Roping up for Glacier Travel
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the July 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter My team and I are traveling to Rainier to climb the… Read More
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label/Mountain Culture
Programs
Peru – Cuzco Tour: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Urubamba
…area of Peru around Cuzco is among the most beautiful mountain areas of the world. It is an area buttressed by two large mountain ranges with summits rising above 20,000…
May - August
3 days
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
Bugaboos Trad Leadership & Multi-Pitch Efficiency
…toward true self-sufficiency in complex mountain terrain. With guidance from American Alpine Institute instructors—educators known for blending deep technical expertise with a culture of mentorship—students build durable skills that translate…
July - August
10 days
Community Re-Bolting Projects
…stronger culture of stewardship within the climbing community. AAI’s guides and instructors contribute technical expertise while volunteers provide the time, energy, and local knowledge needed to make projects successful. Together,…
Year-Round
One Day or More
Tanzania Safari
…of the most distinctive landscapes, wildlife, and cultures in East Africa. The world “safari” translates literally as “journey” in Swahili, Tanzania’s national language. Join us for anywhere between 3 and…
June - February
3-6 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
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
Ice Axe Positions and Alpine Ice Climbing
American Alpine Institute
Alpine ice climbing is the art of moving over steep, frozen terrain high in the mountains. Unlike waterfall ice, which… Read More
Alpine Efficiency: Combining Speed and Safety
American Alpine Institute
...guarantee your climbing will be fast and effective. Don’t forget to have fun in the process! Click the link to… Read More
Selecting Equipment for Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...rated only as aid climbing protection and not for falls), so you should decide what length of screws to bring… Read More
Crevasse Rescue – Introduction
American Alpine Institute
...hypothermia, meaning that a rescue needs to happen quickly, even if the climber is uninjured. Crevasse rescue is a mandatory… Read More
Backcountry Meal Planning Guide
American Alpine Institute
...food per person per day. For alpine climbing or summit pushes, daily intake often trends toward the higher end of… Read More
Climbing Class and Commitment Grade
American Alpine Institute
In the mountains, numbers can feel deceptively simple. A climb is labeled “Class 3” or “Grade III,” and suddenly people… Read More
LGBTQ Travel to American Alpine Institute Program areas
American Alpine Institute
...exposure is a distinct factor in Tanzania. Careful preparation, situational awareness, and conservative public behavior are essential for minimizing risk… 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
“Ask a Guide” Letters
American Alpine Institute
...Director of the AMGA. Letters Ice Screw Placement on Multi-Pitch Climbs Climbing Efficiently with Large Groups Cordellettes vs. Slings Speaking… Read More
