American Alpine Institute

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  Edwin Kowachek· 2 months ago

  I got a late start in alpine snow mountaineering followed by years of raising a family, work, backpacking, skydiving and whitewater rafting. I first heard about American Alpine Institute, AAI, from another mountain guide company in preparation for a Aconcagua climb later this year. A couple of weeks ago I participated in AAI's Skills and Climb Mount Baker program. From the first email I received from AAI through submitting Mount Baker on June 18th at 8:00 AM I have become a fan of AAI and plan to use their services again. Day one of the program began with a thorough gear check at AAI's office/shop, followed with 1.5 days of training on the mountain and then summiting Mount Baker on June 18th at 8:00 AM. During every aspect of these three days I witnessed knowledge, professionalism and kindness from various AAI staff members. American Alpine Institute is the TOTAL PACKAGE! I was one of four clients participating in this program (James 16, Cooper 18, Kyle 35 and I at 72) and never felt out of place. Camille our guide treated and related to the four of us as equals. We received proper training in the use of crampons, ice axe, harness, team rope glacier travel, knots and crevasse rescue. Camille is a professional in every aspect of the word. I would following Camille up any summit she is rated for. It's never too late, if you are interested in alpine snow mountaineering and need training, I highly recommend using American Alpine Institute! Ed Kowachek Missoula MT

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  J Song· 2 months ago

  AAI is truly the best company for mountaineering from the top management to the ground staff. Last year, I wanted to just sign up for a Denali trip only for a personal reason (as mountaineering wasn't my thing) and be done with it, but after visiting with AAI (Jason), it wasn't going to be that easy. Jason explained to me that, if I was to go with AAI, I had to meet minimum requirements - I would need to take Alpinism 1 and Denali prep courses. Normally I would have been frustrated, instead I was impressed. It was clear why they were the best - it starts with well being for a customers (Safety), not just money. So I signed up for all 3 trips with Jason on the spot. Rest of the experience was amazing, from the equipment support to the ground support staff. When on the mountain, it was unquestionably different. Each guide was focused on teaching us to become self sufficient mountaineers, not just to summit. We even shared our personal stories and some even became a therapist. After working with AAI folks, I now have found a new passion in my life - "Mountaineering". Thank you AAI. I will see you soon.

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  Jingsi Shen· a month ago

  Had a great time taking Alpinism 1 with AAI last week. A huge shout out to my guides, Mia and Alex, for their incredible energy, patience, and professionalism. The curriculum was well designed and paced, and I felt much more confident with travelling on snow and glacier after taking this course. Would recommend to anyone interested in venturing outdoors!

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  Ben Johnson· a month ago

  I booked Tyler Olson through the American Alpine Institute for a private, four-day guided snow school and summit of Mt. Baker for my daughter and myself. He was the consummate professional: detailed, knowledgeable, and highly educated in mountaineering. I threw him a major curveball by asking him to tailor the expedition for my ten-year-old daughter. Even though the curriculum is designed for adults, Tyler modified things on the fly. Whether he was pacing her on the glacier, managing her gear adjustments, or hosting a special knot-tying class in camp at her request, he translated complex concepts in a way my elementary school daughter could easily comprehend. Judging by how much she remembered during our debrief at the end of the trip—and how excited she is to go mountaineering again—the result was absolutely exceptional. Throughout the experience, Tyler communicated clearly and quickly built a deep relationship of trust with both of us. As a parent, I felt completely safe putting my daughter's well-being in his hands. I truly appreciated his genuine interest in making sure we had a great time, as well as his constant willingness to chat and share his wealth of knowledge. I have been on many guided trips for a variety of outdoor activities, and Tyler was hands-down the best guide I have ever had. He is clearly hungry to learn, grow, and do his absolute best for his clients. If he stays true to himself and maintains his incredible drive for excellence, he is going to have an amazing career. I cannot recommend him and the American Alpine Institute highly enough!

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