A student sets up a Z-pulley system to extract a fallen climber from a crevasse. Dylan TaylorThis 3-day course is a thorough introduction to the bare minimum skills necessary to climb glaciated peaks in a party led by a more seasoned climber. Though the course is designed as a cost-effective introduction, it is also popular with experienced leaders as a refresher course. Continual improvement of our curriculum ensures that this course is a good way to keep up with the state of the art.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 Days
- Cost:$910
A mock victim waits in a crevasse on Mt. Baker as students build a Z-pulley system to perform the rescue. Dylan TaylorThis course provides a general introduction to the sport of mountain climbing, including one day of rock climbing and five days on Mt. Baker for a thorough introduction to glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, and movement on snow and ice. The course culminates with a climb of Mt. Baker.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1775
A climber finishing pitch 3 of the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell (7,720 ft.), a granite spire in Washington Pass. Jason MartinThis course provides a thorough introduction to alpine rock climbing at a moderate standard. Take this course to raise your skills to the intermediate level while climbing a series of spectacular North Cascades alpine summits such as South Early Winter Spire, Liberty Bell, Eldorado Peak, and Mt. Shuksan. Taken together with Alpinism 1, this course is the equivalent of our Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership, Part 1.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1995
High on the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. Alasdair TurnerThe first course offered by AAI in 1975, this intensive program provides thorough instruction in all the skills required on difficult alpine ice climbs. Through this curriculum, you will develop a complete repertoire of state-of-the-art high-angle snow and ice climbing skills and learn to apply them efficiently in all conditions. All of this instruction is located in America's top glacier training area, the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:$1995
A climber works up the fantastic North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak (5.5, III). Photo by Mike PowersSome of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, CA; Rocky Mountain NP, CO
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 or 12 days
- Cost:$1920 ($3600 for Parts 1 and 2)
Climbers nearing the summit of Sahale Peak, with Sharkfin Tower and Boston Peak in the background. Gerry ChikeJournalists have called AAI's four-part mountain leadership program "the country's most respected and thorough rock and mountaineering course." Part one (12 days) introduces glacier skills and alpine rock climbing at a moderate difficulty level. After training on the Easton Glacier, we climb Mount Baker, make ascents in the Washington Pass area, and conclude with a student-led ascent of a major North Cascades summit.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3395
Climbers near the summit of Forbidden Peak, on the West Ridge route. Bryan FeinsteinPart 2 of AAI’s four-part mountain leadership series introduces rock and alpine ice leadership skills. We then put those skills to the test on student-led ascents of the challenging peaks around Boston Basin, such as Forbidden Peak and Sharkfin Tower, and on an alpine ice climb on the massive glaciers of Mount Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3455
Snowpatch Spire in the Bugaboos of British Columbia. Andy BournePart 3 of AAI’s alpine leadership curriculum introduces advanced alpine skills and expedition planning. Students co-lead a significant expedition to a remote part of Washington’s North Cascades or to British Columbia’s Bugaboo Provincial Park.
- Location:North Cascades, WA or Bugaboos, BC
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3995 Cascade Traverse $4095 Bugaboos
A climber moving up on Mt. Munday, Coast Range, BC. Michael PowersThe final part of AAI’s alpine leadership series calls on all the skills acquired in the first three parts as we mount an expedition to attempt significant objectives in one of three remote locations: a remote traverse in the Cascade range that includes several ascents, a ski mountaineering program deep within the Cascades. Or a trip to the Coast Range of British Columbia for an ascent of 13,186-ft. Mt. Waddington.
- Location:Cascade Range, WA; Coast Range, BC
- Season:April - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$4025 Ptarmigan; $4450 Ski
Students practicing multi-pitch techniques at Crystal Crag, near Mammoth. Michael PowersLike our well-known Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership - Part 1, this course introduces snow, ice, and alpine rock climbing skills at a moderate difficulty level. Participants learn fundamentals of snow climbing in the non-glaciated setting of the Eastern Sierra, then focus on alpine rock and ice while tackling major routes such as the Swiss Arete on Mt. Sill (14,153) and the U-Notch Couloir on North Palisade (14,242').
- Location:Eastern Sierra, CA
- Season:Currently unavailable
- Length:12 Days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Rope teams using two-tool technique as they near the exit of the V-Notch Couloir. Michael PowersAlpine ice persists year-round in many shaded couloirs and gullies in the high Sierra. This terrain is the perfect outdoor classrooms for teaching alpine ice climbing, one of the fundamental skills of mountaineering.
This course will prepare you for any alpine ice you would encounter in the Sierras and give you a solid base for climbing on larger glaciers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
- Location:Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:Currently unavailable
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:Contact AAI Office for more details
Heading back to camp in the Eastern Sierra. Dylan TaylorA skills focused course designed to transition mountaineers and experienced backpackers to alpine travel and climbing in Winter conditions. Held in the Mount Whitney Zone, of the Eastern Sierra.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:December - March
- Length:5 days
- Cost:$1895
A climber on a winter ascent of Mount Whitney's Mountaineer's Route. Chris Brinlee, Jr.Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the highest peak in the lower 48 states, and boasts several moderate rock climbs and scrambles on excellent quality granite. Avoid the crowds on the hiking path by climbing one of these three moderate, classic alpine climbs, in any season, and either privately or with a group.
