Footwear for Mountaineering and Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...very specific piece of gear designed. For most applications (approach, ice climbing, rock climbing, etc.) you will likely have a… 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
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...get by with as little effort as is possible. That having been said, a Denali climb’s difficulty is hard to… Read More
American Alpine Institute Values and philosophy
American Alpine Institute
...accept the serious responsibility of mountain partnerships, to understand mountain environments and the threats to them, and to develop preservationist… Read More
Mountain Weather: When to Go for the Summit
American Alpine Institute
...anyway that awareness of weather must be combined with solid navigation skills, knowledge of self-rescue, and well-founded decision-making abilities to… Read More
Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
...Our instructors also participate in yearly continuing education programs taught through AAI. Experience and guiding history will vary from guide… 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
...Mt. Baker and rock climbing course at Washington Pass in May, 2) a climb of Mt. Rainier at the beginning… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
...mostly crack climbing on super high-quality rock. Burgundy Spire, North Face: Grade II+, 5.8 – Rock, 2 days Enjoy spectacular… Read More
Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...with massive online platforms ultimately proved unsustainable. Mountain Gear sold equipment and apparel from leading brands including The North Face,… Read More
Glove Systems for Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...will work well, estimate the temperatures and conditions (readpotential for getting wet) that may be encountered on your trip. It’s… 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