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park and the Flatirons, including everything from short sport lines to 1,000-foot multi-pitch adventures. With thousands of routes to choose from – from novice to expert – the Boulder area may be the best all-around rock climbing destination in the United States.
- Location:Boulder, Colorado
- Season:March - November / year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Pricing
A party of climbers on the Crescent Glacier with Snowpatch Spire behind. Matt AndersonThe Bugaboos are North America's answer to the French Alps, offering the same high quality granite above beautiful glaciers like those found in Chamonix, but with one big difference - there are no telepheriques or huge crowds here, only the isolation and grandeur characteristic of the mountains of Canada.
- Location:Bugaboos - British Columbia Canada
- Season:July - September
- Length:7 Days (plus 2 driving days)
- Cost:2:1 $3720 (per person); 1:1 $5200
Traversing the Aiguille d'Entreves. Tim ConnellyThe French Alps are the world capital of alpinism, and for good reason: the range offers hundreds of the highest quality rock, snow, and ice routes with unmatched accessibility.
- Location:Chamonix, France
- Season:June - September
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Prices vary. See cost and dates tab.
On route to the summit of the Matterhorn. Tim ConnellyFrom scenic climbs like the Rothorn to classics like the Matterhorn and Eiger, Switzerland's Alps offer spectacular and varied climbing in the birthplace of mountaineering.
- Location:Zermatt and Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
- Season:July - September
- Length:4 to 10 days
- Cost:Varies with program and ratio
On top of the Grande Floria, with Mont Blanc in the distance. Tim ConnellyThese three peaks, more than any others in the alps, are emblematic of the unique challenges and rewards of alpinism. AAI offers several different programs for ascending one, two, or all three of peaks in the "Alps Trilogy."
- Location:French and Swiss Alps
- Season:June - September
- Length:varies
- Cost:Varies. Prices are per person.
AAI guide Dustin Byrne nearing the summit of the Moose's Tooth, Ruth Gorge, Alaska Range. Tad McCreaThe 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 sit some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring mountains in world.
- Location:Central Alaska Range
- Season:May - July
- Length:8-22 Days
- Cost:Ratio Pricing - See Dates and Details
Aoraki Mount Cook from the south. Rob Brown, Hedgehog HouseGuided ascents of the classic routes in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, including Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt. Tasman, and Mt. Aspiring. Helicopter and hut supported climbing allows for multiple ascents in a short amount of time.
- Location:Southern Alps, New Zealand
- Season:October - February
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies with program
A climber starts the 2nd pitch of Midway (5.5) in Leavenworth, WA. Mike PowersLeavenworth is perhaps the best rock climbing area in the state for recreation and skill-building at all levels. Ease of access, good camping, and high-quality granite combine to make a great outing, whether for a day or a week.
- Location:Leavenworth, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
Climbers working their way up a steep line at Index. Brendan CusickIndex Town Wall and the surrounding crags are home to some of Washington's most classic testpiece climbs. Steep cracks and hard ratings make for a challenging outing.
- Location:Index, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Pricing
A climber learns rock climbing techniques with protection from a top-rope. Richard RiquelmeMount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber, or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Island and Pacific ocean, the views are stunning. The access at Mount Erie and it's central location in Western Washington make it an ideal spot for climbers who have only a day or even a half day to get out and climb.
- Location:Anacortes, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:Half day and up
- Cost:Varies based on Climber to Guide ratio
Climbing granite in Squamish, B.C. Tali LevinThe striking white granite of Squamish is most frequently compared to the high quality rock found in Yosemite. Unlike its southern counterpart, Squamish lies far from crowds and R.V. lines.
- Location:Squamish, British Columbia
- Season:April - October
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
An AAI climber enjoying a fantastic day of rock climbing in Red Rock Canyon, NV. Szu-ting YiLocated just 20 miles from the world famous Las Vegas Strip, the Red Rocks of Southern Nevada provide options for climbers of all ability levels. Red Rock Canyon is an excellent place to learn to climb, advance your skills, climb a long multi-pitch route, or combine all of these things for a highly educational program!
