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
Southern Cascades Volcanoes Skills and Climb
…together. Climbing Mount St. Helens is a very unique opportunity considering its historical 1980 eruption. The flanks of this Southern Cascade Volcano offer fantastic beginner level ascents while climbing past…
May - September
5 Days
California Fourteeners Climbs
…granite, remarkable views, and multiple climbing options. Ascents range from moderate scrambling to snow and mixed alpine climbing to technical rock. Among other superlatives, Mt. Whitney can brag of perhaps…
Year-round
1+ Days
Guided Rock Climbing at Mt. Erie, WA
Mount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San…
April - October
1 day or more
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
Climbing Mount St. Helens is a very unique opportunity considering its historical 1980 eruption. The flanks of this Southern Cascade Volcano offer fantastic beginner level ascents while climbing past volcanic…
March - September
Varies
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
…and climbing adventure. You can join us just for the trekking and for hikes to great vantage points, or you can join in the climbs. Ascents that we make are…
November - February
13 days
Peru – Chopicalqui Expedition
Chopicalqui (6,354 m / 20,846 ft) is a stunning peak in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. It offers a compelling mix of adventure, alpine beauty, and personal achievement. This iconic…
May - August
20 days
Mt. Adams Skills and Climb
At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is the second tallest mountain in the state of Washington. It’s remarkable size and spectacular ten-glacier mantle make it one of the most beautiful mountains…
May - September
3 or 4 days
Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers
…for Climbers course teaches practical techniques using the minimal gear you carry in the mountains. With just a rack and a rope, you’ll learn how to manage common climbing emergencies—rigging…
Year-Round
2 days
The Palisade Traverse
…sustained vertical climbing, this is an objective for experienced and fit alpine climbers. The traverse summits five California’s fourteeners along the way: Thunderbolt Peak Starlight Peak North Palisade Polemonium Peak…
May - September
5 days
Bolivia – Illimani Expedition
Illimani base camp. Andrew Wexler. This is a 5-day expedition to climb the highest peak in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real. Team members first make the ascents (and enjoy the benefits of…
May - September
22 days or 5 days without prep programs
Ecuador – El Altar Expedition
…this expedition by exploring Quito, visiting a regional market, scrambling up 15,729-foot Guagua Pichincha, and by climbing a classic glacial route on 17,227-foot Illiniza Sur (described above). After a rest…
January-February
15 Days
Guided First Ascents at Red Rock, NV
Red Rock Canyon is not a very old climbing area in the scheme of things. A small cadre of locals and a handful of visiting climbers have primarily been responsible…
October - May
1 day and up
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Search Results (55)
This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
Rock Climbing
Search Results (37)
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
Search Results (31)
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
Search Results (11)
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
Search Results (36)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips
Search Results (39)
Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Search Results (8)
Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
Government, Military, & Veterans
Search Results (3)
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
...soft snow, it is challenging to discuss avalanches. But it’s easy to develop higher-end cramponing skills. Indeed, as there’s more… Read More
“Ask a Guide” Letters
American Alpine Institute
...Director of the AMGA. Letters Ice Screw Placement on Multi-Pitch Climbs Climbing Efficiently with Large Groups Cordellettes vs. Slings Speaking… Read More
How to Select an Alpine Rack
American Alpine Institute
...or subtract gear, reflecting the characteristics of my climbing objective. Below is a discussion of each of the components of… Read More
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...anyway that awareness of weather must be combined with solid navigation skills, knowledge of self-rescue, and well-founded decision-making abilities to… 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
...of good living. If you’re looking for a tale of extreme courage and dramatic precipices, you should refer to our… Read More
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
...climbing objective in the late 1980’s. Pat Morrow, a Canadian mountaineer, became the first to climb all seven in 1985.… 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
Question: From the December 2005 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter On a technically oriented alpine climb involving a good amount of… 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