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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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
...shots later in your presentation. Don’t stop shooting after reaching the summit. Many good mountaineering photos are made while going… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...on Community Pillar. The last difficult pitch of the climb was completely enclosed deep inside Magic Mountain. And at the… 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