Belaying: A Brief History
American Alpine Institute
...not replace proper belay technique, they have become widely adopted in climbing gyms, sport climbing, and professional guiding. Today there… Read More
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label/Climbing Ethics
Programs
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
…prime rock climbing seasons being spring, summer, and fall – approximately late March through early November. Waterfall ice climbing and winter mixed alpine climbing is available November through February. Approaching…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
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5
Physical
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5
Military and Government Mountain Training
…such features. Rock climbing techniques taught include a wide array of skills including equipment selection, climbing movement skills, anchor building, belaying, rappelling, multi-pitch climbing, ascent and descent strategies and hazard…
Year-Round
1-24 days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Range
The Central Alaska Range is made up of the peaks and valleys that surround Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker. In the deep glacial gorges that drop from Denali’s flanks…
May - July
7-22 Days (Recommended minimum of 10 days due to potential weather.)
Ice Climbing – Introduction
…limits. Ice climbing is a deeply rewarding pursuit, and nearly all who try it wind up hooked. Whether you are a budding ice climber, ready to break into multi-pitch climbing,…
January - March
2 days; 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
Southeast Asia Rock Climbing and Exploration
…and trek through the dense, lush jungle. The climbing here is the main attraction! Rock climbing is a must do in Southeast Asia, and Laos offers some of the best…
October - May
14 days or 21 days
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
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…
May - September
Varies
Outdoor Rock Climbing – Intensive Introduction
If you’re new to rock climbing or have only climbed indoors, stepping outside opens up a whole new world of adventure. Outdoor climbing introduces unique physical and mental challenges that…
Year-round
4 days
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-round
Varies
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques
…well-rounded alpinists need these aid climbing skills to add to their abilities in ice climbing, mountaineering, and rock climbing. There are many mountains throughout the world that have routes that…
Year-Round
4 days
Guided Rock Climbing in Moab & Indian Creek
…a face-climbing or a gym climbing background will be introduced to a whole new world of climbing. Those who are already familiar with crack climbing techniques will be able to…
September - April
1+ days
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Search Results (55)
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
Search Results (11)
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
Search Results (31)
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
Search Results (5)
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
Search Results (11)
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
Search Results (36)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips
Search Results (39)
Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Search Results (8)
Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
Government, Military, & Veterans
Search Results (3)
Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
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
“Ask a Guide” Letters
American Alpine Institute
...Director of the AMGA. Letters Ice Screw Placement on Multi-Pitch Climbs Climbing Efficiently with Large Groups Cordellettes vs. Slings Speaking… Read More
How to Select an Alpine Rack
American Alpine Institute
...or subtract gear, reflecting the characteristics of my climbing objective. Below is a discussion of each of the components of… Read More
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...anyway that awareness of weather must be combined with solid navigation skills, knowledge of self-rescue, and well-founded decision-making abilities to… Read More
Mt. Baker, North Ridge
American Alpine Institute
...more information on climbing this amazing route! Guide Coley Gentzel’s North Ridge Story Former AAI Program Coordinator and Guide… Read More
Kilimanjaro Trek: Good Living on the Top of Africa
American Alpine Institute
...of good living. If you’re looking for a tale of extreme courage and dramatic precipices, you should refer to our… Read More
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
...climbing objective in the late 1980’s. Pat Morrow, a Canadian mountaineer, became the first to climb all seven in 1985.… Read More
Expert Tips
American Alpine Institute
...Climbing Styles: What Do the Different Terms Mean? Alpine Efficiency: Combining Speed and Safety Selecting Equipment for Waterfall Ice and… Read More
Ice Axes and Tools for Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the December 2005 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter On a technically oriented alpine climb involving a good amount of… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/10/15
American Alpine Institute
September 10, 2015
American Alpine Institute: The Best Rock Climbing Guides in Las Vegas
American Alpine Institute
December 3, 2025
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 6/25/2026
American Alpine Institute
June 25, 2026