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Programs

Mountaineering Students look at a map and decipher a plan of navigation
Washington - AAI Mountain Center Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Mountain Center
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
A climber looks on at the summit of Glacier Peak during an American Alpine Institute mountaineering course
Glacier Peak, WA Special Offer
Type
Group Summit Climbs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
A young climber on the American Alpine Institute Leaders of Tomorrow program climbs at Mt. Erie
WA Special Offer
Type
Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Washington, Nevada, Utah, and California, British Columbia Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
A guide leads a group up a ridge during an American Alpine Institute Alaska Range mountaineering program
Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Group Summit Climbs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Skier Above Clouds
Washington - AAI Mountain Center Special Offer
Type
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Departing Camp 1 on Cho Oyu
Tibet, China Special Offer
Type
Expeditions
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Snowshoer pausing to admire the view of Mt. Herman
Mt Baker backcountry, WA Special Offer
Type
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Skier at the Summit
Mount Baker, Washington Special Offer
Type
Group Summit Climbs
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
Mt. Baker looms in the background as 2 skiers ascend a slope during an American Alpine Institute Ski course
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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
La Paz and Cordillera Real, Bolivia Special Offer
Type
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Technical
1
2
3
4
5
Physical
1
2
3
4
5

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 image

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 image

Rock Climbing

Search Results (32)
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 image

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 image

High Altitude Climbing & Seven Summits

Search Results (30)
Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
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Backcountry Skiing & Boarding

Search Results (16)
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
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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.
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Hiking And Backpacking

Search Results (14)
Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
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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.
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Outdoor Educator & Guide Training

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Technical and non-technical leadership courses from the AMGA's longest-accredited guide service
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Technical Rescue & Medical

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Industry standard technical rescue and wilderness medicine instruction

Program Types

Instructional Courses icon

Instructional Courses

Search Results (46)
Intensive mountain skills instruction and summit climbs
Group Summit Climbs icon

Group Summit Climbs

Search Results (8)
Introductory summit climbs with some skills instruction
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Expeditions

Search Results (34)
Longer trips in remote locations to ascend major peaks, including the Seven Summits
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Private & Custom Trips

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Custom adventures for individuals or groups – with the best-trained guides in the industry
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking icon

Treks, Tours, & Backpacking

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Full-service, non-technical adventures for all outdoor enthusiasts
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Government, Military, & Veterans

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Training for government personnel and vocational programs for veterans using VA benefits
Youth Climbing Programs icon

Youth Climbing Programs

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Our youth programs inspire young adventurers to explore the outdoors, build confidence, and develop climbing and leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.
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Mountain Center

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Short classroom and outdoor courses, films, lectures, and other low-cost programming for the local outdoor community

Articles

Blog Posts

The Bosses Ridge on Gouter Route

A Tunnel on Mont Blanc’s Gouter Route?

American Alpine Institute
March 17, 2026

Book Review — Red Rock Odyssey

American Alpine Institute
April 28, 2008

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 7/9/20

American Alpine Institute
July 9, 2020

Retro-Bolting Routes that are Dangerous

American Alpine Institute
November 12, 2025

Toproping Etiquette

American Alpine Institute
October 28, 2022

The Murder of the Impossible

American Alpine Institute
July 16, 2021

Toproping Etiquette Questions

American Alpine Institute
October 13, 2014

An Alternative Classics Tour of Boulder, CO

American Alpine Institute
September 21, 2021

AAI Guide Scouts New Routes in China

American Alpine Institute
October 28, 2008

Get to Know Your Guide: An interview with Viren Perumal

American Alpine Institute
May 30, 2008