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label/The Guiding Life

Programs

A young climber on the American Alpine Institute Leaders of Tomorrow program climbs at Mt. Erie
WA Special Offer
Type
Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
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5
Physical
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Leaders of Tomorrow – Rock Climbing Camp

…AMGA training and formal guiding certifications, bringing professional expertise and a passion for developing the next generation of climbers.tor certifications, hold Wilderness First Responder First Aid Certifications and have advanced…

July
6 Days
Lead climbing practice in Squamish
Squamish, BC Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses
Technical
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5
Physical
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5

Squamish Rock Leadership

…With the dramatic walls of Squamish as your classroom and an American Alpine Institute instructor guiding your progression, you’ll build the confidence, judgment, and technical skills required to move safely…

June - September
8 days
The dramatic SW Ridge of Ama Dablam
Khumbu Himal, Nepal Special Offer
Type
Expeditions
Technical
1
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3
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5
Physical
1
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5

Ama Dablam Expedition

Ama Dablam was first climbed in 1961 by a New Zealand and American team and we follow their original route, the southwest ridge. A seven-day trek into Lobuche Base Camp…

October - November
28 days
A mountain range glows in the background of camp at sunset. One of many amazing views in the North Cascades during an American Alpine Institute backpacking course
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
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5
Physical
1
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Backpacking in the North Cascades

…for a backpacking adventure of a lifetime. The North Cascades is a vast and rugged wilderness area in northwest Washington State. Sometimes referred to as the American Alps, the area…

July - September
Custom
A climber ascends the unique rock of the Twin Sisters Greek Creek area on an AMTL 2
Northern Cascade Range, Washington Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
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5
Physical
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Guided Alpine Climbing in the Cascades

…and ridges with gentle glaciers and steep icefalls is spectacular. These ascents and the other hundreds of routes that we climb can provide a lifetime of rewarding challenge and exploration….

May - September
Varies
Summit during Backcountry Ski in Colorado
San Juan Mountains, Colorado Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
1
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5
Physical
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5

Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding in Colorado’s San Juans

…Our seasoned backcountry ski and snowboard guides based in the San Juans will be able to provide local knowledge and expertise to give you the backcountry tour of a lifetime….

December - April
1+ days
Hiking in Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock, NV Special Offer
Type
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Technical
1
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5
Physical
1
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Guided Hiking in Red Rock – Las Vegas, Nevada

…has an abundance of knowledge on the area and can provide an amazing tour for you and your hiking partners. The marvelous desert wildlife and breathtaking views provided by Red…

September – April
Half-Day or Full-Day
Joshua Tree National Park, CA Special Offer
Type
Private & Custom Trips
Technical
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5
Physical
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Guided Rock Climbing at Joshua Tree, CA

Joshua Tree National Park is a classic winter retreat for rock climbers of all levels. The colors, the plant-life, the animals and the rock in this unique 4,000-foot plateau at…

October - May
1+ days
La Paz and Cordillera Real Trek
La Paz and Cordillera Real, Bolivia Special Offer
Type
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Technical
1
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5
Physical
1
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La Paz and Cordillera Real Trek

…have offered varied possibilities for life. While geographical differences and physical barriers normally isolate civil groups, develop in each distinct cultural characteristics, and make them independent if not hostile to…

May - August
7 days
North Cascades, WA Special Offer
Type
Instructional Courses, Youth Climbing Programs
Technical
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5
Physical
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Leaders of Tomorrow – Summit Camp

…while developing decision-making, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for wild places. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience in technical mountain travel and practice judgment, risk assessment, and problem-solving…

July
6 or 13-Days
Machu Picchu
Southeast Peru Special Offer
Type
Treks, Tours, & Backpacking
Technical
1
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5
Physical
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Peru – Cuzco Tour: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Urubamba

…the weavings, silver work, wonderful highland coffee, diversity and quality of the food, and the vibrancy of the day and night life in the heart of the old Inca capital….

May - August
3 days
Huascaran from Camp on Toqllaraju
Cordillera Blanca, Peru Special Offer
Type
Expeditions
Technical
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5
Physical
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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

Program Activities

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Backcountry Skiing & Boarding

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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

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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

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Instructional Courses

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Intensive mountain skills instruction and summit climbs
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Group Summit Climbs

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Introductory summit climbs with some skills instruction
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Expeditions

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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
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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
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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 & Events

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

Articles

Blog Posts

Book Review: The Steady Climb – A Family Journey from Mountains to Markets by Jay Hack

American Alpine Institute
September 27, 2016

Climb Mt. Shuksan with American Alpine Institute

American Alpine Institute
December 19, 2025

When Marmots Get Too Comfortable Around People

American Alpine Institute
September 1, 2026

“Life on Top” – long time climbing photographer and AAI guide featured in Alpinist

American Alpine Institute
January 30, 2008

Get to Know Your Guide: An interview and story of Dawn Glanc

American Alpine Institute
June 6, 2008

Get to Know Your Guide: An bio and story from Mike Pond

American Alpine Institute
June 13, 2008

Get to Know Your Guide: An interview with Angela Seidling

American Alpine Institute
May 23, 2008

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad – 12/31/15

American Alpine Institute
December 31, 2015

Book Review: ‘The Calling: A Life Rocked by Mountains’ by Barry Blanchard

American Alpine Institute
December 5, 2014

A Season of Working and Living in Antarctica – Part I

American Alpine Institute
June 24, 2013