- Location:Mt. Whitney, California
- Season:May - October
- Length:3-5 days
- Cost:2:1= $465/person/day or 3:1= $350/person/day
AAI climbers admiring the expansive glaciers of Mt Baker.This program is for novice climbers who have limited time but would like to experience the thrill of climbing immense glaciers to the summit of one the alpine giants of North America. Mt. Baker's 10,781-foot summit is the highest point in northern Washington and offers commanding views of Vancouver, the San Juans, and the North Cascades.
- Location:Mount Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 or 4 days
- Cost:$1150 (3 day option) $1495 (4 day option)
Glacier Peak. The standard route is the Disappointment Peak Cleaver on the left-hand skyline.At 10,525-feet tall, Glacier Peak is not only Washington State's fourth tallest volcano, it is also the State's most remote. This six-day introduction to mountaineering program provides fit novice climbers with an exceptional instructional experience deep in the heart of the Cascades. Glacier Peak is a stunning mountain, surrounded by other stunning mountains...
- Location:Glacier Peak, WA
- Season:June - July
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1570
Mount Adams reflected in Takhlakh Lake. Bob Bolton.Mount Adams offers fantastic beginner level ascents while providing stunning views of the surrounding country. It is considered an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills.
- Location:Southwestern Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 or 4 days
- Cost:Cost varies with group size and length of trip
Mount Saint Helens in 1980 a few months after its catastrophic eruption. Photo courtesy of the USGS.Mt. St. Helens offers an excellent beginner-level ascent while providing stunning views of the surrounding country. This Southern Cascade Volcano is an ideal peak for those who would like a solid introduction to snow climbing and general mountaineering skills.
- Location:Southwestern Washington State
- Season:May - September
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Private Rates Apply
Climbers negotiate crevasses while descending the Kautz Glacier. Alasdair TurnerThis is a 4-day intermediate summit ascent and skills clinic on Mt. Rainier – at 14,410 feet, the highest glaciated volcano in the lower 48 states, and Washington's highest peak. This outstanding route requires some previous experience with glacier travel and steep snow climbing.
- Location:Southwestern Washington State
- Season:July
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$2395
Mt. Shuksan from the Northeast, showing Nooksack Tower and the Price Glacier. AAI CollectionClimb the striking Mt. Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier, Fisher Chimneys or the North Face. Join us on the Sulphide for a low ratio, beginner/intermediate group climb that incorporates introductory glacier training and rock scrambling; or join us for a more advanced private ascent of the scenic Fisher Chimneys or the challenging North Face.
- Location:North Cascades National Park, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 or 4 days
- Cost:$1075 or $1385, Sulphide Group Course; $1395- $1950 Fisher Chimneys or North Face
A party of climbers nearing the top of Mt. Shuksan's spectacular summit pyramid, North Cascades, Washington. AAI CollectionThe glacier and rock ascents in the North Cascades offer beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience some of the best alpine climbing in America.
- Location:Northern Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Price varies. See details.
Alpenglow lights the eastern rampart of Taylor Peak and the Cathedral Spires, seen from Sky Pond. Zach LovellStraddling the continental divide of north-central Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a climber's paradise. From long scrambling routes to classic alpine rock and ice climbs and front-country cragging, the park offers everything a climber could want.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties
Traversing the Aiguille d'Entreves. Tim ConnellyThe French Alps are the world capital of alpinism, and for good reason: the range offers hundreds of the highest quality rock, snow, and ice routes with unmatched accessibility.
- Location:Chamonix, France
- Season:June - September
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Prices vary. See cost and dates tab.
On route to the summit of the Matterhorn. Tim ConnellyFrom scenic climbs like the Rothorn to classics like the Matterhorn and Eiger, Switzerland's Alps offer spectacular and varied climbing in the birthplace of mountaineering.
- Location:Zermatt and Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
- Season:July - September
- Length:4 to 10 days
- Cost:Varies with program and ratio
On top of the Grande Floria, with Mont Blanc in the distance. Tim ConnellyThese three peaks, more than any others in the alps, are emblematic of the unique challenges and rewards of alpinism. AAI offers several different programs for ascending one, two, or all three of peaks in the "Alps Trilogy."
- Location:French and Swiss Alps
- Season:June - September
- Length:varies
- Cost:Varies. Prices are per person.
AAI guide Dustin Byrne nearing the summit of the Moose's Tooth, Ruth Gorge, Alaska Range. Tad McCreaThe Central Alaska Range is made up of the peaks and valleys that surround Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker. In the deep glacial gorges that drop from Denali's flanks sit some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring mountains in world.
- Location:Central Alaska Range
- Season:May - July
- Length:8-22 Days
- Cost:Ratio Pricing
Aoraki Mount Cook from the south. Rob Brown, Hedgehog HouseGuided ascents of the classic routes in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, including Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt. Tasman, and Mt. Aspiring. Helicopter and hut supported climbing allows for multiple ascents in a short amount of time.
- Location:Southern Alps, New Zealand
- Season:October - February
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies with program
From the summit of Mixup, at the start of the traverse. Andy BourneThis demanding technical backpacking and mountaineering trip traces the route pioneered by the Ptarmigan Climbing Club in 1938. The original traverse included ascents of many summits, including Mixup Peak, Mount Formidable, and Dome Peak. This program is offered with the option of summiting one or more peaks.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:July - September
- Length:7 days
- Cost:$1590
A Women's Only Alpinism 1 descending the Easton Glacier on their way back to Bellingham. Lauren SmithWomen interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies