Stewardship and the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
Overview The American Alpine Institute has a long-standing commitment to advocacy and action in support of outdoor recreation, mountain education,… Read More
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label/Land Management Advocacy
Programs
Mt. Rainier – Kautz Glacier Climb
Mount Rainier is home to some of the most iconic glacier climbs in the United States, and the Kautz Glacier Route is one of the most rewarding ways to reach…
July
4 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
…the South Col route is 11,000 feet; from our landing spot on the Kahiltna Glacier, Denali’s summit rises another 13,000 feet. Though lower in total altitude, the sub-arctic cold and…
May-June
21 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 3 (AMTL 3) from the American Alpine Institute is a key step in our four-part mountaineering course progression. This advanced alpine climbing program builds…
May - September
12 days
Avalanche Training – AIARE 1
This course is intended for people interested in backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or virtually any activity in the winter mountains. We will teach students what to look for…
December - March
2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days or 1 Lecture Day + 2 Field Days
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
…just staying found. They have a deep well of tools and techniques that they can draw upon to manage navigation, route-finding, and time management. This is a great course add-on…
Year-Round
1-Day
Backcountry Ski Course with Avalanche Training
…From there, AIARE 1 introduces avalanche hazard evaluation and terrain management, while AIARE Rescue provides the framework for effective partner rescue. This is the most comprehensive way to build the…
December - March
Varies
Introduction to Splitboard Snowboarding
…uphill travel techniques, transitions, and terrain management. You’ll learn how a splitboard works, how to use climbing skins, and how to move efficiently through backcountry terrain with a group. With…
December - April
2 days
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mount Shuksan is widely considered one of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, and for good reason. This iconic North Cascades peak has dramatic steep faces, sparkling hanging glaciers, lush…
May - September
3 or 4 days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
…management, and real-world decision-making during multi-day winter objectives. By the end of Part II, students are prepared for bigger winter goals and well positioned to advance into formal avalanche leadership…
January-March
6 days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part III
Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making This 12-day program helps advanced skiers and splitboarders refine their technical skills, deepen their avalanche judgement, and confidently plan and execute multi-day objectives in…
Mid-February - April
12 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
Mt. Whitney Climb
Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states and the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada. Climbing Mt. Whitney lets you experience one of America’s most beautiful…
May - October
3-5 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
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
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
American Alpine Institute History
American Alpine Institute
...Alaska Range technical route on Mt. Hunter in 1981. AAI and the American Mountain Guides Association AAI has also played… 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
Belay Station Management and Efficient Transitions
American Alpine Institute
...build an anchor, using a cordelette, with both a shelf and a power point. Clip yourself (the leader) into the… Read More
LGBTQ Travel to American Alpine Institute Program areas
American Alpine Institute
...exposure is a distinct factor in Tanzania. Careful preparation, situational awareness, and conservative public behavior are essential for minimizing risk… Read More
Building Your Wilderness First Aid Kit
American Alpine Institute
Whether you are traveling alone, taking part in an expedition or climbing course, or responding as a member of a… Read More
50 Classic Climbs
American Alpine Institute
Fifty Classic Climbs of North America – with American Alpine Institute What makes something a “classic”? Who gets to say,… Read More
Rock Climbing Grade Comparison Chart
American Alpine Institute
In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System. This is a rating system used primarily in North America… Read More
