8 Days of Climbing With AAI
Check out this trip report and series of great photos from AAI climber Zac Merriman who, after years of dreaming, finally set out last summer to learn how to alpine climb. Follow Zac and guide Dan Shuteroff for 8 days as they tour one of the top places in the country to learn alpine climbing and negotiate the classics, including Mt. Dana, Mt. Conness, North Peak, and Temple Crag.

♦ Guided Backpacking in North Cascades National Park
Want to get out into the deep wilderness, but not sure where to begin? Or maybe you just want someone else to deal with the logistics for once. Here's your chance to join a 5 or 6-day trek through North Cascades National Park, a vast and rugged wilderness in northwest Washington State. Just show up with your gear (or rent gear from us), and we'll take care of the rest.

♦ Outdoor Leadership Programs
New for this year, AAI is offering two certificate programs with the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). Both programs result in WEA Certificate as Outdoor Leader, a credential that has become the standard for outdoor education professionals. Check out the 30-day National Standards Program and, for those with previous experience as outdoor educators, the 14-day Professional Short Course, which is the "fast track" to the Outdoor Leader certification. Also see AAI's Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership series (12 days each, 3 parts)

♦ India Expedition - Kedar Dome (22,402 feet)
Join us for a unique 22-day expedition to climb the northwest flank of Kedar Dome, a dramatic-looking peak located in the heart of the Indian Himalaya. Kedar Dome looms directly above the Gangotri Glacier, which feeds the Ganges River, and is flanked by massive granite walls on all sides but the one we climb. Team members will spend a day participating in the 5000-year-old practice of yoga at a traditional ashram before venturing into the mountains.

This month we're offering FREE RENTAL GEAR up to $100 on any 2007 course or ascent in either the Cascades or Sierra if you sign up by May 31, 2007. To qualify, you must mention code EN507 when registering.

Fine Print: Offer expires May 31, 2007. Cannot be applied retroactively for climbers who are already registered for a program. Cannot be combined with other promotions.

AAI Match: If you participate, AAI will grant you tuition credit that equals half of what you raise for AFCA. Certain limits apply. Read more.

Three Tips for Building Your Kit:
Whether you are climbing a local peak with friends, taking part in an expedition, or responding as a member of a search & rescue (SAR) team, you will need an appropriate first aid kit. What you should take and how you should package it depends on many things. Here are three basic guidelines to help you build an effective kit: Read more...

GUIDES CHOICE: Three Must-Have Gear Items for the Summer

The Buff       E-news sale: $13.88 (save 25%)
Designed for multi-sport use, Buffs are the original multifunctional headwear. Soft and comfortable, buffs wick moisture and dry quickly, providing cool relief from the hot sun. With up to twelve different ways to wear a Buff (headband, bandana, neck gaitor, you name it!), this versatile piece will accompany you on many of your summertime adventures!

Platypus Hoser       E-news sale: 25% off all sizes!
Proper hydration is essential to any outdoor activity. Hydration packs have emerged on the scene, providing a convenient and versatile way to keep yourself hydrated without having to stop for water breaks. Compatible with most modern packs, from expedition style to super-light, Hosers slip into your pack and have a hose system designed to put much-needed refreshment within lips' reach. Hydrate and be happy!

Patagonia Ready Mix Jacket E-news sale: $149.25 (save 25%)
Finally! A jacket that does exactly what it's supposed to do: breathe, provide warmth, cut the wind, and dry quickly! When you're working hard in cool conditions, you'll be amazed at how well the Ready Mix performs, offering protection from wind and light precipitation while providing maximum breathability. It's a perfect layer in funky weather conditions when you want protection from the elements but don't need a full-on storm shell.

Guides Choice is an independent, international gear evaluation program started by the American Alpine Institute in 1989. Our professional climbing and ski guides are continually field-testing equipment and clothing in a variety of mountain environments and conditions throughout the world. Guides Choice awards are given to the top item of gear in each product category based on excellence in design, performance, and durability. View the list of 2006 award recipients.

AAI PHOTO CONTEST: Enter July Contest and View March Winners

Enter the June 2007 Photo Contest
Send your best mountain photo(s) to climberspath@aai.cc and have a chance at winning the following prizes:

• 1st Place: $200 gift certificate for trips or $100 for gear
• 2nd Place: $100 gift certificate for trips or $50 for gear
• 3rd Place: $50 gift certificate for trips or $25 for gear

The act of submission constitutes your consent for AAI to publish your photo(s).

March 2007 Photo Contest Winners: Congratulations!

• 1st Place: Megan Delehanty of Fairfield, CA, for her photo, "On Aconcagua"
• 2nd Place: Nick Weinstock of New York City for his photo, "View from Coleman Glacier"
• 3rd Place: Anne Parmenter of Hartford, CT, for her photo, "Makalu from the summit of Everest"

Megan Delehanty's winning photo: