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
Search Results
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
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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
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
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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
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
What is the Difference Between Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering?
American Alpine Institute
October 25, 2025
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/14/17
American Alpine Institute
December 14, 2017
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – October 8, 2021
American Alpine Institute
October 7, 2021