American Alpine Institute began in 1975 as a climbing school, and our core mission still stresses rigorous climbing education. The courses listed below are held on a regular schedule in our main outdoor campuses in Washington and the Southwest, as well as in other locations. Courses are open to the public, making them the most cost-efficient way to gain solid climbing skills quickly. Any of these courses can also be taken on a private basis.
This 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
This 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
This 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
The 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
This skills-focused course is designed to help mountaineers and experienced backpackers transition to alpine travel and climbing in winter conditions. Held in Colorado’s glacier-carved Rocky Mountain National Park, this course gives students the opportunity to enjoy some great winter climbing opportunities in an accessible venue, just 70 miles from Denver International Airport.
- Location:Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Season:January – March
- Length:5-day Winter Mountaineering / Private Varies
- Cost:$1895 for Winter Mountaineering / $595 for Private 1:1
Some 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)
Journalists 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
Part 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
Part 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
The 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
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
The Beginning Rock Climbing course is an introduction designed for people who have little or no experience in rock climbing. The course is ideal for those who are curious and want to experience the thrill of rock climbing in a beautiful natural setting. By the end of the course, participants should feel comfortable climbing with experienced friends and be able to pass a rock gym belayer's test.
- Location:Mt. Erie, WA
- Season:June - September
- Length:1 or 2 Days
- Cost:$215 per day (min. of 3 participants)
A four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$975
The objective of the Learn to Lead program is to introduce climbers to the techniques required for leading single-pitch traditional rock climbing routes, while advancing technical and movement skills.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$995
This four-day aid climbing and big wall technique seminar is designed for competent leaders who wish to expand their horizons and their climbing ability by exploring advanced aid and free climbing skills.
- Location:Index, Washington; Red Rock, Nevada; also offered in Utah and Colorado
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$1125
An adventurous introduction to big mountain expeditions, you'll learn the climbing skills and techniques used in modern alpine mountaineering and earn the opportunity to climb several beautiful peaks in the heart of the Alaska Range. Prepare for Denali or other major climbs around the world.
- Location:Alaska Range, Alaska
- Season:April - June
- Length:10 days
- Cost:Starting at $7500 (4:1)
The introductory course will teach new ice climbers the basics of ice climbing, crampons, ice tools, ice screws, belaying, knots and top-rope climbing techniques - all the basics required to be a competent top-roping ice climbing partner. The intermediate course will cover ice climbing techniques on steeper ground and gain the skills to follow and lead ice climbs in a multi-pitch setting.
- Location:Washington, Colorado, and California
- Season:January - March
- Length:2-day Intro Course / 5-day Intermediate Course
- Cost:$650 for Intro Course / $1495 for Intermediate Course
The 3-day SPI Course is designed to enable capable recreational rock climbers to become effective rock climbing instructors. The 2-day SPI Exam tests students' performance of industry standard practices.
- Location:Washington, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Course: 3 days. Exam: 2 days. Refresher: 1 day.
- Cost:Course: from $695, Exam: $495, Refresher: $225
Designed for serious Denali aspirants or those planning other cold-weather, high-altitude expeditions, this program provides an introduction to general mountaineering skills such as self-arrest and crevasse rescue, as well as more specific expedition skills like camp fortification, sled rigging, and fixed line climbing.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:January - March
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$2195
AAI’s flagship youth leadership program focuses on situational judgment and decision-making in a mountain setting while providing a base of general outdoor know-how and mountain sense. Participants learn rock-climbing skills, glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, navigation and other skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker as well as on other peaks.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:July - August
- Length:6 or 13-Days
- Cost:6-Day: $2295; 13-Day: $5225- All Inclusive Pricing
Climbing the Seven Summits - even with top guides - requires a wide array of mountaineering skills and knowledge. AAI's Seven Summits training course is based on a phased approach that prepares you for the upcoming climbs in your progression. In addition to giving you a
solid grasp of all the fundamental tools and techniques of the mountaineer, the course provides intensive preparation for cold, altitude, and expedition conditions.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:September - May & January - April
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Phase 1: $1875; Phase 2: $2225; Phase 3: $2010
This comprehensive training program prepares anyone with a love of the mountains to launch a career in mountain guiding. Experienced climbers can place out of introductory level courses. This program is eligible for federal VA educational benefits.
- Location:Washington - Cascades
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Complete course of study varies, $12,000-$30,000 depending on previous experience.
AIARE's introductory level avalanche course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain. This season, we have decided to offer two options for our courses: two online evening lectures mid-week plus two in-person field days or one full day in-person classroom session plus two in-person field days. Backcountry skiers, splitboarders, snowshoers, climbers and snowmobilers would all benefit from this training.
