Roping up for Glacier Travel
American Alpine Institute
...luck with your climb. Having the two climbers tied in with figure 8’s with the excess coils around the chests… 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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4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
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
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
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5
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
Ice Axe Positions and Alpine Ice Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Alpine ice climbing is the art of moving over steep, frozen terrain high in the mountains. Unlike waterfall ice, which… Read More
Alpine Efficiency: Combining Speed and Safety
American Alpine Institute
...on long routes as well, such as making it to the burger and beer joint before closing time! Mike Powers,… Read More
Selecting Equipment for Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...rated only as aid climbing protection and not for falls), so you should decide what length of screws to bring… Read More
Crevasse Rescue – Introduction
American Alpine Institute
Climbs on large and complex glaciers always entail a risk of crevasse falls. Unlike a fall in rock climbing, where… Read More
Backcountry Meal Planning Guide
American Alpine Institute
...food per person per day. For alpine climbing or summit pushes, daily intake often trends toward the higher end of… Read More
Climbing Class and Commitment Grade
American Alpine Institute
In the mountains, numbers can feel deceptively simple. A climb is labeled “Class 3” or “Grade III,” and suddenly people… Read More
“Ask a Guide” Letters
American Alpine Institute
...Director of the AMGA. Letters Ice Screw Placement on Multi-Pitch Climbs Climbing Efficiently with Large Groups Cordellettes vs. Slings Speaking… Read More
50 Classic Climbs
American Alpine Institute
...routes and areas are available to AAI through our existing permits with land managers. Routes that were in the original… 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
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 4/2/26
American Alpine Institute
April 2, 2026
