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
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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
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
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/24/26
American Alpine Institute
September 24, 2026
Learning from Mistakes of Others: Causes of Climbing Accidents in Boulder, Colorado
American Alpine Institute
October 29, 2019
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/21/19
American Alpine Institute
February 21, 2019
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/15/18
American Alpine Institute
February 15, 2018