Fighting for Fitzroy
American Alpine Institute
...the Indian name for Fitzroy. Likening the mountain’s constant cloud cover to smoke, the natives named it “Chalten” meaning “volcano”… Read More
Search Results
label/Mountain Comedy
Programs
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Search Results (55)
This is mountain climbing in its most classic form – over rock, snow, alpine ice, and glaciers, in pursuit of major summits.
Rock Climbing
Search Results (33)
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
Search Results (11)
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
Search Results (31)
Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
Search Results (22)
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training
Search Results (14)
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
Search Results (14)
Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
Wilderness Skills
Search Results (8)
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
Search Results (36)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips
Search Results (37)
Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Search Results (10)
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
Decades of Stewardship: American Alpine Institute’s Commitment to Replacing Aging Bolts
American Alpine Institute
...about developing skills, building community, and caring for the wild places where we climb. That philosophy has guided AAI’s approach… Read More
Footcare for Climbers: Stepping up to Happier Feet
American Alpine Institute
From the May 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Here at AAI, our guides cannot stress enough that, in the mountains,… Read More
Lightweight Winter Emergency Gear
American Alpine Institute
...in the Catskills and Adirondacks (mostly day hikes). Even in the winter, the trails are essentially non-technical, but often require… Read More
Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...someone who has no understanding of climbing trips. Photos of preparation, packing, and even training can be subjects that non-climbing… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...our perfect day in the mountains on a classic route like Epinephrine. Interested in climbing Epinephrine? Click the link to… 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
Ice Axes and Tools for Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...axes or just one technical axe and one long mountaineers axe? Can you self arrest just as well with an… Read More
Selecting a Rope for Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the March 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter I am looking at ropes for alpine glacier and couloir routes… Read More
Simul-Climbing: Managing Danger from Falls
American Alpine Institute
...limiters and allowing backwards movement, which would still keep the climbing team attached to the mountain in case of a… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/29/26
American Alpine Institute
October 29, 2026
A Short Introduction to Psychological Training for Mountaineering and Skiing
American Alpine Institute
January 20, 2014
Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/10/2026
American Alpine Institute
September 10, 2026