Rock Climbing Grade Comparison Chart
American Alpine Institute
In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System. This is a rating system used primarily in North America… Read More
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label/Route Profiles
Programs
Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
…Peak. The most famous scrambling route in the park is undoubtedly Longs Peak’s Keyhole Route. Click the link to see more information about hiking Longs Peak. Please note that AAI…
Year-Round
2 days and up
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Alaska Range
…moderate to intermediate glacier climbs, as well as to climbers looking to advance their level of skill by trying to climb progressively more serious routes in a spectacular setting. Climber…
May - July
7-22 Days (Recommended minimum of 10 days due to potential weather.)
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra
Whether you want technical skills practice, a 14,000 foot summit, or a classic alpine route, the Eastern Sierra offers it all. By booking private guided climbing, our guides meet you…
Year-round
1+ Days
Longs Peak Hiking & Climbing
…Route, many others choose to join a guided ascent of the route in order to reduce the risks. American Alpine Institute offers a 2-day guided ascent of the route. While a…
Year-round
2 days
Guided Rock Climbing in Red Rock – Las Vegas, Nevada
…climbs, Red Rock boasts an unusually large number of very long, high-quality routes of moderate technical difficulty. Many fine climbs of grade III or IV in length lie in the…
September - April
Half-day and up
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
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Swiss Alps
…happy to discuss route selections and combinations with you. If you don’t already have routes in mind, we can help you design an itinerary of any length. You can join…
July - September
4 to 10 days
Guided Ice Climbing & Winter Ascents in Rocky Mountain National Park
…boasts some of the most dramatic terrain in the lower 48. Climbing routes such as Alexander’s Chimney (III, WI4 M4) or Kiener’s Route on Longs Peak (IV, 5.4 Mod. Snow)…
January – March
Varies
Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades
The classic alpine routes of the North Cascades offer tremendous variety and contrast. Some consist wholly of ridge and face climbing on rock, while others are entirely on snow and…
May - September
Varies
Aconcagua Expedition – Upper Guanacos Traverse
…expedition is required. The Upper Guanacos route enables you to climb up one route and descent the Route Normal, making a full traverse of the mountain by entering in the…
November - February
19 days
Guided Alpine Rock Climbing in the North Cascades
…variety and challenges they present on the way to the top; climbers must apply varied technical skills, excellent route finding, and good judgement. The technical resources and margin of safety…
May - September
1 day and up
Ecuador – Chimborazo Climb
Chimborazo stands out as not only the tallest mountain in Ecuador, but as the the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth. This is…
November - March, May - July
4 days
Program Activities
Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Search Results (51)
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
Search Results (34)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
Private & Custom Trips
Search Results (34)
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 (2)
Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Articles
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
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
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
Climbing Efficiently with Large Groups
American Alpine Institute
...four. However, the Underhill Route, like most other alpine rock routes, has lots of fourth class and low fifth class,… 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
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
...a bit and use the principles contained herein to guide your experiments. Gear needed (diagram and labels in photo… Read More
American Alpine Institute History
American Alpine Institute
...in 1980 and the company is one of the only companies to offer the Polish Direct Route on the mountain.… Read More
Rock Climbing with Kids
American Alpine Institute
...Gym Perhaps the best way to introduce a child to climbing is through a rock gym. There are often two… Read More
How Difficult is Climbing Denali’s West Buttress?
American Alpine Institute
...route, there are some sections of the route that require physical conditioning outside of walking on moderate slopes with heavy… Read More
Blog Posts
Route Profile: Cayenne Corners – A Forgotten Red Rock Classic!
American Alpine Institute
October 16, 2015