- Location:Red Rock, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Half-day and up
- Cost:$475/day for one climber; ratio pricing for additional climbers
A climber pulls through a roof on Mr. Z (5.7, III), established in 2003. Jason Martin.While there are thousands of classic established routes in Red Rock Canyon, there are still literally miles of unclimbed rock in the Conservation Area. Next time you are in Red Rocks, consider a real adventure.
- Location:Red Rock, Las Vegas, NV
- Season:October - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private rates
Granite domes, yucca, and Joshua trees – recipe for a perfect climbing vacation. Dyan PadagasJoshua Tree National Park is a true winter playground for climbers of all levels, and the ultimate climbing road-trip destination. The area touts high quality rock with abundant cracks, challenging edges, and a very high friction factor. Come enjoy the sun with us and try climbing outdoors for the first time, learn to lead, or perfect your crack technique in an other-worldly landscape.
- Location:Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Season:October - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
Castleton Tower is one of the most striking of the desert towers. Andy BourneThe town of Moab is surrounded by rock. Climbs of all ability levels are available, just minutes from downtown Moab. Indeed, one of the great advantages to climbing in Moab is the ease of access. Many of the practice crags just outside of town are so close to the road that you can literally open your car door and put on your harness.
- Location:Moab Area and Southern Utah
- Season:September - November, March - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Pricing
Flying down a steep chute. Lyle HaugsvenTour the backcountry around Table Mountain or Shuksan Arm, or climb Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan and make a classic ski descent. Complete a major multi-day tour in the North Cascades on skis or split snowboard. Or work on your off-piste skills with coaching from a professional guide. We have private programs available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Location:Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:December - June (varies with conditions)
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Private Rates Apply
Ascending an untouched slope of fresh snow in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Ian PetersonThe San Juan Mountains, a high rugged mountain range in southwestern Colorado, offers endless backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities. With around 200+ inches of snow per year and over 300 days of sunshine annually, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy a bluebird pow day in Colorado’s backcountry.
- Location:San Juan Mountains, Colorado
- Season:Winter and Spring
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1
Crossing the Argentiere Glacier. Tim ConnellyOur high route through the heart of the Alps is among the most scenic alpine tours in the world. We combine safety and avalanche training with glacier skiing techniques on this incredible ski traverse.
- Location:Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland
- Season:Spring
- Length:8 days
- Cost:Cost varies
Some stunning ice climbing in the Ouray Ice Park, CO. Suzanna LourieWith immediate proximity to town and hundreds of routes to learn and train on, there is no better place to learn or explore ice climbing than the Ouray Ice Park and the San Juan backcountry of the Rocky Mountains.
- Location:Ouray, Colorado
- Season:December through April
- Length:One day and up
- Cost:$525/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties
Climbing perfect ice in Lee Vining Canyon. Ian McEleneyAccessible from Sacramento, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Lee Vining Canyon and the June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra provides some of the finest steep water ice climbing in North America. The Canyon is an excellent place to learn to climb, advance your skills, push into multi-pitch terrain, or combine all of these things into one highly educational, customized course.
- Location:Lee Vining Canyon, Eastern Sierra, CA
- Season:December - Early March
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Varies with program
A climber enjoying mixed terrain on Chair Peak, WA. Alasdair TurnerWashington is home to a great variety of ice climbing opportunities. Learn the basics of ice climbing in one of our introductory courses or, once you have the skills, join us for a guided winter ascent of an alpine route.
- Location:North Cascades and Central Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Varies
A group preparing to climb at Red Rock, NV. Shawn OlsonRock climbing is an ideal activity for any organization or corporation interested in team building. The sport presents teamwork as a natural solution to overcoming intense mental and physical challenges.
- Location:Red Rock, Nevada
- Season:October - April
- Length:Half day and up
- Cost:Call for pricing
A skier rips through exceptionally dry Hokkaido powder. Gregg OliveriHokkaido, Japan is one of the best places in the world to backcountry ski and snowboard. The combination of light, dry snow that feels more like fairy dust, moderate lines, beautiful vistas and a rich cultural experience provide for an exceptional introduction to Japan's backcountry. The American Alpine Institute offers a flexible program that includes seven days of skiing or riding, while exploring several different backcountry and sidecountry venues in Hokkaido.
- Location:Hokkaido, Japan
- Season:December - March
- Length:Varies
- Cost:$637 per person, per day for 1 - 3 people