American Alpine Institute

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title American Alpine Institute
Page By Steve Larson
Page Type Jan 25, 2007 / Jan 25, 2007
Object ID 2148
Hits 11284
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Company Description

The American Alpine Institute (AAI) is a Bellingham, WA based guide service founded in 1975. Since its beginning it has grown into one of the larger guiding and mountain skills instruction organizations in the United States.

The Institute offers a broad range of climbing trips and instruction. Instructional offerings include:

  • Rock
  • Glacier/Snow
  • Ice
  • Expedition training
  • Avalanche training
  • Backcountry skiing
  • Wilderness medicine
  • High angle rescue
  • Mountaineering leadership

AAI is one of the few companies permitted to run trips on Denali. In addition to this, the Institute runs trips around the world:

  • Pacific Northwest: North Cascades, British Columbia
  • Red Rocks, NV, Joshua Tree, CA
  • French and Swiss Alps
  • Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Sierra Nevada, Colorado Rockies
  • Alaska Range, St. Elias Range
  • Seven Summits

In addition to their prepackaged offerings, AAI is willing to put together custom training and outings. For more information, contact AAI at:

American Alpine Institute
1515 12th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Tel: (360) 671-1505
Fax: (360) 734-8890
info@aai.cc

Reviews


Viewing: 1-5 of 5

Steve Larson - Jan 26, 2007 2:11 am - Voted 5/5

Great company
I've taken AAI's Alpine Ice course, and did an eight-day trip to the Ruth Gorge with them. Both trips were great. The guides were capable and fun to hang with. Plenty of good learning opportunity. They have their act together logistically. They've got tons of rental gear for those who don't have everything. If I ever needed a guide service again I would strongly consider them.

lisae - Jan 27, 2007 1:05 am - Voted 5/5

A good service
I hired a guide through the AAI when I was going to be in Red Rocks for two days and couldn't talk anyone I know into meeting me there and climbing. I was quite happy with their service; the guide was personable and quite willing to go along with my agenda.

If I am in the same situation again, I would use them again.

LC - Jun 16, 2007 11:36 pm - Hasn't voted

Great Service
I have taken AAI's High Altitude Expedition in Ecuador. My guide Tim Connelly was top notch. All the logistics of the expedition went quite smoothly, considering how complicated arranging drivers, booking lodging, and hiring local guides seemed. I highly recommend AAI.

mattnoland - Aug 19, 2007 9:10 am - Voted 5/5

good experience
I hired a guide through AAI in 2004 and climbed Shuksan via the Sulfide Glacier route. From top to bottom these guys were pros. At their shop, on the car ride, and especially on the route I was well taken care of without being made to "feel" like a client. My guide Evan Stevens, let me in on his decision making process, took time to teach me skills, and was excited about climbing the route with me. And these guys guide all over the world. If I were looking for a big route and felt like I wanted a guide I would get in touch with AAI again.

icypeak - Jan 2, 2010 8:28 pm - Voted 5/5

Very professional..
..and knowledgeable. I used them a couple of times for climbing in Red Rocks when I was on my own. Had 2 different guides, both were excellent. They also take their time with you in advance in planning a climb and answering any questions.

Viewing: 1-5 of 5


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