Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
...the mountain. The other main difference between our climbs and others is our educational and teaching emphasis. We were founded… Read More
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label/Conditions and News
Programs
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
…first achieve intermediate goals to fully prepare. Climbs on Denali involve many factors that we cannot control. These include emperature, wind, snowfall, and changeable climbing conditions. The key to success…
May - June
21 days
The Alps Trilogy – Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger
…them is as diverse as the peaks themselves. On Mont Blanc the primary challenge is high altitude glacier climbing, where weather, snow and ice conditions, acclimatization, and personal fitness all…
June - September
11 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
…high-latitude atmospheric conditions combine to create challenges potentially even more severe than those on 8,000 meter peaks. The Cassin Ridge has become one of the most sought-after big mountain alpine…
May-June
21 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. Mckinley) – West Rib
A climber pauses during the physical ascent of the West Rib. AAI Collection. Denali’s West Rib route is a step up in difficulty from the West Buttress, the route normally…
May-June
21 days
Winter Mountaineering Course
Winter mountaineering encompasses one of the most aesthetic and rewarding facets of the sport of climbing. Winter mountaineering has as much to do with mental challenge as it does with…
January - April
5 days
Ptarmigan Traverse
…and glacier travel, and depending on which peaks grab your interest you will also need experience with rock climbing. ATTENTION! – Route and Conditions Update – Summer 2026 The winter…
July - August
7 days
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in…
November - March, May - July
10 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.)
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Few experiences compare to standing on the summit of a glaciated peak, and Mount Baker is one of the most accessible big mountains in North America. In just 3 or…
May - September
3 or 4 days
Alaska Range Mountaineering
AAI Guide Hali Scroggins high on Radio Control Tower in the Alaska Range. Kevin McGarity. This action packed ten-day program, provides a complete training in the foundational skills of alpine…
April - June
11 days
Alpine Ice Climbing – Introduction
Our Alpine Ice program is designed for climbers who are ready to push beyond the basics and step into the vertical world of steep alpine ice. Over the course of…
May - July
6 Days
Alpinism 1 – Introduction to Mountaineering
Alpinism 1 is our most popular entry-level mountaineering course, designed for anyone ready to step into glaciated peaks and alpine environments. Whether you’re dreaming of climbing Mount Baker, aiming for…
May - September
6 days
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
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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
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Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
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
Glove Systems for Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...warmth is often sacrificed for the sake of increased dexterity. In short, if you plan to climb higher standard rock… 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
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...when to join us for a climb or program. Early Season (late April – mid/late May): The Big Mountain Experience… 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
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...Mountain Weather Mountain Weather by Jeff Renner Practical Mountain Weather: A Guide for Hikers, Climbers and Skiers by John Papineau… Read More
Mt. Baker, North Ridge
American Alpine Institute
...more information on climbing this amazing route! Guide Coley Gentzel’s North Ridge Story Former AAI Program Coordinator and Guide… 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
Roping up for Glacier Travel
American Alpine Institute
...luck with your climb. Having the two climbers tied in with figure 8’s with the excess coils around the chests… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/31/15
American Alpine Institute
December 31, 2015
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – October 8, 2021
American Alpine Institute
October 7, 2021
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/15/15
American Alpine Institute
October 15, 2015