Footwear for Mountaineering and Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...didn’t need any special equipment or skill outside of the ability to walk, this is a non-technical route. A step… Read More
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Programs
Little Switzerland/Pika Glacier Expedition
…climbing. In addition to being an alpine rock playground, the Pika Glacier is also an excellent place for ski mountaineering. AAI has run a wide array of ski programs in…
April - July
12 Days
Winter Camping in the Cascades
This course equips skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers with the essential skills to confidently spend multiple nights in the winter backcountry. Whether you’re heading out on early winter mountaineering trips…
December - April
2 days
Climbing Seminars
The Mountain Center at the American Alpine Institute is proud to present two “ground-school” seminars. The Introduction to Crevasse Rescue program is a 4-hour overview of baseline glacier travel and…
November-April
4-hours Per Program
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques
…well-rounded alpinists need these aid climbing skills to add to their abilities in ice climbing, mountaineering, and rock climbing. There are many mountains throughout the world that have routes that…
Year-Round
4 days
Patagonia Icefield Expedition
The immense ice cap of southern Patagonia remains one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. Encompassing vast glaciers, hundreds of peaks, and some of the most spectacular…
September-March
8-days
Trek the Alps – The Haute Route for Hikers
…the journey from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland, you will pass through quaint mountain villages and trek over high mountain passes with jaw-dropping views including some of the highest mountains…
July - August
10 days
Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course
Every time we step into the backcountry we have an impact. We walk on terrain that may be changed by our method of travel. We build fires and go to…
Year-round
2 days
The Haute Route – Guided Hut Skiing in the Alps
…Route passes through the heart of Europe’s most beautiful range. This is the world’s most famous high mountain ski route, and in its course we enjoy numerous ski descents, traverses…
March-May
8 days
Bolivia – Illimani Expedition
…the acclimatization accomplished) in Bolivia – Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition. Nevado Illimani is the highest peak in the Cordillera Real, rising to 21,201 feet. It is a massive mountain with three…
May - September
22 days or 5 days without prep programs
Mount Waddington Expedition
…and ascend mixed terrain to be successful on this mountain. A successful ascent of Mount Waddington is the equivalent of a PhD in Alpinism. It is a remote and highly…
June - July
12 days
Nepal – Khumbu Trek & Island Peak
This climbing and trekking program explores several of the largest mountain valley systems in the Khumbu Himal and includes optional ascents of 20,306-foot Island Peak (Imja Tse). We also visit…
April - May; October - November
24 days
Professionalism for the Outdoor Educator
Many people jump through the hoops. They get a few certifications, they build their outdoor resume and then they try to make the transition. They try to transition from the…
Year-Round
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
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...aerobic, and muscular training. Wear a helmet! Climbing: Rock climb and do some ascents of peaks and routes appropriate for… Read More
American Alpine Institute Values and philosophy
American Alpine Institute
...becoming a college professor. He saw a clear gap in the outdoor industry: plenty of organizations were focused on getting… 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
Frequently Asked Questions about AAI’s Denali Expeditions The following questions and answers about the Denali West Buttress route and American… 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
...alpine rock routes at Washington Pass: the Becky Route on Liberty Bell (5.6) and the South Arete of South Early… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
...Route on Liberty Bell. Liberty Bell, Beckey Route – Rock, 1 day Long famous among the Northwest rock enthusiasts, the… Read More
Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...by Mountain Gear, an online retailer, and the American Alpine Institute. It started as a meetup of climbers, climbing athletes,… Read More
Glove Systems for Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...warmth is often sacrificed for the sake of increased dexterity. In short, if you plan to climb higher standard rock… 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