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 1 Certification Course
This course follows the curriculum from the American Avalanche Institute, which is one of only 6 organizations in the US that have been vetted and approved by the American Avalanche…
December
1 evening + 5 days in-person training + online lessons prior to meeting
Peru – Chopicalqui Expedition
Chopicalqui (6,354 m / 20,846 ft) is a stunning peak in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. It offers a compelling mix of adventure, alpine beauty, and personal achievement. This iconic…
May - August
20 days
The Palisade Traverse
…is rated 5.9, an assist from the guide or a point of aid at the crux can make the route easier. Because we typically open bivy high on the route,…
May - September
5 days
Outdoor Rock Climbing – Intensive Introduction
…than just pulling on holds. Unlike gym routes marked with tape, outdoor climbs require you to read the rock, identify holds like underclings and cracks, and find your own way…
Year-round
4 days
Ecuador – Cotopaxi Skills Expedition
We do it all on this trip: Learn or refresh mountaineering skills with local expert instructors, climb Cayambe and Cotopaxi, immerse yourself in a rich culture, take rest days in…
November - March, May - July
10 days
Guided Alpine Rock Climbing in the Bugaboos, BC
Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park encompasses scores of beautiful spires, all providing classic alpine routes on sweeping faces and elegantly defined ridges of high quality granite. The spires rise from the…
July - September
7 Days (plus 2 driving days)
Alaska Range Mountaineering
…and expedition climbing. While developing a wide range of climbing skills, you will also learn glacier travel and crevasse rescue procedures, as well as techniques for route finding and hazard…
April - June
11 days
Guided Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado
…Rockies. Surrounded on three sides by 13,000 foot snowcapped peaks, Ouray’s Ice Park is located in the Uncompagre Gorge, which holds more than 200 ice and mixed climbing routes of…
December - March
1+ days
Winter Mountaineering Course
…in the backcountry, this course puts your newly-learned skills to practice with an ascent of Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers Route. During the winter, this route can range from a…
January - April
5 days
Mountaineering Instructor Professional Training Program
“How Do I Become a Mountain Guide?” This is one of the most common questions that we get from climbers who are just starting out. The short answer is to…
Year-round
Varies
Bolivia – Ancohuma and Illampu Expedition
Bolivia’s Cordillera Real has as its northern crown the Sorata Massif, a large group of peaks rising abruptly from the altiplano just east of Lake Titicaca and dropping its eastern…
June - September
18 days
Ecuador – El Altar Expedition
…this expedition by exploring Quito, visiting a regional market, scrambling up 15,729-foot Guagua Pichincha, and by climbing a classic glacial route on 17,227-foot Illiniza Sur (described above). After a rest…
January-February
15 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
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