Rock Climbing Grade Comparison Chart
American Alpine Institute
...books identify climbs below V0 as VB. Sherman’s system was created as a counter to John Gill’s earlier B-scale, which… Read More
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label/Route Profiles
Programs
Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive
…just staying found. They have a deep well of tools and techniques that they can draw upon to manage navigation, route-finding, and time management. This is a great course add-on…
Year-Round
1-Day
Glacier Peak Climb and Skills Clinic
…Disappointment Peak Cleaver, the same route first climbed by a U.S. Geological Survey team in 1897. Beyond the summit, participants gain real-world experience navigating glaciers, managing rope systems, and practicing…
June - July
6 days
Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp
The American Alpine Institute’s Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program is the only comprehensive youth climbing and mountaineering program of its kind in North America. Designed for motivated teens and young…
July
6 or 13-Days
Leaders of Tomorrow – Rock Climbing Camp
…challenge and education while building confidence and independence in the outdoors. Students learn essential outdoor climbing skills, including belaying, rappelling, anchor building, knots, route-finding, and risk management. The camp also…
July
6 Days
Learn to Lead – Trad Rock Climbing Leadership
…terrain while developing your skills. When you’re ready to take things further, you can continue with our progressive rock climbing courses to prepare for bigger routes and more complex objectives….
Year Round
4 days
Women’s Climbing & Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of women’s climbing and mountaineering programs, including women’s rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. All-women courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-round
Varies
Backcountry Navigation Essentials
…Backcountry Navigation Essentials course covers these in depth, including: Pre-Trip Planning Analog Map and Compass Techniques Digital GPS Techniques Terrain Association White-Out and Green-Out (thick brush) Navigation Route-Finding Techniques …
Year-Round
3-hour evening program
Cho Oyu Expedition
…world’s sixth highest peak but has the highest success rate of all the 8000 meter peaks because of the quality of its route, the good conditions typically found there, and…
September - October
45 days
Snowshoeing – Mt Baker
The Mount Baker backcountry is world-renowned for the variety of terrain and the utterly stunning beauty. Snowshoeing is the perfect way for beginner-level winter wilderness travelers to access some of…
December - March
1 Day and up
Mt. Baker Summit on Skis or Snowboard
…follow the iconic Coleman-Deming Route. It is one of Mt. Baker’s most scenic and popular lines. This route offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, the San Juan Islands, and…
April - June
3 days
Ski Mountaineering
…Students will learn gear use, track setting, route finding, and efficient group travel. With a mix of front-country and backcountry overnight days, students then progress to winter camping, ice axe…
March - May
6 Days
La Paz and Cordillera Real Trek
The La Paz and Cordillera Real Trek is only scheduled on a priavate basis. Please contact the AAI Office for further details. Alternatively, we offer our Cotopaxi Skills Expedition and…
May - August
7 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
Search Results (10)
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
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
Getting equipped for waterfall ice climbing, a highly equipment-intensive activity, used to be easy. You just had to buy some… 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
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
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
...Mountain Weather Mountain Weather by Jeff Renner Practical Mountain Weather: A Guide for Hikers, Climbers and Skiers by John Papineau… Read More
Expedition Sled Rigging
American Alpine Institute
AAI Program Coordinator and Denali guide Pulling sleds on an expedition is very much a love-hate relationship – one… Read More
American Alpine Institute History
American Alpine Institute
...Alaska Range technical route on Mt. Hunter in 1981. AAI and the American Mountain Guides Association AAI has also played… 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