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
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
…prime rock climbing seasons being spring, summer, and fall – approximately late March through early November. Waterfall ice climbing and winter mixed alpine climbing is available November through February. Approaching…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
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4
5
Physical
1
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4
5
Military and Government Mountain Training
…such features. Rock climbing techniques taught include a wide array of skills including equipment selection, climbing movement skills, anchor building, belaying, rappelling, multi-pitch climbing, ascent and descent strategies and hazard…
Year-Round
1-24 days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Range
The Central Alaska Range is made up of the peaks and valleys that surround Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker. In the deep glacial gorges that drop from Denali’s flanks…
May - July
7-22 Days (Recommended minimum of 10 days due to potential weather.)
Ice Climbing – Introduction
…limits. Ice climbing is a deeply rewarding pursuit, and nearly all who try it wind up hooked. Whether you are a budding ice climber, ready to break into multi-pitch climbing,…
January - March
2 days; 5 days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra
Whether you want technical skills practice, a 14,000 foot summit, or a classic alpine route, the Eastern Sierra offers it all. By booking private guided climbing, our guides meet you…
Year-round
1+ Days
Southeast Asia Rock Climbing and Exploration
…and trek through the dense, lush jungle. The climbing here is the main attraction! Rock climbing is a must do in Southeast Asia, and Laos offers some of the best…
October - May
14 days or 21 days
Guided Rock Climbing in Red Rock – Las Vegas, Nevada
As the fall temperatures and wet weather start to overtake the more temperate climbing areas in the U.S., rock climbers begin their annual migration to the Desert Southwest in search…
September - April
Half-day and up
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades
The classic alpine routes of the North Cascades offer tremendous variety and contrast. Some consist wholly of ridge and face climbing on rock, while others are entirely on snow and…
May - September
Varies
Outdoor Rock Climbing – Intensive Introduction
If you’re new to rock climbing or have only climbed indoors, stepping outside opens up a whole new world of adventure. Outdoor climbing introduces unique physical and mental challenges that…
Year-round
4 days
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-round
Varies
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques
…well-rounded alpinists need these aid climbing skills to add to their abilities in ice climbing, mountaineering, and rock climbing. There are many mountains throughout the world that have routes that…
Year-Round
4 days
Guided Rock Climbing in Moab & Indian Creek
…a face-climbing or a gym climbing background will be introduced to a whole new world of climbing. Those who are already familiar with crack climbing techniques will be able to…
September - April
1+ 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
Search Results (11)
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
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
Book Review — Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take You Higher
American Alpine Institute
April 21, 2008
Alaska Ski Mountaineering with the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
October 9, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/11/24
American Alpine Institute
December 11, 2024
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 11/21/24
American Alpine Institute
November 21, 2024