Fighting for Fitzroy
American Alpine Institute
...the Indian name for Fitzroy. Likening the mountain’s constant cloud cover to smoke, the natives named it “Chalten” meaning “volcano”… 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
1
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4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
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
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
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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
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
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
...Ira Orenstein (New Rochelle, NY) Answer: Hello Ira, I appreciate the need to carry items for safety yet still travel… Read More
Picture Savvy: Improving Your Climbing Photography
American Alpine Institute
...someone who has no understanding of climbing trips. Photos of preparation, packing, and even training can be subjects that non-climbing… Read More
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...our perfect day in the mountains on a classic route like Epinephrine. Interested in climbing Epinephrine? Click the link to… 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 – 2/27/25
American Alpine Institute
February 27, 2025
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 9/18/2025
American Alpine Institute
September 18, 2025
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/30/2025
American Alpine Institute
October 30, 2025
Climbing, Skiing and outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 1/8/2026
American Alpine Institute
January 8, 2026
Climbing, Skiing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 1/15/26
American Alpine Institute
January 15, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 1/22/26
American Alpine Institute
January 22, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Outdoor and Rescue News from Here and Abroad – 3/11/2026
American Alpine Institute
March 12, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 3/26/2026
American Alpine Institute
March 26, 2026
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 7/9/2026
American Alpine Institute
July 9, 2026