Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...by Mountain Gear, an online retailer, and the American Alpine Institute. It started as a meetup of climbers, climbing athletes,… Read More
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label/Climbing Ethics
Programs
Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding in Colorado’s San Juans
The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado provide fulfilling alpine experiences for all backcountry skiers and snowboarders alike. The low density continental snowpack and short-lived storms combine to make the…
December - April
1+ days
Vocational Training for the Outdoor Professional
…this covered in the AMTL 1 course) Alpine Ice Climbing – Introduction (Note: Curriculum for this covered in the AMTL 2 course) *GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the…
Year-round
Varies
Backpacking in the North Cascades
…Leave No Trace ethics and techniques so that you will be skilled at limiting or eliminating your potential impacts on the wilderness. Along the way, you enjoy gourmet meals and…
July - September
Custom
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
…and ice climbing with angles ranging 30- to 40-degrees up to a scenic summit. Though attempts on the mountain were made as early as the thirties, the first successful ascent…
September - March
5-Days
Mt. Vinson Expedition
…at Mt. Vinson basecamp. AAI/AC Collection. Though not as technically difficult as some of the other Seven Summits, climbers should still be well versed in snow and ice climbing, should…
November - January
16 days
Nepal – Khumbu Trek & Island Peak
This climbing and trekking program explores several of the largest mountain valley systems in the Khumbu Himal and includes optional ascents of 20,306-foot Island Peak (Imja Tse). We also visit…
April - May; October - November
24 days
Alaska Range Ski Mountaineering
The Alaska Range offers some of the finest ski mountaineering terrain on earth—vast glaciers, technical peaks, steep descents, and true expedition climbing in a remote wilderness environment. This program is…
April - June
11 days
Avalanche Awareness Seminars
You hear a loud WHOOMPH! That’s usually how it starts. Then you see it. A spider-web of fracture lines shoot out around your skis. And before you know it, the…
October - March
90 minutes
Avalanche Refresher – AIARE 1
You’re out on a ski tour in the backcountry and the slope you’ve decided to descend looks questionable. You have avalanche training, but it’s been a while since you’ve used…
December - March
1 day
Backcountry Skiing – Intro
This one-day intro to backcountry skiing course is perfect for strong resort skiers ready to leave the groomers behind and discover the freedom of untracked snow. Under the guidance of…
December - March
1 Day
Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding in the Cascades
We offer guided ski and snowboard descents on some of Washington’s most iconic peaks, including Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and others. Our private trips are…
December - June
1 day and up
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part III
Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making This 12-day program helps advanced skiers and splitboarders refine their technical skills, deepen their avalanche judgement, and confidently plan and execute multi-day objectives in…
Mid-February - April
12 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
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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
Search Results (3)
Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
Ecuador Volcanoes – A Climbing Trip Report
American Alpine Institute
The Cayambe hut with the Hermosa glacier pouring in slow motion down the mountain’s West Face. Editor’s note: Climbing in… Read More
Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...someone who has no understanding of climbing trips. Photos of preparation, packing, and even training can be subjects that non-climbing… Read More
Alpine Difficulty Grade Scales
American Alpine Institute
...more you understand about the systems that are there, the better you’ll be able to asses them for yourself. Resources:… Read More
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
Article by John Scripps, AAI Assistant Registrar, with quotes from Seth Hobby, AAI Instructor and Guide From the September 2006… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...our perfect day in the mountains on a classic route like Epinephrine. Interested in climbing Epinephrine? Click the link to… Read More
Mt. Shuksan Climbing Guide: Top 3 Routes Explained
American Alpine Institute
...routes and alpine ice climbing, its diverse terrain offers challenges and thrills for every level of mountaineer. Sulphide Glacier Grade… Read More
Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...AAI Climbing Blog features several other posts that highlight women in climbing, including awe-inspiring rock climbing videos (2013), a discussion… Read More
Speaking Up About Unsafe Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the November 2007 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Sometimes when I am rock climbing at the local crag I… Read More
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
...rope, and flipping over. Don’t worry – it is all par for the course, just one of the joys of… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/10/15
American Alpine Institute
September 10, 2015
American Alpine Institute: The Best Rock Climbing Guides in Las Vegas
American Alpine Institute
December 3, 2025
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 6/25/2026
American Alpine Institute
June 25, 2026