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Dear Climbers, All of us at AAI hope you have had a great winter and spring and are looking forward to the new climbing season. We are into the thick of planning for coming trips and expeditions and hope you'll have the opportunity to join us in the Sierra, Cascades, Alaska, Andes, or Alps. In this newsletter you'll find an enjoyable story of a winter first ascent in the Cascades, plus updates on opportunities for climbs in the U.S. and abroad. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss these or other climbing ideas. Cheers from all the staff at AAI, Dunham Gooding, NEW WINTER ROUTE ON NORTH FACE OF PYRAMID PEAK In early February of this year, AAI Coordinator of Domestic Programs Coley Gentzel and two friends made the most of a two-day weekend. Read Coley's summary of the high and low points of his climb of a beautiful new route on Pyramid Peak in North Cascades National Park. DENALI NATIONAL PARK RATES AAI #1 GUIDE SERVICE Denali National Park recently accepted applications from guide services throughout the nation for the five mountaineering concessions available on Mt. McKinley. The application and review process was very elaborate, and at the end of it all the N.P.S announced that American Alpine Institute was the top applicant. AAI's concession is being renewed for ten years and the other four highest scoring companies must match AAI's standards to be granted concessions. MOUNT RAINIER (14,411 ft) We now have only five positions left on our Mount Rainier programs for 2003. We have three places left on the June 10 - 13 climb and two on the June 30 - July 3 ascent. See the Mount Rainier Ascent and Skills Review program on our web site for registration information. This is a four-day summit climb of the Emmons Glacier. The prerequisites are basic alpine skills and previous glacier climbing experience. We offer a three-day skills course right before the climb if you are rusty with your skills and need a refresher. NOTE: If you call our office after hours (9 am to 5 pm, Pacific Time), please do not leave a message for a reservation. Call us 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. Thanks! MOUNT WHITNEY ASCENT (14,494 ft) The highest peak in the lower 48 states just happens to sport several spectacular alpine climbs on the scenic east side of the mountain. Find out where to get solitude on this popular peak. Read about AAI's newly scheduled Mount Whitney trips for the summer of 2003. Places are quite limited. MT. McKINLEY EXPEDITIONS - A FEW OPENINGS REMAIN Join us for a climb to the summit of North America in late May or June. These are great expeditions on beautiful routes. All trips are closed except for the following openings:
BOLIVIA - SOME OF THE BEST CLIMBING IN THE ANDES Imagine acclimatizing while visiting Machu Picchu in Peru and trekking to other Inca sites in Bolivia, then climbing 17,000 to 21,000 foot peaks on excellent glacier routes in Bolivia's Cordillera Real. Our trips review and advance skills and include a series of high altitude climbs at beginner, intermediate, and advanced technical levels. Choose trip segments to match your interests and vacation length. Our trips run June through September, and each has only two to four openings remaining. FRENCH AND SWISS ALPS Mid July through mid-September is prime time for conditions in the European Alps. We have a few days open for Private Guiding in Chamonix plus the following openings remaining:
GUIDESCHOICE.COM - EQUIPMENT SALE On sale through April. 28th: Black Diamond Momentum Harness ($27.63 / 35% off), AAI Baseball hat ($10.00 / 35% off), and "Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue" by Andy Selters ($14.21 / 25% off).
On sale from April 29 - May 5th: Arc' Teryx Beta AR Jacket ($262.50 / 25%), Black Diamond Verglas Plus Glove ($31.85 / 35%), Mountain Hardwear Crew Shirt ($39.00 - mens; $36.00 - womens / 25%), Mountain Hardwear Zip T ($45.00 - mens; $41.25 - womens / 25%), "Classic Climbs of the Northwest" by Alan Kearney ($17.21 / 25%). Check back every Tuesday for new sale items! Guides Choice Weekly Special. |