What’s the Best AT Backcountry Ski Setup?
American Alpine Institute
...means that you and your friend can’t switch skis for fun or, heaven forbid, for a rescue. Unfortunately, you can’t… 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
Choosing a Denali Guide
American Alpine Institute
...you have a fair amount of mountaineering experience under your belt. Many climbers who decide on climbing denali with a… Read More
Snow Flotation for Climbers: Skis or Snowshoes?
American Alpine Institute
...most difficult and potentially frustrating to use. Their uses are diverse: they may be appropriate for approaching a climbing objective,… Read More
Lightning Hazard and Mitigation for backcountry travelers
American Alpine Institute
...your hair stands on end or you hear buzzing in your climbing helmet or trekking poles, that’s not just nerves… Read More
Rock Shoes: Board-Lasted vs. Slip-Lasted
American Alpine Institute
...individual at the climbing shop. “Dude, you need shoes that hurt,” he tells you. “They should be at least two… Read More
Footcare for Climbers: Stepping up to Happier Feet
American Alpine Institute
...possible): While hiking/climbing, make an effort to keep rain, snow, and stream splash out of your boots; you can protect… Read More
Micro Cam Considerations
American Alpine Institute
Micro cams live in the world of finger cracks and below—tiny constrictions where larger gear simply won’t go. These cams… Read More
Why Climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) with American Alpine Institute?
American Alpine Institute
Climbing Denali with the American Alpine Institute (AAI) isn’t just about reaching North America’s highest summit—it’s about doing it the… Read More
Denali Summit Strategies & Mountain Flexibility
American Alpine Institute
...summit success. A Note about “Mountain Safety” While AAI has an impressive record on the mountain, that doesn’t mean that… Read More
Climb Denali / Climb McKinley with American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
...weather window to strike for the summit. Preparation and Prerequisites Climbing Denali is a “PhD-level” mountaineering objective. To ensure the… Read More
Blog Posts
Leeper Hangers: A Piece of Climbing History That Deserves a Second Look
American Alpine Institute
August 7, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/22/19
American Alpine Institute
February 28, 2019