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
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
Winter Mountaineering Course
…hazard evaluation); winter climbing, protective systems, and rope handling skills; and snowshoeing technique. The Mt. Whitney Zone serves as a perfect training ground for winter camping and climbing. This course…
January - April
5 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
...card or storage device. If you’re using film be careful while rewinding your film in super cold temperatures. Film can… Read More
Alpine Difficulty Grade Scales
American Alpine Institute
...concept. They used Roman numerals in their book for not-just-the-climbs, but for the approaches. In other words, a Grade I… Read More
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
...some of the the technical knowledge and experience necessary for making smart decisions about what you decide to put in… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
AAI Director of Operations, Instructor and Guide Buried deep in the Black Velvet Canyon of the Red Rock National… 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
Pioneers in Mountaineering, Climbing, and Adventure “Mountain climbing is the greatest sport in the world…There is no better fun than… 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
AAI Program Coordinator and Denali guide Pulling sleds on an expedition is very much a love-hate relationship – one… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/17/15
American Alpine Institute
December 17, 2015
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/29/15
American Alpine Institute
October 29, 2015