Climbing, Mountaineering, and Skiing Programs in Washington State
An Alpine Training Ground Unmatched in the United States
The North Cascades of western Washington, with their spectacular glaciers, prominent summits, and moderate elevation, make the best mountain training ground in the contiguous U.S. Our headquarters in Bellingham, WA, serve as home base for a vast outdoor campus that includes rock climbing destinations like Leavenworth and Index, world-class skiing and boarding in the Mount Baker backcountry, and classic alpine climbing routes from Mount Baker to the Pickett Range to Washington Pass.
Browse the list below to view our courses, private climbs, and special programs in Washington state.
Climbing, Mountaineering, and Skiing Programs in Washington State
An Alpine Training Ground Unmatched in the United States
Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering
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
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
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
A fortified camp on the summit of Mount Baker. AAI CollectionDesigned 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
Crossing a ladder in the Khumbu Icefall between basecamp and Camp 1 on Everest. Guy CotterClimbing 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
Beginning the climb and six days of training on Mt. Baker, one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the lower 48 states. Gerry ChikeAAI’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
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)
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
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
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
A climber enjoying mixed terrain on Chair Peak, WA. Alasdair TurnerWashington is home to a great variety of ice climbing opportunities. Learn the basics of ice climbing in one of our introductory courses or, once you have the skills, join us for a guided winter ascent of an alpine route.
- Location:North Cascades and Central Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Varies
Rock Climbing
A student learning to rappel on the Sunset Slabs, Mt. Erie. Jason MartinThe 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 climber learns rock-climbing fundamentals while protected by a top-rope. Scott SchumannA 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
Topping out on Chablis Spire. Mark HoustonThe clean granite of Washington Pass and the Liberty Bell Group provides some of the best and most accessible alpine rock climbing in the Pacific Northwest. Classics like the Southwest Buttress of South Early Winter Spire make for rewarding outings for intermediate climbers, while the spectacular Liberty Crack challenges the most advanced.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day for 1:1; lower rates for larger parties.
A climber starts the 2nd pitch of Midway (5.5) in Leavenworth, WA. Mike PowersLeavenworth is perhaps the best rock climbing area in the state for recreation and skill-building at all levels. Ease of access, good camping, and high-quality granite combine to make a great outing, whether for a day or a week.
- Location:Leavenworth, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1
A climber learns rock climbing techniques with protection from a top-rope. Richard RiquelmeMount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber, or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Island and Pacific ocean, the views are stunning. The access at Mount Erie and it's central location in Western Washington make it an ideal spot for climbers who have only a day or even a half day to get out and climb.
- Location:Anacortes, WA
- Season:April - October
- Length:Half day and up
- Cost:Varies based on Climber to Guide ratio
Ice Climbing
A climber follows a pitch on Chouinard Falls, Lee Vining Canyon, CA. Ian McEleneyThe 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
- High on the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. Alasdair Turner
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
- Climbers near the summit of Forbidden Peak, on the West Ridge route. Bryan Feinstein
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
- A climber enjoying mixed terrain on Chair Peak, WA. Alasdair Turner
Washington is home to a great variety of ice climbing opportunities. Learn the basics of ice climbing in one of our introductory courses or, once you have the skills, join us for a guided winter ascent of an alpine route.
- Location:North Cascades and Central Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:Varies
Skiing and Snowboarding
Flying down a steep chute. Lyle HaugsvenTour the backcountry around Table Mountain or Shuksan Arm, or climb Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan and make a classic ski descent. Complete a major multi-day tour in the North Cascades on skis or split snowboard. Or work on your off-piste skills with coaching from a professional guide. We have private programs available for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Location:Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:December - June (varies with conditions)
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$595/day at 1:1 day-trips
A skier in the North Cascades. Andy BourneThis 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
A skier skins uphill in the Mt. Baker backcountry. Scott Schumann"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'
A skier enjoys backcountry terrain. Lyle HaugsvenAmerican Alpine Institute has a wide variety of winter programming available to teach you the skills you need to travel through the untracked backcountry. Many of these programs dovetail together and you can flow from one into another with minimal down-time. Whether you're beginner, intermediate, or advanced, there's a winning combination waiting for you.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - March
- Length:4 - 6 days + 2 evening lecture sessions
- Cost:$1195 (Skiing) $1450 (Splitboarding)
A skier reaps the rewards for his climb with an exposed descent. Mt. Baker, Washington. Ben TraxlerDevelop 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)
Avalanche Training
Demonstrating the use of a Rutschblock Test to determine slope stability. Rick KaiserAIARE'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
A rescuer gets low to the snow to get the best readings during the Fine Search phase of a rescue. Dyan PadagasThis 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
Discussing terrain choices. Rick KaiserThe 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
A snowmobilier enjoys deep snow, secure in the knowledge that she can react quickly in case of an avalanche burial.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
Recording observations in the snow pack. Coley GentzelThe 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
Rescue and Medical
Many rescues begin by tying off a belay device. Ben TraxlerThe 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)
A patient is loaded into a litter for evacuation. Jason MartinThe 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
Guide Training
Trail-signs often attempt to keep backcountry users on the established trail. Jason MartinThe 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
Backpacking
A backpacker's high camp near White Rock Lake on the Ptarmigan Traverse backpacking route. Myron AllenAn introductory weekend backpacking trip designed for people with little or no overnight camping experience in the wilderness. Set in the North Cascades of Washington, this course covers equipment selection, navigation, meal planning and cooking, and campsite selection.
- Location:North Cascades, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:2-day weekend
- Cost:$650
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
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