American Alpine Institute Values and philosophy
American Alpine Institute
...accept the serious responsibility of mountain partnerships, to understand mountain environments and the threats to them, and to develop preservationist… Read More
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label/Mountain Culture
Programs
Southeast Asia Rock Climbing and Exploration
This program allows you to completely immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, traditional culture, and adventurous side of Laos. Although this country is rapidly modernizing, the old lifestyles here are…
October - May
14 days or 21 days
Aconcagua Expedition – Upper Guanacos Traverse
…ascents such as Aconcagua’s 9,000-foot South Face. Today, we use our deep experience to offer less commonly climbed routes that avoid the heavy traffic seen on much of the mountain….
November - February
19 days
Ski Mountaineering
…and adapt to changing conditions. Avalanche awareness, snowpack evaluation, and rescue techniques are reviewed, making this a complete introduction to ski mountaineering in one of the Northwest’s most stunning settings….
March - May
6 Days
The Alps Trilogy – Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Eiger
Since the birth of mountaineering, these three peaks have captured climbers like no others: Mont Blanc (15,771 ft.), the highest point in Western Europe, because its ascent heralded the dawn…
June - September
11 days
Denali Expedition (Mt. McKinley) – Cassin Ridge
…high-latitude atmospheric conditions combine to create challenges potentially even more severe than those on 8,000 meter peaks. The Cassin Ridge has become one of the most sought-after big mountain alpine…
May-June
21 days
Backcountry Navigation Essentials
…an indiviudal can develop a deep level of confidence in their wilderness navigation skills. Backcountry and wilderness navigation are essential parts of every single trip into the mountains, whether on…
Year-Round
3-hour evening program
Technical Rope Rescue Level I – Operations
…fire departments, paramedics, and mountain rescue units with the skills to manage scenes, identify rescue requirements, and perform low- and high-angle evacuations. This program meets NFPA 1670 operations-level standards and…
Year Round
4 days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
…mountains while exploring the nuances of climbing in the winter environments. By blending the worlds of backcountry skiing and alpinism, year-round opportunities to explore the mountains start to become more…
January-March
6 days
LGBTQ+ Climbing and Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of Queer climbing and mountaineering programs, including LGBTQ+ rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. LGBTQ+ affinity courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-Round
Varies
Technical Rope Rescue Level II – Technician
…Rescue Comprehensive, a four-part, 14-day series. After Technician, participants can expand their abilities with Self-Rescue for Climbers and Advanced Mountain Rescue, or take any combination of courses individually. The full…
Year-round
5 days
China – Siguniang Trek
Niuxim Shan (Yak Heart Peak) shrouded in morning clouds. Andy Bourne. Siguniang, or Four Sisters Mountain, is the centerpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China’s Sichuan Province where…
September - October
9 days
Lamoshe Skills Expedition – Sichuan, China
…mountain requires moderate-to-advanced climbing ability and excellent fitness. After participants have reviewed glacier travel skills, alpine ice climbing, and high altitude mountaineering techniques, we will make the two-day summit attempt….
September - October
13 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
Footwear for Mountaineering and Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...very specific piece of gear designed. For most applications (approach, ice climbing, rock climbing, etc.) you will likely have a… Read More
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...get by with as little effort as is possible. That having been said, a Denali climb’s difficulty is hard to… Read More
Red Rock Rendezvous
American Alpine Institute
...with massive online platforms ultimately proved unsustainable. Mountain Gear sold equipment and apparel from leading brands including The North Face,… 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
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
...climbing objective in the late 1980’s. Pat Morrow, a Canadian mountaineer, became the first to climb all seven in 1985.… Read More
Denali FAQ
American Alpine Institute
...Our instructors also participate in yearly continuing education programs taught through AAI. Experience and guiding history will vary from guide… 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
...Mt. Baker and rock climbing course at Washington Pass in May, 2) a climb of Mt. Rainier at the beginning… Read More
North Cascades Climbing and Mountaineering Objectives: From Beginner Routes to Advanced Adventures
American Alpine Institute
...mostly crack climbing on super high-quality rock. Burgundy Spire, North Face: Grade II+, 5.8 – Rock, 2 days Enjoy spectacular… Read More
