The Evolution of guide Training at the American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute Guide Training The American Alpine Institute (AAI) is widely regarded as one of the premier mountain schools… Read More
Search Results
label/Mountain Culture
Programs
Mt. Whitney Climb
Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states and the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada. Climbing Mt. Whitney lets you experience one of America’s most beautiful…
May - October
3-5 days
Reddomaine Expedition and Monastery Trek
…with both Chinese and Tibetan cultures, several days of acclimatization while trekking, and the opportunity to climb a spectacular 6100 meter peak. In addition to mountaineering, our experiences will include…
October
17 days
Guided Alpine Rock Climbing in the North Cascades
…the readily accessible glaciers of Mount Baker, or the rock cragging routes in Leavenworth and Index, to “tune up” their skills before tackling their high mountain goals. Any four to…
May - September
1 day and up
Mt. Baker Summit on Skis or Snowboard
…the ultimate upgrade to your mountain adventures. Our Mt. Baker Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Course combines the thrill of a summit climb with the unforgettable experience of riding 6,000–7,000 vertical…
April - June
3 days
AMGA Single-Pitch Instructor Course and Exam
Single Pitch Instructor Certification The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course is the first in the AMGA sequence of climbing instructor and guide training programs. The SPI…
Year-round
Course: 3 days. Exam: 2 days. Refresher: 1 day.
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in…
November - February
13 days
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
…debris and lava tubes. Mount Saint Helens is considered an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills while enjoying stunning…
March - September
Varies
Guided Ice Climbing in the Eastern Sierra
As the Summer fades and Fall’s crisp temperatures begin to turn cold, ice climbers around the nation begin to think about tall, shaded walls of hard water ice. With dozens…
January - March
1+ days
Guided Alpine Climbing in the French Alps/Chamonix
The French Alps in the area near Chamonix encompass the highest concentration of quality alpine routes in the world. There are classics here at every technical level, and at each…
April - September
Varies based on Objective
Sierra Alpine Ice Climbing
This program runs primarily on a private basis, and is somewhat conditions-dependent. The Eastern Sierra is famous for its golden granite, but it is equally famous for its steep and…
December - May
1+ days
Guided Ice Climbing and Winter Ascents in the Cascades
Cascades winter terrain is a complex and highly variable environment where ephemeral conditions demand precision and experience. Formed by fluctuating temperatures and intricate mountain systems, routes require advanced movement, efficient…
December - March
1 day and up
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing – Mt Charleston, NV
Just over an hour from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip lies the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, home to the magnificent Mt. Charleston. Mt. Charleston boasts…
December - March
1 day
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
Diamox – The Wonder Drug?
American Alpine Institute
...ascent from sea level. Examples of rapid ascents might include Mount Rainier or Mount Whitney in two days… Those who… Read More
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
Decades of Stewardship: American Alpine Institute’s Commitment to Replacing Aging Bolts
American Alpine Institute
...about developing skills, building community, and caring for the wild places where we climb. That philosophy has guided AAI’s approach… Read More
Footcare for Climbers: Stepping up to Happier Feet
American Alpine Institute
From the May 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Here at AAI, our guides cannot stress enough that, in the mountains,… 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
Red Rock Super-Classic: Epinephrine
American Alpine Institute
...on Community Pillar. The last difficult pitch of the climb was completely enclosed deep inside Magic Mountain. And at 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
...axes or just one technical axe and one long mountaineers axe? Can you self arrest just as well with an… Read More
Selecting a Rope for Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the March 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter I am looking at ropes for alpine glacier and couloir routes… Read More
