Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...shots later in your presentation. Don’t stop shooting after reaching the summit. Many good mountaineering photos are made while going… Read More
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label/Book and Film Reviews
Programs
Rigging for Film, Television and Photography
…success in mountain film or television production is by working with high-end experienced outdoor professionals that can not only help with rigging and filming, but can also create a plan…
Year-Round
Varies
Events, Films and Speakers
…Tickets) March 4, 2027 – Women’s Adventure Film Festival (7pm, $15) April 13, 2027 – Climbing Film Tour (7pm, $15) Know Before You Go: Awareness Clinics November 19, 2026 –…
Year-Round
Varies
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers climbers an astonishing variety of routes, ranging from beginner-friendly cragging to alpine rock-climbs and mixed climbs on a grand scale. Climbs like The Casual…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Guided First Ascents at Red Rock, NV
Red Rock Canyon is not a very old climbing area in the scheme of things. A small cadre of locals and a handful of visiting climbers have primarily been responsible…
October - May
1 day and up
Guided Rock Climbing in Red Rock – Las Vegas, Nevada
As the fall temperatures and wet weather start to overtake the more temperate climbing areas in the U.S., rock climbers begin their annual migration to the Desert Southwest in search…
September - April
Half-day and up
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
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in…
November - March, May - July
10 days
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…
January - March
2 days; 5 days
Mt. Everest Expedition – South Col
Descending high on Everest after a succesful summit. AAI Collection. Mount Everest is still the ultimate mountaineering adventure. As the highest mountain in the world, Everest has immense appeal and…
April - June
8-9 weeks
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification Course
Please note, this course is sponsored by American Alpine Institute and is directly run by American Avalanche Institute instructors. It follows the curriculum guidelines set out by the American Avalache…
Winter
1 evening + 6 days
Mt. Vinson Expedition
Vinson Massif is Antarctica’s highest mountain, reaching 16,050 feet (4,892m) in the heart of the Ellsworth Mountains. Located 700 nautical miles from the South Pole, the mountain was first climbed…
November - January
16 days
Ecuador – Chimborazo Climb
Chimborazo stands out as not only the tallest mountain in Ecuador, but as the the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth. This is…
November - March, May - July
4 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
...Burns) — A foundational navigation text covering map, compass, GPS, route planning, and terrain interpretation. Widely used in outdoor education… 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
Alpine Difficulty Grade Scales
American Alpine Institute
...Alpine Scale, sometimes referred to as the Global Overall Alpine Scale provides more nuance to alpine climbing objectives. In the… Read More
Climbing Class and Commitment Grade
American Alpine Institute
In the mountains, numbers can feel deceptively simple. A climb is labeled “Class 3” or “Grade III,” and suddenly people… 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
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 Right Length for a Cordelette?
American Alpine Institute
...plans validated or an online place or guidebook series that includes them? Being a new climber, I would like to… Read More
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...Mountain Weather Mountain Weather by Jeff Renner Practical Mountain Weather: A Guide for Hikers, Climbers and Skiers by John Papineau… Read More
50 Classic Climbs
American Alpine Institute
...routes and areas are available to AAI through our existing permits with land managers. Routes that were in the original… Read More
Blog Posts
A Short Introduction to Psychological Training for Mountaineering and Skiing
American Alpine Institute
January 20, 2014
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 6/25/2026
American Alpine Institute
June 25, 2026
Lydia Bradley: The First Woman to Summit Everest without Oxygen
American Alpine Institute
March 26, 2021
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/25/16
American Alpine Institute
February 25, 2016