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American Alpine Institute

About

The American Alpine Institute (AAI) is one of North America's most respected mountaineering schools and guide services, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Based in Bellingham, WA, AAI offers guided climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, avalanche education, canyoning, wilderness skills, and international expeditions including Denali. Their staff includes AMGA and IFMGA certified guides operating across North America and internationally.
  • 50+ years of operation, one of North America's most respected climbing schools
  • AMGA and IFMGA certified guides for all programs
  • Guided Denali expeditions and international mountaineering
  • Rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, and backcountry skiing courses
  • AIARE avalanche education and wilderness skills programs
  • Private, instructional, and expedition programs for all levels

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Operator details

Price Range
$$$
Best Season
Year-round (mountain season May–September)
Disciplines
Alpine, Ice, Trad
Certifications
AMGA, IFMGA

Climber reviews

4.7on Google, 122 reviews
Read the reviews on Google Maps

Rating from Google.

Around here

Around American Alpine Institute

Padilla Bay National Estuarine Resea…17.2 mi5 mi

Data Source: Recreation.gov · Source: USGS GNIS · Public land: USGS PAD-US

Current conditions

Today · Tue

33No-go/ 100

89% chance of rain · Wind 23 kt

RainHigh 57°F, low 50°FRain 89%Wind 23 kt, gusts 47

Air quality

17 Good

Bellingham Pacific monitor, 2 km

Snow 24h

0.0 in

Snow 72h

0.0 in

Overnight

46°F

From free public avalanche.org & NWS feeds. Air quality: Washington Department of Ecology via EPA AirNow. Preliminary data, not verified. See full conditions →