Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...very active mountaineer who helped organize the first all-woman ascent of Denali in 1970. Her book, Annapurna: A Woman’s Place,… Read More
Search Results
label/Mountain Comedy
Programs
Mountaineering Instructor Professional Training Program
…mountain guide training: a respectable list of climbs that they have completed, professional avalanche training, an American Mountain Guides Association certification, two rescue certifications, a Leave No Trace certification, and…
Year-round
Varies
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Government, Military, & Veterans
Technical
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5
Physical
1
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5
Military and Government Mountain Training
…assessment. Glaciers and steep snow and ice blanket many of the world’s mountains. Movement over such terrain requires a well-rounded understanding of mountaineering technique. Mountaineering skills taught include the use…
Year-Round
1-24 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – West Buttress
…steep snow. These skills are covered exhaustively in AAI’s Denali Prep Course, as well as in Alpinism 1: Introduction to Mountaineering, Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part I and in…
May - June
21 days
Advanced Mountain Rescue
…the Advanced Mountain Rescue program takes the skills learned in the Operations, Technician, and Self-Rescue courses and builds on them with high-end mountain rescue skills. Taking all four parts together…
April - December
5 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 4
…Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Progression. This series of programs introduces a new set of skills, including avalanche hazard evaluation, winter mountaineering skills, winter camping methods, route planning for ski objectives,…
April - September
12 days
Mt. Everest Expedition – South Col
Descending high on Everest after a succesful summit. AAI Collection. Mount Everest is still the ultimate mountaineering adventure. As the highest mountain in the world, Everest has immense appeal and…
April - June
8-9 weeks
Rigging for Film, Television and Photography
…to minimize the risk to your team. The American Alpine Institute is able to supply mountain rigging for television and film at any rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing or mountaineering…
Year-Round
Varies
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-round
Varies
Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive
When accidents happen in the mountains, knowing how to respond efficiently and safely can make all the difference. Imagine a lead climber taking a fall several pitches up, or an…
Year-round
15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
Type
Instructional Courses, Private & Custom Trips, Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
1
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5
Physical
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5
Mountain Programs for Youth Organizations
…person will find more exhilarating than making their first rappel, skiing their first backcountry run, or swinging their first ice tool. Children and youth find mountain adventures to be challenging,…
Year-Round
Varies
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
…and the park’s many thirteeners. See the Pricing & Details tab for more information on our Rocky Mountain NP offerings. Alpine Rock Climbing: Rocky Mountain National Park is a prime location for this 6 or…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Alaska Range Mountaineering
…a strong foundation of snow and ice climbing skills Expedition style course prepares climbers for mountains such as Denali, Vinson Massif, or Aconcagua Opportunity to climb multiple peaks in the…
April - June
11 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
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
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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
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
Winter Mountaineering Gear: Snow Cave or Tent?
American Alpine Institute
Question: I am wondering about snow caves verses a good four-season tent; is one a better shelter than the other?… Read More
Success in Sichuan: Second Ascent of Reddomaine
American Alpine Institute
...West Ridge. The AAI team succeeded in the second ascent via the same route on October 4, 2006. Following are… Read More
What’s the Best Month to Climb in the Cascades?
American Alpine Institute
...factor, and we recommend that you book early to accommodate your schedule. The core curricula of the longer instructional courses… Read More
Mountain Preparedness: What Goes in a Guide’s Pack
American Alpine Institute
...alpine ice climbing in the North Cascades of Washington. His trip was to include some glacier travel, camping on snow,… Read More
Using Your Camera in the Mountains
American Alpine Institute
Alasdair Turner As a guide who always carries a camera, I am often asked about cameras on climbing trips and… Read More
American Alpine Institute History
American Alpine Institute
...of Merit and gifted the medal to Dunham in gratitude. Growth and Change Alan Kearney, another influential guide, joined AAI… Read More
Ecuador Volcanoes – A Climbing Trip Report
American Alpine Institute
The Cayambe hut with the Hermosa glacier pouring in slow motion down the mountain’s West Face. Editor’s note: Climbing in… Read More
Ski Mountaineering: Whippet or Ice Axe?
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the January 2007 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter I am looking to get out in backcountry skiing more, and… Read More
Climbing Articles
American Alpine Institute
...ice, alpine, and ski mountaineering, both here in the Cascades and further afield. Below is a selection of articles. Be… 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