What’s the Best AT Backcountry Ski Setup?
American Alpine Institute
...means that you and your friend can’t switch skis for fun or, heaven forbid, for a rescue. Unfortunately, you can’t… 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
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
Search Results (11)
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
Search Results (17)
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training
Search Results (5)
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
Search Results (7)
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
Choosing a Denali Guide
American Alpine Institute
...you have a fair amount of mountaineering experience under your belt. Many climbers who decide on climbing denali with a… Read More
Snow Flotation for Climbers: Skis or Snowshoes?
American Alpine Institute
...most difficult and potentially frustrating to use. Their uses are diverse: they may be appropriate for approaching a climbing objective,… Read More
Lightning Hazard and Mitigation for backcountry travelers
American Alpine Institute
...your hair stands on end or you hear buzzing in your climbing helmet or trekking poles, that’s not just nerves… Read More
Rock Shoes: Board-Lasted vs. Slip-Lasted
American Alpine Institute
...individual at the climbing shop. “Dude, you need shoes that hurt,” he tells you. “They should be at least two… Read More
Footcare for Climbers: Stepping up to Happier Feet
American Alpine Institute
...possible): While hiking/climbing, make an effort to keep rain, snow, and stream splash out of your boots; you can protect… Read More
Micro Cam Considerations
American Alpine Institute
Micro cams live in the world of finger cracks and below—tiny constrictions where larger gear simply won’t go. These cams… Read More
Why Climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) with American Alpine Institute?
American Alpine Institute
Climbing Denali with the American Alpine Institute (AAI) isn’t just about reaching North America’s highest summit—it’s about doing it the… Read More
Denali Summit Strategies & Mountain Flexibility
American Alpine Institute
...summit success. A Note about “Mountain Safety” While AAI has an impressive record on the mountain, that doesn’t mean that… Read More
Climb Denali / Climb McKinley with American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
...weather window to strike for the summit. Preparation and Prerequisites Climbing Denali is a “PhD-level” mountaineering objective. To ensure the… 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