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Expeditions
Expeditions Programs
AAI’s expeditions are longer trips, often in remote locations and usually with the principal goal of ascending major peaks. American Alpine Institute began guiding expeditions in 1976, our second year of operation, and rapidly gained a reputation for running ambitious and well-organized climbs.
Our Skills Expeditions, a subset of those shown below, are designed to provide outdoors enthusiasts who have minimal climbing experience a rapid introduction to the skills necessary to climb major peaks. These expeditions also provide acclimatization climbs for more advanced climbers pursuing high-altitude summits.
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
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
Alaska Range Mountaineering
AAI Guide Hali Scroggins high on Radio Control Tower in the Alaska Range. Kevin McGarity. This action packed ten-day program, provides a complete training in the foundational skills of alpine … 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
Patagonia Icefield Expedition
The immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. Encompassing vast glaciers, hundreds of peaks, and some of the most spectacular … Read more
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
Gorra Blanca (9,514 ft / 2900 m) sits on the border between Argentina and Chile and marks one of the gateways to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is one … Read more
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in … 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
Little Switzerland/Pika Glacier Expedition
Little Switzerland is the name given to a series of dramatic granite spires jutting up out of the Pika Glacier like broken teeth. Found just 35 miles south of Denali … 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
Saint Elias Range Skills Expedition
Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America’s largest and most rugged national park, containing one of the world’s least visited expanse of mountain terrain. Bordering Canada’s Yukon, this vast area … 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
