American Alpine Institute - Second Summits Program

Second Summits Program

AAI's unique Second Summits program gives you a second chance at a missed summit for 20% to 50% off the original cost. Weather, fatigue, and even the common cold can cut short what would have been a successful summit climb. Unique in the international guiding industry, AAI's Second Summits program can help get you back on the mountain for another shot at the top.

All Programs

Listed below are the trips that are part of the Second Summits program. Each has slightly different limitations and requirements, so be sure to examine the details carefully for the course, ascent, or expedition that you are joining. AAI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to deny further participation in its programs (Second Summits or any program) to a participant because of issues related to fitness, performance, health, or social interaction that could adversely impact a group. AAI will not accept responsibility of any expenses incurred (including but not limited to transportation expenses) in the event that a program is cancelled. The rules listed below may change without notice, but rules in effect at the time that your registration and deposit are received are the rules that will apply to your Second Summits program. All program departures are subject to the meeting of minimum participation requirements.

Alpinism 1 - Intro (WA Cascades - 6 days)

If you are unable to summit Mt. Baker, you can register for an Intro to Alpinism program (WA Cascades - 6 days) for half-price. In that program, we normally summit Baker on Day #5 or Day #6. Register for any program from May through September with the full 50% payment. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket (if you are flying to the Cascades) to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Part 1: Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership (WA Cascades - 12 days)

Alpine Ice Climbing (WA Cascades - 6 days)

If you are unable to summit Mt. Baker, your 2nd program is half-price. Register for any program from May through September with the full 50% payment. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket (if you are flying to the Cascades) to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Expedition Training and Denali Prep (WA Cascades only - 6 days)

Mt. Baker Ascent (WA Cascades - 3 days)

Mt. Whitney - Skills and Ascent (CA Sierra - 3 or 4 days)

If you are unable to summit Mt. Whitney, your 2nd program is half-price. Register for any program from May through September with the full 50% payment. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket (if you are flying to the Sierra) to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Sierra Mountaineering and Leadership (CA Sierra - 9 days)

If you are unable to summit at least two peaks, your 2nd program is half-price. Register for any program from May through September with the full 50% payment. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket (if you are flying to the Sierra) to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Denali West Buttress Expedition (Alaska Range - 21 days)

If you are unable to summit, your second expedition is either 20% or 40% off:

Sign up anytime and receive 20% off the normal rate, or sign up six weeks or less prior to the beginning of an expedition and receive 40% off the normal rate. There is normally a limit of one spot per expedition for those using the 2nd summits 20% program and one spot for those using the 40% program.

Bolivia Parts 2A and 2B - Alpine Mountaineering and Ascents (10 days)

If you are unable to summit two peaks or if you are unable to summit Huayna Potosi, your second program is 40% off. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Bolivia Part 3 - Illimani Expedition (5 days)

If you are unable to summit Illimani, your second expedition is 40% off. You will need to also repeat Bolivia Part 2 or accomplish similarly thorough acclimatization on your own immediately before heading to Illimani. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Ecuador - Cayambe and Cotopaxi (10 days)

If you are unable to summit either Cayambe or Cotopaxi, your second expedition is 40% off. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Ecuador - Chimborazo (5 days)

If you are unable to summit Chimborazo, your second expedition is 40% off. You will need to also repeat the Cayambe-Cotopaxi trip to get adequately acclimatized (40% discount with the same rules as this trip) or join an Illiniza-Antisana Expedition at the regular rate. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, all programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Ecuador - Illiniza-Antisana (10 days)

If you are unable to summit either Illiniza or Antisana, your second expedition is 40% off. The normal refund and cancellation policies apply. As always, programs are subject to minimum participation, so check with us before buying your air ticket to make sure we have reached that minimum level.

Note: Please call us at 800-424-2249 for Second Summits information on other programs.