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Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
“Alpine climbing” refers to mountain climbing in its most classic form. An alpine climber uses a wide range of techniques to gain a summit, often carrying the bare minimum of technical gear, and relying instead on a deep skill base, adaptability, and good decision making. The courses listed here emphasize the multi-disciplinary character of true alpine climbing, teaching some combination of rock climbing, ice climbing, snow skills, and glacier travel – and usually all of the above.
AAI offers courses and guided ascents throughout the Cascades, the Alaska Range, the eastern Sierra Nevada, and many other alpine climbing destinations. Refine your search using the filters below.
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Few experiences compare to standing on the summit of a glaciated peak, and Mount Baker is one of the most accessible big mountains in North America. In just 3 or … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 (AMTL 1) is the foundation of AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. It is the ultimate introduction to the world … Read more
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
Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering
Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for … Read more
Alpinism 2 – Intermediate Mountaineering
Designed as the natural progression from AAI’s Alpinism 1 – Intro to Mountaineering, this program is ideal for those with a few days of rock climbing under their belt and … Read more
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Train on the massive glaciers of Washington’s Mt. Baker, one of the premier glacier training grounds in the United States. This three-day program teaches essential glacier mountaineering skills, including front-pointing … Read more
Alpine Ice Climbing – Introduction
Our Alpine Ice program is designed for climbers who are ready to push beyond the basics and step into the vertical world of steep alpine ice. Over the course of … 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
Denali Prep Course
Descending the West Buttress on Denali. AAI Collection. Denali is high, cold and physically demanding. The mountain is home to some of the most severe weather and climbing conditions on … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 2
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 2 (AMTL 2) is the next step in AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. For decades, this program has set the … Read more
Mt. Whitney Climb
Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states and the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada. Climbing Mt. Whitney lets you experience one of America’s most beautiful … Read more
Winter Mountaineering Course
Winter mountaineering encompasses one of the most aesthetic and rewarding facets of the sport of climbing. Winter mountaineering has as much to do with mental challenge as it does with … Read more
Bugaboos Trad Leadership & Multi-Pitch Efficiency
Tucked deep in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, the Bugaboos offer a world-class classroom for climbers ready to step confidently into the realm of alpine rock leadership. Soaring granite … Read more
Mt. Rainier – Kautz Glacier Climb
Mount Rainier is home to some of the most iconic glacier climbs in the United States, and the Kautz Glacier Route is one of the most rewarding ways to reach … Read more
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mount Shuksan is widely considered one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, and for good reason. This iconic North Cascades peak has dramatic steep faces, sparkling hanging glaciers, lush … 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
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra
Whether you want technical skills practice, a 14,000 foot summit, or a classic alpine route, the Eastern Sierra offers it all. By booking private guided climbing, our guides meet you … Read more
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades
The classic alpine routes of the North Cascades offer tremendous variety and contrast. Some consist wholly of ridge and face climbing on rock, while others are entirely on snow and … Read more
Ptarmigan Traverse
In 1938 a group of mountaineers from the Ptarmigan Climbing Club hatched a plan. Bill Cox, Calder Bressler, Ray W. Clough, and Tom Myers decided to make a high traverse from … Read more
Glacier Peak Climb and Skills Clinic
Glacier Peak, the most remote of Washington’s Cascade volcanoes, offers a truly classic alpine experience. Our Glacier Peak Skills and Climb program combines an unforgettable summit attempt with hands-on instruction … Read more
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 3 (AMTL 3) from the American Alpine Institute is a key step in our four-part mountaineering course progression. This advanced alpine climbing program builds … Read more
Ski Mountaineering
This 6-day course is designed for backcountry skiers and splitboarders ready to take on glaciated terrain. Based in the backcountry of Mt. Baker, the clinic starts with core touring skills. … Read more
Seven Summits Training Course
Denali from the Southwest. Alasdair Turner. The Seven Summits draw a special breed of climber. Since the publication of “Into Thin Air” in 1996, high-altitude climbing in general and the … Read more
Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp
The American Alpine Institute’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program is the only comprehensive youth climbing and mountaineering program of its kind in North America. Designed for motivated teens and young … Read more
