Avalanche Safety: How to Avoid Getting Buried
American Alpine Institute
...avalanches, a mass of cohesive snow releases as a unit. Slab avalanches can be triggered naturally or artificially. How concerned… Read More
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label/Avalanche Awareness
Programs
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
…Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Progression. This series of programs introduces a new set of skills, including avalanche hazard evaluation, winter mountaineering skills, winter camping methods, route planning for ski objectives,…
April - September
12 days
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…
April - June
3 days
Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional
…Course Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course AIARE Avalanche Level I AIARE Avalanche Rescue Avalanche Pro Level I AMGA Single…
Year-round
Varies
Snowshoeing – Mt Baker
The Mount Baker backcountry is world-renowned for the variety of terrain and the utterly stunning beauty. Snowshoeing is the perfect way for beginner-level winter wilderness travelers to access some of…
December - March
1 Day and up
Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp
…accomplished outdoor educators and climbing instructors. Each guide is professionally trained, a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor, Wilderness First Responder certified, and trained in AIARE avalanche safety and rescue….
July
6 or 13-Days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
The American Alpine Institute’s Denali program is built to provide the safest and most successful guided expeditions on North America’s highest peak. We achieve this through a commitment to continuous…
May - June
21 days
Wilderness First Responder
Have you ever been three-days from a trailhead with no cellphone reception and thought about what would happen if someone got hurt? What if a snake bit someone? What if…
Year-Round
5-9 Days
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
AAI’s Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive course was designed for those who would like to become experts in wilderness and/or backcountry navigation. This is an excellent program for those who wish to…
Year-Round
1-Day
The Haute Route – Guided Hut Skiing in the Alps
…of multiple large-scale glaciers in the heart of the Alps, and close-up views of some of the most awe-inspiring peaks. We start with a day of instruction on avalanche safety…
March-May
8 days
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…
July - August
7 days
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…
April - June
11 days
Guided Ice Climbing & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
…skiers and snowboarders might find the aprons of Hallett Peak or Flattop to be great introductions to backcountry skiing and avalanche awareness. For more advanced climbers and skiers, the park…
January – March
Varies
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
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This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
Rock Climbing
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Once mere skill-practice for mountaineers, rock climbing is now a highly developed sport, with numerous sub-disciplines such as trad, sport, and aid.
Ice Climbing
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One of the most fundamental skills of mountaineering, ice climbing comprises skills for tackling both waterfall ice and alpine ice/glacier ice.
High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits
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Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
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Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training
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Avalanche safety training is a must for anyone who ventures into the backcountry in winter, and we offer the gold standard in avalanche education.
Hiking And Backpacking
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Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
Wilderness Skills
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Those who venture into the wilderness must draw from a deep skill base, including navigation, outdoor cooking, water purification, and countless others.
Program Types
Expeditions
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Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips
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Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
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Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
Government, Military, & Veterans
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Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
Best Mountaineering and Climbing books
American Alpine Institute
Level Up Your Mountain Skills: The Ultimate Outdoor Reading List Whether you’re dreaming of your first summit or honing advanced… Read More
LGBTQ Travel to American Alpine Institute Program areas
American Alpine Institute
...exposure is a distinct factor in Tanzania. Careful preparation, situational awareness, and conservative public behavior are essential for minimizing risk… Read More
Solo Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding
American Alpine Institute
...matters too. Use breadcrumb tracking on your inReach or satellite communicator, and secure that device somewhere internal where it won’t… Read More
Climbing Accident Reports: How (and Why) to Read Them
American Alpine Institute
...Traps in Recreational Avalanche Accidents”, set in motion changes in the way avalanche safety is taught in the United States… Read More
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
...a bit and use the principles contained herein to guide your experiments. Gear needed (diagram and labels in photo… Read More
Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
...Our instructors also participate in yearly continuing education programs taught through AAI. Experience and guiding history will vary from guide… Read More
The Evolution of guide Training at the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
...system that is unusually deep, continuous, and mentorship-driven. Entry Requirements for New AAI Guides Before beginning work, entry-level guides must… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...soft snow, it is challenging to discuss avalanches. But it’s easy to develop higher-end cramponing skills. Indeed, as there’s more… Read More
Building Your Wilderness First Aid Kit
American Alpine Institute
...or compartment substitutes. Clearly label each compartment or pack: In many expeditions each expedition member carries their own personal care… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/20/2025
American Alpine Institute
February 20, 2025