Climb Denali / Climb McKinley with American Alpine Institute
American Alpine Institute
...aspirations first and make every decision throughout the trip with your goal of making the summit in mind. The West… Read More
Search Results
label/Route Profiles
Programs
Patagonia – Gorra Blanca Expedition
…and ends in a dome. And though a part of the mountain looks like a dome, the summit is a bit sharper. The bulk of the route requires moderate snow…
September - March
5-Days
Mount Waddington Expedition
…and glacier routes. It is also our goal that upon completion, you have the skills and the understanding to put together an expedition to one of the greater ranges of…
June - July
12 days
Backpacking and Wilderness Skills
This immersive two-day course is the perfect starting point for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are new to overnight camping in the mountains. Participants gain the skills and confidence to…
May - September
2 days
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
…and French crampon techniques, ice axe positions, self-arrest, anchor placement, glacier travel procedures, crevasse rescue, and route finding. With its dramatic icefields and heavily glaciated terrain, Mt. Baker provides both…
May - September
3 Days
Guided Rock Climbing at Index, WA
…presented by the numerous high quality routes. The Upper and Lower Index Town Walls offer the highest concentration of routes and can become crowded due to Index’s close proximity to…
April - October
Varies
Mt. Elbrus Expedition
Elbrus is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, reaching well over 18,000 feet in Russia on the divide between Europe and Asia. While the mountain…
May, July and August
11 to 14 days
Mt. Saint Helens Skills and Climb
Climbing Mount St. Helens is a very unique opportunity considering its historical 1980 eruption. The flanks of this Southern Cascade Volcano offer fantastic beginner level ascents while climbing past volcanic…
March - September
Varies
Mt. Vinson Expedition
Vinson Massif is Antarctica’s highest mountain, reaching 16,050 feet (4,892m) in the heart of the Ellsworth Mountains. Located 700 nautical miles from the South Pole, the mountain was first climbed…
November - January
16 days
Patagonia Trekking and Climbing – Fitzroy and Cerro Torre Area
The Andes that rise in southern Argentina just east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are considered by many well-travelled trekkers and climbers to be the most beautiful mountains in…
November - February
13 days
Peru – Huascaran Expedition
Nevado Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru and one of the world’s most imposing summits. It offers a challenging ascent requiring strong intermediate level alpine skills, and an unusual…
June - July
14 days
Tocllaraju Skills Expedition
Peru’s Cordillera Blanca is one of the most rugged and heavily glaciated ranges in the Andes. Famous for its dry, sun-baked, fluted snow slopes, the range is home to Peru’s…
May - August
12 days (Part 1) or 20 days (Parts 1 & 2)
Passport to Denali
Many climbers who attempt Denali (Mount McKinley) possess the basic skills needed to reach the summit—provided everything goes exactly as planned. But Denali is a mountain where conditions rarely cooperate….
Year-Round
Varies by program
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
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
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
Search Results (30)
Climbing the highest mountains in the world is a special discipline of mountaineering, with unique challenges and rewards.
Backcountry Skiing & Boarding
Search Results (16)
Guided skiing in world-famous backcountry, and skills instruction for skiers, split-boarders, and ski mountaineers
Avalanche Training
Search Results (8)
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
Search Results (14)
Living and moving in the mountains is a reward in itself, and provides the fundamental skills that underlie all mountaineering.
Wilderness Skills
Search Results (6)
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
Success in Sichuan: Second Ascent of Reddomaine
American Alpine Institute
An AAI Team Makes the Second Ascent of China’s 20,050-foot Reddomaine By Aidan Loehr AAI Instructor and Guide Mountain… Read More
Women Who Conquered the Outdoors:
American Alpine Institute
...AAI Climbing Blog features several other posts that highlight women in climbing, including awe-inspiring rock climbing videos (2013), a discussion… Read More
Top-Roping: Extending Anchors
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the September 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter Recently I have run into more than a few anchors in… Read More
Glove Systems for Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing
American Alpine Institute
...warmth is often sacrificed for the sake of increased dexterity. In short, if you plan to climb higher standard rock… Read More
The Seven Summits
American Alpine Institute
...climbing objective in the late 1980’s. Pat Morrow, a Canadian mountaineer, became the first to climb all seven in 1985.… Read More
Physical Conditioning for Mountaineering Expeditions
American Alpine Institute
...aerobic, and muscular training. Wear a helmet! Climbing: Rock climb and do some ascents of peaks and routes appropriate for… Read More
Toprope Solo Techniques
American Alpine Institute
...alpinism. The route she was trying to complete that day was a 17-pitch 5.11+. It is common for those trying… Read More
Best Mountaineering and Climbing books
American Alpine Institute
Level Up Your Mountain Skills: The Ultimate Outdoor Reading List Whether you’re dreaming of your first summit or honing advanced… Read More
Roping up for Glacier Travel
American Alpine Institute
Question: From the July 2006 edition of AAI’s E-newsletter My team and I are traveling to Rainier to climb the… Read More
Blog Posts
Route Profile: Cayenne Corners – A Forgotten Red Rock Classic!
American Alpine Institute
October 16, 2015