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
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
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...when to join us for a climb or program. Early Season (late April – mid/late May): The Big Mountain Experience… Read More
“Ask a Guide” Letters
American Alpine Institute
...Guide and our Director for Staff Development, answers all Ask A Guide questions. Michael oversees field staff, guide training, and… Read More
How to Select an Alpine Rack
American Alpine Institute
Let’s begin with a definition. Alpine climbing, in general, is: 1) a long way from the trailhead; 2) any combination… 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
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
AAI Program Coordinator Hard-core alpinists beware: This is not a thrilling story of alpine bravery, nor is it an… Read More
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
...technical climbing routes to the summit that avoid the most heavily used camps, preserving some of the wilderness experience of… 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
...axes or just one technical axe and one long mountaineers axe? Can you self arrest just as well with an… Read More