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North Cascades
North Cascades Programs
The North Cascades is AAI’s home range and a vast alpine playground running north-south roughly from the Fraser River in British Columbia to Stevens Pass, and from the Twin Sisters range in the west to the Methow Valley in the east. Within this area are numerous sub-ranges and geographic regions, with distinct wildlife, geology, and climate. There are enough summits to keep a climber busy for a lifetime.
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
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
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
Guided Alpine Rock Climbing in the North Cascades
Climbing with a guide is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the exciting wilderness ascents of the North Cascades. Part of the attraction of the climbs is the … Read more
Mountaineering Instructor Professional Training Program
“How Do I Become a Mountain Guide?” This is one of the most common questions that we get from climbers who are just starting out. The short answer is to … Read more
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
When accidents happen in the mountains, knowing how to respond efficiently and safely can make all the difference. Imagine a lead climber taking a fall several pitches up, or an … Read more
Avalanche Training – AIARE Rescue
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, hands-on course that prepares you for the moment no one wants, but every backcountry traveler must be ready for. You’ll build critical rescue skills … Read more
Backpacking and Wilderness Skills
This immersive two-day course is the perfect starting point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are new to overnight camping in the mountains. Participants gain the skills and confidence to … 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
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
Avalanche Training – AIARE 1
This course is intended for people interested in backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or virtually any activity in the winter mountains. We will teach students what to look for … Read more
Avalanche Training – AIARE 2
AIARE Avalanche Level 2 is designed for experienced backcountry travelers who want to deepen their understanding of avalanche hazard management. Building on the decision-making framework taught in AIARE 1, this … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Fundamentals The Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part 1 program is your gateway to safe, confident travel in winter backcountry terrain. Designed for skiers and … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
Technical Ski Alpinism Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part II is the second step in our progressive winter backcountry curriculum, designed to build technical competence, efficiency, and confidence for … Read more
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part III
Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making This 12-day program helps advanced skiers and splitboarders refine their technical skills, deepen their avalanche judgement, and confidently plan and execute multi-day objectives in … Read more
Mt. Baker Summit on Skis or Snowboard
Ski or Splitboard from the Summit of Mt. Baker – A True Pacific Northwest Classic If you have solid backcountry touring experience and strong skiing or splitboarding skills, this is … Read more
