Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
Frequently Asked Questions about AAI’s Denali Expeditions The following questions and answers about the Denali West Buttress route and American… Read More
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Programs
Bolivia – Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition
The Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition is a 10-day climbing program that includes skills instruction and review that is presented at both introductory and more advanced levels. The introductory level includes…
June - September
17 days or 10 days without acclimatization trek
Canyoning Washington: Skills and Descents
The American Alpine Institute’s Washington Canyoning: Skills and Descents program was designed for those who are interested in entry to intermediate level instructional guided descents in the Pacific Northwest. AAI…
June - October
2 Days
Events, Films and Speakers
The American Alpine Institute offers a wide array of events throughout the year. These include actual events, seminars, educational programming, volunteer opportunities, adopt-a-crag events, films, speakers, art and photography displays….
Year-Round
Varies
Guided Ice Climbing & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
…to adapt to weather and avalanche conditions to ensure the most effective and safest programs. With such diverse terrain, complex snowpack, and variable conditions, the Front Range of Colorado proves…
January – March
Varies
Mt. Vinson Expedition
Vinson Massif is Antarctica’s highest mountain, reaching 16,050 feet (4,892m) in the heart of the Ellsworth Mountains. Located 700 nautical miles from the South Pole, the mountain was first climbed…
November - January
16 days
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in…
November - February
13 days
Seven Summits Training Course
Denali from the Southwest. Alasdair Turner. The Seven Summits draw a special breed of climber. Since the publication of “Into Thin Air” in 1996, high-altitude climbing in general and the…
Year-Round
Varies
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
This program runs primarily on a private basis, and is somewhat conditions-dependent. The Eastern Sierra is famous for its golden granite, but it is equally famous for its steep and…
December - May
1+ days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 (AMTL 1) is the foundation of AAI’s renowned four-part Alpine Mountaineering & Technical Leadership progression. It is the ultimate introduction to the world…
May - September
12 days
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Train on the massive glaciers of Washington’s Mt. Baker, one of the premier glacier training grounds in the United States. This three-day program teaches essential glacier mountaineering skills, including front-pointing…
May - September
3 Days
Avalanche Training – AIARE 1
…how to judge avalanche conditions, where it’s more dangerous to travel versus where it is less dangerous, and being able to carry out a successful rescue if caught in an…
December - March
2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days or 1 Lecture Day + 2 Field Days
Avalanche Training – AIARE 2
AIARE Avalanche Level 2 is designed for experienced backcountry travelers who want to deepen their understanding of avalanche hazard management. Building on the decision-making framework taught in AIARE 1, this…
December - March
2 Online Evenings and 2 Field Days or 1 In-Person Classroom Day and 2 Field 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
...didn’t need any special equipment or skill outside of the ability to walk, this is a non-technical route. A step… 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
...is when a beginner wishes to learn new skills, and in that case, it’s important to choose a mellow, low-commitment… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...that there’s really no bad time, but there are definite differences in the prevailing weather and conditions throughout the summer… 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
...anyway that awareness of weather must be combined with solid navigation skills, knowledge of self-rescue, and well-founded decision-making abilities to… Read More
Mt. Baker, North Ridge
American Alpine Institute
Route Profile Location: North Cascades of Washington, Mt. Baker Wilderness Season: Nearly year round. May through September bring the best… 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
Question: From the July 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter My team and I are traveling to Rainier to climb the… 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