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
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
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 and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/12/2023
American Alpine Institute
October 12, 2023
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/24/22
American Alpine Institute
February 24, 2022
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/23/21
American Alpine Institute
September 23, 2021