Rock Climbing Terms: Styles and Techniques
American Alpine Institute
...and techniques of rock climbing. Top Rope Climbing vs. Lead Climbing On small crags or practice boulders where there is… Read More
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label/Climbing Ethics
Programs
Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering
Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for…
May - September
6 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
…glacier travel, ice, and advanced crevasse rescue. Over the span of 12 days, climbers will master essential multi-pitch rock climbing skills, learn aid climbing and big wall techniques, and develop…
May - September
12 days
Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course
…for Outdoor Ethics. Successful graduates of the Level 2 Instructor course have the ability to train others in Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Level 2 Instructors can conduct Leave No…
Year-Round
5 or 6-Days Depending on Program
Guided Rock Climbing at Squamish, BC
…the water, through every ecological zone until their craggy summits cut into the sky. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the climbing throughout the region is world class. Squamish climbing…
April - October
1 day and up
Aconcagua Expedition – Upper Guanacos Traverse
…the Polish Glacier at 19,200 feet. From here, the technical climbing begins and you ascend the most direct line up the Polish Glacier climbing 45-60 degree ice on the exposed…
November - February
19 days
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in…
November - March, May - July
10 days
Lamoshe Skills Expedition – Sichuan, China
…in this sub-range of the Daxue Shan range. This amazing 19,915-foot mountain requires moderate-to-advanced climbing ability and excellent fitness. After participants have reviewed glacier travel skills, alpine ice climbing, and…
September - October
13 days
Guided Rock Climbing at Leavenworth, WA
…Castle Rock itself has over sixty routes, ranging in difficulty from 5.3 to 5.12. Varied climbing, excellent rock, short approaches, and great weather all combine to make Leavenworth a fine…
April - October
1 day and up
Mt. Rainier – Kautz Glacier Climb
…the summit. This challenging and scenic line combines everything climbers love about Rainier: steep glacier travel, crevasse navigation, and exciting alpine ice climbing. Starting from Camp Hazard at 11,000ft/3,353m, the…
July
4 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
…North Cascades, with the Ptarmigan Traverse being the most common objective. This legendary route, pioneered by the Ptarmigan Climbing Club in 1938, links a series of rugged peaks along the…
April - September
12 days
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
…the ideal program to experience mountaineering for the first time. Groups on this program are kept small, and throughout the trip, you will enjoy a rich learning and climbing experience….
May - September
3 or 4 days
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
…one of the most photographed summits in the world. We offer both three and four-day options, depending on whether you need additional rock climbing instruction as part of your climb….
May - September
3 or 4 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
Can You Climb While Pregnant?
American Alpine Institute
...input prior to climbing…especially if climbing includes bouldering or leading, places where bodily harm might be more likely. Key Considerations… Read More
Rock Climbing with Kids
American Alpine Institute
...Gym Perhaps the best way to introduce a child to climbing is through a rock gym. There are often two… Read More
Father and Son in the Alps: Climbing the Alps Trilogy
American Alpine Institute
...Mt. Baker and rock climbing course at Washington Pass in May, 2) a climb of Mt. Rainier at the beginning… Read More
Selecting Equipment for Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...rated only as aid climbing protection and not for falls), so you should decide what length of screws to bring… Read More
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...get by with as little effort as is possible. That having been said, a Denali climb’s difficulty is hard to… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
...mostly crack climbing on super high-quality rock. Burgundy Spire, North Face: Grade II+, 5.8 – Rock, 2 days Enjoy spectacular… Read More
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
Simul-Climbing Technique
American Alpine Institute
Simul-climbing is an advanced climbing technique where two climbers move up a route at the same time while tied to… Read More
Footwear for Mountaineering and Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...very specific piece of gear designed. For most applications (approach, ice climbing, rock climbing, etc.) you will likely have a… Read More
Blog Posts
Public Input Sought on Establishment of the Spacewall Climbing Management Area
American Alpine Institute
June 8, 2021