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
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification Course
…and nowcasts based on available information Making operational decisions based upon avalanche hazard analysis Recognizing trends and patterns in stability Efficient & accurate route-finding and group management in complex terrain…
Winter
1 evening + 6 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 3
…routes in the North Cascades, Alaska, and beyond. In AMTL 3, the program is built upon three modules within the 12-day program: aid and big-wall climbing skills; multi-pitch efficiency; and…
May - September
12 days
Alpinism 2 – Intermediate Mountaineering
…systems and single-pitch rock techniques, you’ll move on to multi-pitch alpine rock, complex glacier routes, and the challenges of decision-making in real mountain environments. Each day builds toward greater independence…
May - September
6 days
Alpine Rock Climbing
…advanced level routes. AAI also offers private climbing in the Sierra Nevada – click the link to see a sampling of routes and areas. Squamish, British Columbia, is just a…
May - September
6 or 12 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1
…travel in glaciated mountains. From self-arrest to rope team travel, crevasse rescue to route finding, this course is built to take new climbers and turn them into competent, thoughtful partners…
May - September
12 days
Guided Rock Climbing in Moab & Indian Creek
Nestled between Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Deadhorse Point State Park, high on the Colorado Plateau, the tiny hamlet of Moab is considered by many to be the…
September - April
1+ days
Ptarmigan Traverse
…forging an unparalleled route along the crest of the Cascade mountains. Considered by many to be the most scenic and varied alpine traverse in the country, this route was built…
July - August
7 days
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques
…climbers with the ability to get up routes that are too hard to free climb. Most people become aware of aid climbing through the lens of big wall climbing. Big…
Year-Round
4 days
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 2
…rappelling, and the strategies required for long, complex routes. The second section of the program transitions to multi-pitch alpine ice. Here, you’ll practice precise tool and crampon techniques, efficient protection…
May - September
12 days
Bolivia – Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition
…intermediate techniques and helps experienced climbers further advance their route finding, hazard evaluation, and technical climbing skills. Note: Both the introductory and advanced sections occur at the same time from…
June - September
17 days or 10 days without acclimatization trek
California Fourteeners Climbs
…the range, the U-Notch Couloir. The west side of the peak can also be climbed via fun 4th class scrambling on the LeConte Route. Tricky route finding turns some parties…
Year-round
1+ Days
Trek the Alps – The Haute Route for Hikers
The Alps have long been known as one of the most picturesque mountain playgrounds in the world. This summer Haute Route, or “high route,” provides just the right combination of…
July - August
10 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
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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
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
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/31/15
American Alpine Institute
December 31, 2015
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 10/15/15
American Alpine Institute
October 15, 2015
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 7/23/26
American Alpine Institute
July 23, 2026
AMTL Part 3: Big Wall Climbing and Climbing in the Picket Range
American Alpine Institute
July 18, 2014