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
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
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
