Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...by Mountain Gear, an online retailer, and the American Alpine Institute. It started as a meetup of climbers, climbing athletes,… Read More
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label/Climbing Ethics
Programs
Alpine Ice Climbing – Introduction
…in their climbing, giving them the confidence and competence to lead in serious alpine terrain. The program culminates with an ascent attempt of Mt. Baker via the North Ridge or…
May - July
6 Days
Learn to Lead – Trad Rock Climbing Leadership
…course, you’ll be prepared to take the sharp end with confidence and start building your own climbing adventures. This course is offered year-round in world-class climbing destinations like Red Rock…
Year Round
4 days
Longs Peak Hiking & Climbing
…and offers great rewards to those willing to brave its rigors, whether climbing with a professional guide or independently. From the summit, Longs offers commanding 360-degree views stretching to the…
Year-round
2 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
…required, and the AAI programs that can help fulfill these requirements. 1. Glacier and Snow Climbing Skills Participants need experience climbing on a rope team in glaciated terrain and in…
May - June
21 days
Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades
Cascades winter terrain is a complex and highly variable environment where ephemeral conditions demand precision and experience. Formed by fluctuating temperatures and intricate mountain systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient…
December - March
1 day and up
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 2
…is loosely broken up into three sections, with the first section focusing on multi-pitch alpine rock climbing. You’ll refine movement on exposed terrain while building skills in anchor systems, belaying,…
May - September
12 days
Guided Ice Climbing in the Eastern Sierra
…of climbs ranging from one to three pitches, and from WI2 to WI5 M5, Lee Vining Canyon is almost without parallel as a place to receive ice climbing instruction. We…
January - March
1+ days
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
…different from other ice climbing courses, is that every participant will not only have to develop ice climbing skills, but will also continue to develop his or her rock climbing…
December - May
1+ days
Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp
…adults, LOT offers the same world-class curriculum we use in our adult climbing and mountaineering programs. Students train in rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, glacier travel, ice climbing, and backcountry adventure…
July
6 or 13-Days
Leaders of Tomorrow – Rock Climbing Camp
Climbing, camping, and adventure with other teens are at the heart of the American Alpine Institute’s Leaders of Tomorrow Rock Climbing Camp. Designed for 15- to 17-year-olds, this program blends…
July
6 Days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
…mixed climbing up a steep gully. Above this, several pitches of mixed climbing reach the base of a 1,500-foot ice rib, sometimes called “Cowboy Arete”, which we ascend in nine…
May-June
21 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
…of alpine climbing. This course is ideal for: • Outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to move into more technical alpine environments • If you have little-to-no previous roped climbing experience…
May - September
12 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
Ecuador Volcanoes – A Climbing Trip Report
American Alpine Institute
The Cayambe hut with the Hermosa glacier pouring in slow motion down the mountain’s West Face. Editor’s note: Climbing in… Read More
Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...someone who has no understanding of climbing trips. Photos of preparation, packing, and even training can be subjects that non-climbing… Read More
Alpine Difficulty Grade Scales
American Alpine Institute
...more you understand about the systems that are there, the better you’ll be able to asses them for yourself. Resources:… Read More
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
...alpine ice climbing in the North Cascades of Washington. His trip was to include some glacier travel, camping on snow,… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...our perfect day in the mountains on a classic route like Epinephrine. Interested in climbing Epinephrine? Click the link to… Read More
Mt. Shuksan Climbing Guide: Top 3 Routes Explained
American Alpine Institute
...routes and alpine ice climbing, its diverse terrain offers challenges and thrills for every level of mountaineer. Sulphide Glacier Grade… Read More
Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...AAI Climbing Blog features several other posts that highlight women in climbing, including awe-inspiring rock climbing videos (2013), a discussion… Read More
Speaking Up About Unsafe Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the November 2007 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Sometimes when I am rock climbing at the local crag I… 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
Blog Posts
The Dark Evolution of the “Alpine Divorce”: From Gothic Thrillers to Trailhead Betrayals
American Alpine Institute
March 23, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/22/24
American Alpine Institute
February 22, 2024