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Ice Climbing

One of the most fundamental skills of mountaineering, ice climbing comprises skills for tackling both waterfall ice and alpine ice/glacier ice.
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Ice Climbing Programs

Far from the niche sport on display in adventure magazines and TV specials, ice climbing is one of the fundamental disciplines of alpinism. A full quiver of ice climbing skills will enable a climber to cross heavily crevassed glaciers, pass bergschrunds, and link up small flows with pitches of rock climbing in pursuit of an alpine summit.

The Institute offers guided ice climbing and ice climbing instruction in the Cascades year-round, as well as in California’s Eastern Sierra and Colorado’s San Juans, as well as other locations. Refine your search using the filters below.

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A climber on the Alpine Ice Introduction course swings their ice axe into blue alpine ice.
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
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4
5
Physical
1
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5

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

May - July
6 Days
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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

May - September
12 days
Eastern Sierra, California Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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

Year-round
1+ Days
San Juan Ice Climbing
Ouray, Colorado Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado

Our private and instructional Colorado ice climbing programs are based out of downtown Ouray, a charming alpine village nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks in the … Read more

December - March
1+ days
Ouray Ice Climbing Happy
Lee Vining, CA; Ouray, CO Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Ice Climbing – Introduction

Ice climbing is a vital part of any alpine climber’s quiver of skills. Over the last three decades, advancements in equipment and clothing have made the sport much more accessible … Read more

January - March
2 days; 5 days
Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Rnage
Alaska Range Special Offer
Type
Expeditions, Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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

May - July
7-22 Days (Recommended minimum of 10 days due to potential weather.)
Traversing Entreves
Chamonix, France Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Alpine Climbing in the French Alps/Chamonix

The French Alps in the area near Chamonix encompass the highest concentration of quality alpine routes in the world. There are classics here at every technical level, and at each … Read more

April - September
Varies based on Objective
Eastern Sierra, CA Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Ice Climbing in the Eastern Sierra

As the Summer fades and Fall’s crisp temperatures begin to turn cold, ice climbers around the nation begin to think about tall, shaded walls of hard water ice.  With dozens … Read more

January - March
1+ days
Luke Holcomb on German Helmet
Washington Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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

Year-round
Varies
Military personnel training near Table Mountain
WA, CA, AK, NV and CO Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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

Year-Round
1-24 days
A climber follows while ice climbing the North Ridge of Mt. Baker
North Cascades and Central Washington Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades

Cascades winter terrain is a complex and highly variable environment where ephemeral conditions demand precision and experience. Formed by fluctuating temperatures and intricate mountain systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient … Read more

December - March
1 day and up