Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...card or storage device. If you’re using film be careful while rewinding your film in super cold temperatures. Film can… Read More
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label/Book and Film Reviews
Programs
Southern Cascades Volcanoes Skills and Climb
Only 31 miles apart, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens have a lot in common. Both mountains are still considered active volcanoes. This might seem odd due to the fact…
May - September
5 Days
Seven Summits Training Course
Denali from the Southwest. Alasdair Turner. The Seven Summits draw a special breed of climber. Since the publication of “Into Thin Air” in 1996, high-altitude climbing in general and the…
Year-Round
Varies
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
Boulder Rock Climbing
Boulder, Colorado is one of the most iconic and historic venues in American rock climbing. Just 40 miles from the Denver International Airport, Boulder boasts of some of the most…
March - November
1+ days
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…
May - September
3 or 4 days
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
This program runs primarily on a private basis, and is somewhat conditions-dependent. The Eastern Sierra is famous for its golden granite, but it is equally famous for its steep and…
December - May
1+ days
Advanced Mountain Rescue
Complex team and self-rescue operations are made even more complex by a remote environment, but in mountain rescue, a remote environment is just the beginning. The complexities of rescue activity…
April - December
5 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 Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding in the Cascades
…tailor each trip to your goals and ability level, whether you’re booking solo or with a group. Pricing is based on guide-to-client ratio, and scheduling is completely flexible to fit…
December - June
1 day and up
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Ascend the “Roof of Africa” with the American Alpine Institute, where world-class expertise meets the ultimate high-altitude challenge. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro stands as the crown jewel of the Seven…
June - February
10 Days, Climb only; 13 Days, Climb and Safari
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
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…
Year-round
15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
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
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
Alpine Difficulty Grade Scales
American Alpine Institute
...concept. They used Roman numerals in their book for not-just-the-climbs, but for the approaches. In other words, a Grade I… Read More
Climbing Class and Commitment Grade
American Alpine Institute
...see this in a route description, refer to the section in the guidebook entitled, “how to use this book.” Often… Read More
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
AAI Program Coordinator and Denali guide Pulling sleds on an expedition is very much a love-hate relationship – one… 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 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
...to explain weather patterns or list the different types of weather that are possible in the mountains. There are many… Read More
50 Classic Climbs
American Alpine Institute
Fifty Classic Climbs of North America – with American Alpine Institute What makes something a “classic”? Who gets to say,… Read More
Blog Posts
Book Review: Rockin’ on the Rock: A Guide to Mt. Erie Climbing
American Alpine Institute
October 4, 2013