What’s the Best AT Backcountry Ski Setup?
American Alpine Institute
...willing to give up some of my equipment’s downhill performance because I can attempt to compensate with technique. If I… Read More
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label/Conditions and News
Programs
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
…team to adjust the curriculum to make the most of the weather and conditions during their program. That being said, most sessions will start with the aid and big-wall portion,…
May - September
12 days
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification Course
This course follows the curriculum from the American Avalanche Institute, which is one of only 6 organizations in the US that have been vetted and approved by the American Avalanche…
December
1 evening + 5 days in-person training + online lessons prior to meeting
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
AAI’s Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive course was designed for those who would like to become experts in wilderness and/or backcountry navigation. This is an excellent program for those who wish to…
Year-Round
1-Day
Ecuador – Chimborazo Climb
Chimborazo stands out as not only the tallest mountain in Ecuador, but as the the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth. This is…
November - March, May - July
4 days
Guided Alpine Climbing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Descending onto the Bonar Glacier, Mt. Aspiring. Guy Cotter. Though just over 3000 meters (9840 feet) in height, the Southern Alps of New Zealand are similar in ruggedness and valley-to-summit…
October - February
Varies
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland is one of those places alpinists dream about–equally because of its place in the history of the sport and the nearly endless climbing possibilities that exist throughout the country….
July - September
4 to 10 days
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Ascend the “Roof of Africa” with the American Alpine Institute, where world-class expertise meets the ultimate high-altitude challenge. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro stands as the crown jewel of the Seven…
June - February
10 Days, Climb only; 13 Days, Climb and Safari
Mt. Everest Expedition – South Col
Descending high on Everest after a succesful summit. AAI Collection. Mount Everest is still the ultimate mountaineering adventure. As the highest mountain in the world, Everest has immense appeal and…
April - June
8-9 weeks
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
Climbing Mount St. Helens is a very unique opportunity considering its historical 1980 eruption. The flanks of this Southern Cascade Volcano offer fantastic beginner level ascents while climbing past volcanic…
March - September
Varies
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
Gorra Blanca (9,514 ft / 2900 m) sits on the border between Argentina and Chile and marks one of the gateways to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is one…
September - March
5-Days
Patagonia Icefield Expedition
The immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. Encompassing vast glaciers, hundreds of peaks, and some of the most spectacular…
September-March
8-days
Rigging for Film, Television and Photography
Mountain environments are perhaps one of the most difficult and dangerous places that a production team can possibly work in. There is constant risk associated with this type of work….
Year-Round
Varies
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
Former AAI Program Coordinator and Guide If you have made it as far as researching guided climbs of Denali… 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
The American Alpine Institute has been guiding Denali since 1980. We have an extremely high success rate, as well as… 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
An AAI Team Makes the Second Ascent of China’s 20,050-foot Reddomaine By Aidan Loehr AAI Instructor and Guide Mountain… 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