- Location:Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days, or 1 Full-Day Lecture + 2 Field Days
- Cost:$725
This course was originally introduced in the 2017/2018 season, but has since become an integral step in the AIARE avalanche education progression. This 1-day course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day
- Cost:$295
This 1-day Avalanche course is for those who have already completed an avalanche education course and would like to refresh their skills. This field-based clinic provides an excellent review of the material in the AIARE Level 1 course and includes a discussion of industry updates.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day
- Cost:From $295
This course takes AIARE's avalanche curriculum and tailors it specifically towards motorized users, whether on a sled or a snowbike. This introductory level course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:January - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days
- Cost:$735
The AIARE Rec 2 course is designed for advanced recreational winter travelers who have already taken AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue Course. Focusing on snowpack, weather, and terrain assessment, the course builds decision-making skills and grooms students for leadership in the backcountry.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry
- Season:December - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings and 2 Field Days
- Cost:$745
The Pro 1 Course is the introductory program for the new Professional Course Flow. Similar to the traditional Level 2 course, it is designed to train and certify workers new to the avalanche industry.
- Location:Mt. Baker and Glacier, WA
- Season:December
- Length:5 days in-person training + online lessons prior to meeting
- Cost:$1699
The Pro 2 Avalanche Course is an advanced certification course for experienced and advanced recreational backcountry travelers, professional guides, patrollers and avalanche workers moving into leadership roles within their operations or for experienced workers who desire to continue to develop their risk management leadership skills. The course is 1 evening session, then 6 days in the field and completes the professional avalanche course stream.
- Location:Mt. Baker Backcountry
- Season:Winter
- Length:1 evening + 6 days
- Cost:$2499
This 1-day course is designed for those who have little or no backcountry skiing experience and want to learn the basics. We'll introduce you to the different types of gear that allow us to travel through the backcountry, including use of climbing skins and other backcountry tools. Once on the snow, you'll learn specific techniques for moving through pristine backcountry terrain.
- Location:Washington, Colorado
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 Days
- Cost:$295
"One run in the backcountry is worth ten in the front country." This is so commonly said that it has become a cliche ... and, yet, it's true. Come and join us on our 2-day clinic designed to take you beyond the basics and get you ready to go further, higher, and steeper.
- Location:North Cascades, WA; Eastern Sierras, CA; San Juan Mountains, CO
- Season:January - April
- Length:2 Days
- Cost:$460 (3 person min); Private trip pricing listed in 'Details and Dates'
Develop the technical skills and judgment required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best skiing available in the lower 48 states. Learn crevasse rescue, roped skiing techniques, snow anchor construction, rappelling, and belaying skills as they apply to skiers and splitboarders in glaciated terrain.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:March - May
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:6 days: $1650 (minimum of 2 participants)
Like 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
The Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers program is an intensive one to two-day seminar on improvised multi-pitch rock rescue techniques. Participants study a series of haul, lower, rappel and rope-climbing systems and then apply them to a variety of practical scenarios. Individuals who complete this rock-rescue program should be able to apply these skills to a wide array of complex high-angle problems.
- Location:BC, WA, CA, NV and UT
- Season:Year-round
- Length:1 - 2 days
- Cost:$575 (min. of 2 participants)
The American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Level I program is an NFPA compliant rope rescue course. Students will develop the skills to perform rescues and recoveries at the operations level in both steep and high-angle team-rescue scenarios.
- Location:BC, WA, CA and NV
- Season:Year
- Length:4 days
- Cost:Operations Course - $1135, Operations and Technician Combined - $1895
The American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Level II program is an NFPA compliant rope rescue course. Students will develop the skills to perform rescues and recoveries at the technician level in both steep and high-angle team-rescue scenarios.
- Location:BC, WA, CA and NV
- Season:Year-round
- Length:5 days
- Cost:Technician Course - $1325, Operations and Technician Combined - $1895
The Advanced Mountain Rescue course integrates both rope rescue and self-rescue techniques in a high mountain glaciated environment. Students will apply a series of lowland rescue techniques with mountain modifications in order to develop the skills required for mountain rescue. Additionally, participants will spend a significant amount of time developing strategies to solve complex crevasse rescue problems.
- Location:Mt. Baker, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:5 days
- Cost:$1415
The American Alpine Institute Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive is the most complete rope rescue course offered in the United States. It is the only course available anywhere that addresses the techniques required for team-rescue as well as those needed for self-rescue.
- Location:Bellingham and Mt. Baker, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:15 days (14 days of instruction with one rest day)
- Cost:$3395
The Leave No Trace Trainer course provides students an opportunity to develop a high level of understanding of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Those who successfully complete the course will have the skills to provide Leave No Trace educational programming to their own student participants. This is an essential course for outdoor educators, guides and rangers.
- Location:WA, CA, and NV
- Season:Year-round
- Length:2 days
- Cost:$350 - Group Discounts Available
The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course (formally known as the Master Educator course) provides participants with extensive training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics, through practical application in a field-based setting. A more comprehensive version of the Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course (formally known as the Trainer course), the Level 2 Instructor Course is designed for people who are actively teaching backcountry skills or providing recreation information to the public.
- Location:Washington, California & Nevada
- Season:Year-Round
- Length:5 or 6-Days Depending on Program
- Cost:$895
You know about moving through the backcountry, and you've taken an Avalanche Course. Now take your winter travel to the next level with this course on winter overnight skills.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - April
- Length:2 days
- Cost:$415 (minimum 2 participants)
Women 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