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
Peru – Artesonraju Expedition
…the ground covered in the acclimatization process enjoyable in its own right. In addition to some trekking, to fully develop our acclimatization we climb a beautiful and moderate route on…
July - August
17 days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Fundamentals The Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part 1 program is your gateway to safe, confident travel in winter backcountry terrain. Designed for skiers and…
December - March
Varies
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing – Mt Charleston, NV
Just over an hour from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip lies the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, home to the magnificent Mt. Charleston. Mt. Charleston boasts…
December - March
1 day
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part II
Technical Ski Alpinism Ski Mountaineering & Avalanche Leadership – Part II is the second step in our progressive winter backcountry curriculum, designed to build technical competence, efficiency, and confidence for…
January-March
6 days
LGBTQ+ Climbing and Mountaineering Programs
AAI is proud to offer a variety of Queer climbing and mountaineering programs, including LGBTQ+ rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. LGBTQ+ affinity courses offer a powerful opportunity for…
Year-Round
Varies
Crevasse Rescue for Backcountry Skiers and Splitboarders
…observation, careful route selection, and proper glacier travel procedures, skiers can reduce risks and enjoy the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery as they take on the challenges of spectacularly beautiful…
April - May
2 Days
Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part III
Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making This 12-day program helps advanced skiers and splitboarders refine their technical skills, deepen their avalanche judgement, and confidently plan and execute multi-day objectives in…
Mid-February - April
12 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
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
Blog Posts
Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 2/5/26
American Alpine Institute
February 5, 2026
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 11/21/24
American Alpine Institute
November 21, 2024
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/1/2022
American Alpine Institute
December 1, 2022
Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/13/18
American Alpine Institute
December 13, 2018