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/Conditions and News
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
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
Climbing Articles
American Alpine Institute
Writings on Various Topics by AAI Guides Over the years, AAI guides and staff have written many articles about climbing… Read More
Mount Waddington and British Columbia’s Coast Range
American Alpine Institute
...great mountaineering route. Harder Routes Mt. Waddington, South Face (Bravo Glacier Route) Technically, the aspect is southwest, not south. This… Read More
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
Feeling Nervous About an AAI Course? You’re Not Alone—and You’re Probably Ready
American Alpine Institute
...learners, not superheroes. While some programs require prior experience, many AAI courses are built specifically for people who are: New… Read More
Top Backcountry Skiing Routes and Objectives in the North Cascades
American Alpine Institute
...some new routes. The prime time for this kind of skiing is usually December through March. Shuksan Arm Lake Anne… 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
Diamox – The Wonder Drug?
American Alpine Institute
...tool that will help you to get up high. Another, and perhaps far more important tool, is to use good… Read More
Success in Sichuan: Second Ascent of Reddomaine
American Alpine Institute
...West Ridge. The AAI team succeeded in the second ascent via the same route on October 4, 2006. Following are… 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