Roping up for Glacier Travel
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the July 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter My team and I are traveling to Rainier to climb the… Read More
Search Results
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
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
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
...guarantee your climbing will be fast and effective. Don’t forget to have fun in the process! Click the link to… 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
...hypothermia, meaning that a rescue needs to happen quickly, even if the climber is uninjured. Crevasse rescue is a mandatory… 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
...are linked to trip reports or route profiles. Some routes that we frequently guide are shown in bold and are… 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
Accessible Alpine Rock Classics in Rocky Mountain National Park
American Alpine Institute
April 3, 2020
Learning from Mistakes of Others: Causes of Climbing Accidents in Boulder, Colorado
American Alpine Institute
October 29, 2019