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
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
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