Footwear for Mountaineering and Climbing
American Alpine Institute
AAI Instructor and Guide Comprehending, let alone attempting to summarize and explain, all of the various approaches to selecting… 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
1
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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
1
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5
Physical
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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
Search Results (3)
Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...aerobic, and muscular training. Wear a helmet! Climbing: Rock climb and do some ascents of peaks and routes appropriate for… Read More
American Alpine Institute Values and philosophy
American Alpine Institute
Founding and Leadership The American Alpine Institute has been focused on mountain education from the very beginning. When Dunham Gooding… Read More
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...Mountain Weather Mountain Weather by Jeff Renner Practical Mountain Weather: A Guide for Hikers, Climbers and Skiers by John Papineau… Read More
Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
Frequently Asked Questions about AAI’s Denali Expeditions The following questions and answers about the Denali West Buttress route and American… Read More
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
Father and Son in the Alps: Climbing the Alps Trilogy
American Alpine Institute
AAI Program Coordinator It began with a promise. John Elley, a 54-year-old entrepreneur and resident of Camano Island, WA,… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
...Ruth Mountain, Ruth Glacier – Glacier travel, 2 days Ruth is a gentle mountain amidst some of the most rugged… Read More
Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...and educational as you can imagine. What was Mountain Gear? Mountain Gear was a privately held outdoor equipment and apparel… Read More
Glove Systems for Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...warmth is often sacrificed for the sake of increased dexterity. In short, if you plan to climb higher standard rock… Read More
Blog Posts
Book Review: ‘The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains’ by Barry Blanchard
American Alpine Institute
December 5, 2014
Climbing, Skiing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/18/25
American Alpine Institute
December 18, 2025
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 5/28/26
American Alpine Institute
May 28, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/3/26
American Alpine Institute
September 3, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/17/2026
American Alpine Institute
September 17, 2026