Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
Pioneers in Mountaineering, Climbing, and Adventure “Mountain climbing is the greatest sport in the world…There is no better fun than… Read More
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label/Mountain Comedy
Programs
Mountaineering Instructor Professional Training Program
…mountain guide training: a respectable list of climbs that they have completed, professional avalanche training, an American Mountain Guides Association certification, two rescue certifications, a Leave No Trace certification, and…
Year-round
Varies
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
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5
Physical
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5
Military and Government Mountain Training
…assessment. Glaciers and steep snow and ice blanket many of the world’s mountains. Movement over such terrain requires a well-rounded understanding of mountaineering technique. Mountaineering skills taught include the use…
Year-Round
1-24 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
…steep snow. These skills are covered exhaustively in AAI’s Denali Prep Course, as well as in Alpinism 1: Introduction to Mountaineering, Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part I and in…
May - June
21 days
Advanced Mountain Rescue
…the Advanced Mountain Rescue program takes the skills learned in the Operations, Technician, and Self-Rescue courses and builds on them with high-end mountain rescue skills. Taking all four parts together…
April - December
5 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
…Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Progression. This series of programs introduces a new set of skills, including avalanche hazard evaluation, winter mountaineering skills, winter camping methods, route planning for ski objectives,…
April - September
12 days
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
Rigging for Film, Television and Photography
…to minimize the risk to your team. The American Alpine Institute is able to supply mountain rigging for television and film at any rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing or mountaineering…
Year-Round
Varies
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-round
Varies
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
When accidents happen in the mountains, knowing how to respond efficiently and safely can make all the difference. Imagine a lead climber taking a fall several pitches up, or an…
Year-round
15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
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5
Physical
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Mountain Programs for Youth Organizations
…person will find more exhilarating than making their first rappel, skiing their first backcountry run, or swinging their first ice tool. Children and youth find mountain adventures to be challenging,…
Year-Round
Varies
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
…and the park’s many thirteeners. See the Pricing & Details tab for more information on our Rocky Mountain NP offerings. Alpine Rock Climbing: Rocky Mountain National Park is a prime location for this 6 or…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Alaska Range Mountaineering
…a strong foundation of snow and ice climbing skills Expedition style course prepares climbers for mountains such as Denali, Vinson Massif, or Aconcagua Opportunity to climb multiple peaks in the…
April - June
11 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
Winter Mountaineering Gear: Snow Cave or Tent?
American Alpine Institute
...you took me into a gear store and I needed the following three items to survive and enjoy a high… 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
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
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
Article by John Scripps, AAI Assistant Registrar, with quotes from Seth Hobby, AAI Instructor and Guide From the September 2006… Read More
Using Your Camera in the Mountains
American Alpine Institute
...already available on the internet, but much of it does not apply to taking cameras up mountains where conditions are… 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
Ecuador Volcanoes – A Climbing Trip Report
American Alpine Institute
The Cayambe hut with the Hermosa glacier pouring in slow motion down the mountain’s West Face. Editor’s note: Climbing in… Read More
Ski Mountaineering: Whippet or Ice Axe?
American Alpine Institute
...climbing a big mountain – ski mountaineering for a ski descent – I’ll usually have an ice axe with me… Read More
Climbing Articles
American Alpine Institute
...ice, alpine, and ski mountaineering, both here in the Cascades and further afield. Below is a selection of articles. Be… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 7/16/2026
American Alpine Institute
July 16, 2026