Avalanche Safety: How to Avoid Getting Buried
American Alpine Institute
From the December 2005 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Snow avalanches occur tens of thousands of times each year throughout the… Read More
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label/Avalanche Awareness
Programs
Crevasse Rescue for Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders
The glaciated peaks of the Cascades provide a wonderful playground for backcountry skiers and boarders to access to long, sweeping mountain lines, without having to deal with the ones you…
April - May
2 Days
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…
May - September
12 days
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…
April - July
12 Days
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…
May - September
6 days
California Fourteeners Climbs
We’ve put together a list of the fifteen peaks in California that break the fourteen thousand foot barrier. Climbing routes on these peaks are varied and cater to a wide…
Year-round
1+ Days
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…
June - July
6 days
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…
Year-round
1+ Days
Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades
…systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient systems, and constant assessment of conditions. Coupled with often long approaches in avalanche terrain, winter ascents here are not for the faint of heart….
December - March
1 day and up
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…
May - October
3-5 days
Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers
Even experienced climbers can face unexpected challenges on the rock. Your partner may get stuck mid-route, a novice climber may freeze halfway up a toprope, or an injury could make…
Year-Round
2 days
Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course
…Trace Level 1 Instructor courses (two-day) and Awareness Workshops (one-day or shorter). For those who desire a shorter and more economical program, check out our 2-day Leave No Trace…
Year-Round
5 or 6-Days Depending on Program
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…
July - August
10 days
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
...gym and outdoor climbers working all styles from bouldering to long multipitch routes. Climbing instruction Rock Climbing Rock Climbing: Mastering… 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
Heading into the winter backcountry alone can feel like stepping into a beautiful, frozen cathedral—quiet, serene, and just a little… Read More
Climbing Accident Reports: How (and Why) to Read Them
American Alpine Institute
Reading the AAC’s “Accidents” Could Save Your Life What is it about climbing accidents that so fascinates us? Magazines regularly… Read More
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
...rope, and flipping over. Don’t worry – it is all par for the course, just one of the joys of… Read More
Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
Frequently Asked Questions about AAI’s Denali Expeditions The following questions and answers about the Denali West Buttress route and American… Read More
The Evolution of guide Training at the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute Guide Training The American Alpine Institute (AAI) is widely regarded as one of the premier mountain schools… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
Seasonal Differences in AAI Summer Mountaineering Programs We are often asked, “What’s the best time to climb Mt. Baker …… Read More
Building Your Wilderness First Aid Kit
American Alpine Institute
Whether you are traveling alone, taking part in an expedition or climbing course, or responding as a member of a… Read More