Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...AAI Climbing Blog features several other posts that highlight women in climbing, including awe-inspiring rock climbing videos (2013), a discussion… Read More
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label/Mountain Comedy
Programs
Events, Films and Speakers
…Unless otherwise stated, these events take place at our Mountain Center. Mountain Center 4041 Home Rd, Suite A, Bellingham, WA 98229 Events November 1st, 2026 – Mountain Festival and Gear…
Year-Round
Varies
Passport to Denali
Many climbers who attempt Denali (Mount McKinley) possess the basic skills needed to reach the summit—provided everything goes exactly as planned. But Denali is a mountain where conditions rarely cooperate….
Year-Round
Varies by program
Glacier Peak Climb and Skills Clinic
…in glacier travel, rope team skills, crevasse rescue, and backcountry mountaineering. Designed for competent backpackers ready to step into glacier mountaineering, this program emphasizes learning essential skills while ascending the…
June - July
6 days
Denali Prep Course
Descending the West Buttress on Denali. AAI Collection. Denali is high, cold and physically demanding. The mountain is home to some of the most severe weather and climbing conditions on…
January - March
6 days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades
…Mount Baker, or the rock cragging routes in Leavenworth and Index, to “tune up” their skills before tackling their high mountain goals. Any four to six-day (or longer) itinerary can…
May - September
Varies
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
…explore deep into the backcountry, whether on foot or on skis. Backcountry and wilderness navigation are essential parts of every single trip into the mountains, whether on foot, snowshoes, skis,…
Year-Round
1-Day
Kilimanjaro Expedition
…unrivaled 95% summit success rate. Don’t just dream of the summit—attain it with the most trusted name in mountaineering and turn Africa’s highest peak into your greatest triumph. On the…
June - February
10 Days, Climb only; 13 Days, Climb and Safari
Saint Elias Range Skills Expedition
Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America’s largest and most rugged national park, containing one of the world’s least visited expanse of mountain terrain. Bordering Canada’s Yukon, this vast area…
May - June
Varies
Guided Ice Climbing & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), straddling the Continental Divide, encompasses hundreds of winter climbs and thousands of skiable acres for any ability level. The high elevation and cold temperatures of…
January – March
Varies
Ecuador – Antisana and Illiniza
…and who now want to further develop their route finding abilities, climbing skills, and mountain judgment. This expedition is scheduled so that you can immediately follow it with a five-day…
October - February
10 days, or 14 with Chimborazo extension
Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp
…adults, LOT offers the same world-class curriculum we use in our adult climbing and mountaineering programs. Students train in rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, glacier travel, ice climbing, and backcountry adventure…
July
6 or 13-Days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra
…While days like these are excellent as standalone instruction, many climbers return to the Sierra each year to tune up their skills before tackling high mountain goals and complicated ascents….
Year-round
1+ 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
...gear AAI guides have found to be the best in each category after undergoing extensive testing. That being said, the… Read More
Success in Sichuan: Second Ascent of Reddomaine
American Alpine Institute
...first step in our acclimatization schedule. Kangding is a border town where Tibetan and Chinese culture overlap. It is not… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...that there’s really no bad time, but there are definite differences in the prevailing weather and conditions throughout the summer… Read More
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
...alpine ice climbing in the North Cascades of Washington. His trip was to include some glacier travel, camping on snow,… 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
...in 1980 and the company is one of the only companies to offer the Polish Direct Route on the mountain.… 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
...backcountry ski tour, or if it’s winter and I know the snow will be deep, I won’t bring an ice… Read More
Climbing Articles
American Alpine Institute
Writings on Various Topics by AAI Guides Over the years, AAI guides and staff have written many articles about climbing… Read More
Blog Posts
Alaska Ski Mountaineering with the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
October 9, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/15/15
American Alpine Institute
October 15, 2015
Trail Openings in Rocky Mountain National Park – Rocky Mountain National Park News Release
American Alpine Institute
July 2, 2021
Preparation and Physical Expectations for Big Mountain Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
October 18, 2025