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
Mt. Elbrus Expedition
…is heavily glaciated, the moderate angle of its slopes make the climb suitable for people with basic alpine skills and an interest in high altitude climbing. Climbers on our guided…
May, July and August
11 to 14 days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
…including ice climbing movement, protection placement and anchor construction for ice climbing, and dry tooling/ mixed climbing techniques. One of these nights will be an overnight in the backcountry where…
January-March
6 days
Petzl PPE Competent Person Course
The PPE Competent Person course credential is considered an industry standard for those that manage fleets of work-at-height equipment or oversee vertical workers. The three-day program was designed to provide…
Year-Round
3 Days
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
…AAI’s program is tailored for experienced climbers and mountaineers, focusing on advanced rescue scenarios rather than basic climbing skills. While it addresses roadside and front-country situations, the primary emphasis is…
Year-round
15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
Bugaboos Trad Leadership & Multi-Pitch Efficiency
…directly to independent climbing. Your first three days are based inSquamish, BC, and focus on sharpening the foundations of traditional protection, anchor building, rope systems, and lead strategy. Through structured…
July - August
10 days
Passport to Denali
Many climbers who attempt Denali (Mount McKinley) possess the basic skills needed to reach the summit—provided everything goes exactly as planned. But Denali is a mountain where conditions rarely cooperate….
Year-Round
Varies by program
Bolivia – Ancohuma and Illampu Expedition
…ridges right down into the Amazon Basin. In the group are nineteen peaks over 19,000 feet that offer all varieties of alpine climbing, and two higher peaks that are perhaps…
June - September
18 days
Climbing Seminars
…in the program include, but are not limited to: Roping Up for Glacier Travel Glacier Travel Theory Rope Climbing Techniques Snow Anchor and Ice Anchor Theory Load Transfers Hauling Systems…
November-April
4-hours Per Program
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Ascend the “Roof of Africa” with the American Alpine Institute, where world-class expertise meets the ultimate high-altitude challenge. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro stands as the crown jewel of the Seven…
June - February
10 Days, Climb only; 13 Days, Climb and Safari
Peru – Cuzco Tour: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Urubamba
This program is a rewarding exploratory of a verdant mountain region in the highlands of Peru that will provide you with a chance to visit the most beautiful sites of…
May - August
3 days
Peru – Huascaran Expedition
Nevado Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru and one of the world’s most imposing summits. It offers a challenging ascent requiring strong intermediate level alpine skills, and an unusual…
June - July
14 days
Mt. Baker Summit on Skis or Snowboard
Ski or Splitboard from the Summit of Mt. Baker – A True Pacific Northwest Classic If you have solid backcountry touring experience and strong skiing or splitboarding skills, this is…
April - June
3 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
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 4/30/2026
American Alpine Institute
April 29, 2026
Respect at the Crag: Understanding Best, Common, Marginal, and Dangerous Practices
American Alpine Institute
August 10, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/18/24
American Alpine Institute
December 18, 2024