Fighting for Fitzroy
American Alpine Institute
...clad in all our layers, and I’d heard reports that tomorrow’s weather was going to make this look like a… Read More
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label/Mountain Comedy
Programs
AMGA Single-Pitch Instructor Course and Exam
Single Pitch Instructor Certification The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course is the first in the AMGA sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. The SPI…
Year-round
Course: 3 days. Exam: 2 days. Refresher: 1 day.
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in…
November - February
13 days
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
…debris and lava tubes. Mount Saint Helens is considered an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills while enjoying stunning…
March - September
Varies
Guided Ice Climbing in the Eastern Sierra
As the Summer fades and Fall’s crisp temperatures begin to turn cold, ice climbers around the nation begin to think about tall, shaded walls of hard water ice. With dozens…
January - March
1+ days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the French Alps/Chamonix
The French Alps in the area near Chamonix encompass the highest concentration of quality alpine routes in the world. There are classics here at every technical level, and at each…
April - September
Varies based on Objective
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
This program runs primarily on a private basis, and is somewhat conditions-dependent. The Eastern Sierra is famous for its golden granite, but it is equally famous for its steep and…
December - May
1+ days
Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades
Cascades winter terrain is a complex and highly variable environment where ephemeral conditions demand precision and experience. Formed by fluctuating temperatures and intricate mountain systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient…
December - March
1 day and up
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing – Mt Charleston, NV
Just over an hour from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip lies the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, home to the magnificent Mt. Charleston. Mt. Charleston boasts…
December - March
1 day
Ice Climbing – Introduction
Ice climbing is a vital part of any alpine climber’s quiver of skills. Over the last three decades, advancements in equipment and clothing have made the sport much more accessible…
January - March
2 days; 5 days
Avalanche Training – AIARE 1
This course is intended for people interested in backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or virtually any activity in the winter mountains. We will teach students what to look for…
December - March
2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days or 1 Lecture Day + 2 Field Days
Alpine Rock Climbing
…private program. Several similar group programs are offered in the Cascades that include glacier travel. Check out our 6-day Intermediate Mountaineering (Alpinism 2) program, or call our office for details….
May - September
6 or 12 days
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
…of the most easily identifiable mountains on the periphery of the ice. In Spanish, Gorra Blanca means “white hat,” which gives the impression that the mountain starts with vertical walls…
September - March
5-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
Decades of Stewardship: American Alpine Institute’s Commitment to Replacing Aging Bolts
American Alpine Institute
...of climbing stewardship. Unlike first ascents or new route development, rebolting rarely earns recognition. The work often involves long days… Read More
Footcare for Climbers: Stepping up to Happier Feet
American Alpine Institute
...possible): While hiking/climbing, make an effort to keep rain, snow, and stream splash out of your boots; you can protect… 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
As climbers, we are all quite familiar with photography. A camera rides shotgun on most climbing trips, whether it’s a… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...could only see a small part of the world famous Las Vegas Strip. But by the time we neared 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
Question: From the December 2005 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter On a technically oriented alpine climb involving a good amount of… Read More
Selecting a Rope for Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...some glaciated routes in the North Cascades. If I am planning to move together with my partners on the route… Read More
Simul-Climbing: Managing Danger from Falls
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the March 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter A Petzl Tibloc emergency ascender. I have read that using an… Read More
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 7/16/2026
American Alpine Institute
July 16, 2026