Learn from one of the nations top mountaineering and alpine climbing schools

Mountaineering is pure adventure. Alpine climbing and mountaineering encompass the full range of mountain climbing disciplines including rock climbing, ice climbing, and snow climbing in an "alpine" or high mountain environment.

Our Sierra Nevada & Mt. Whitney mountaineering courses & guided climbs are carefully designed to guide & train mountain climbers of all ability levels to move efficiently through alpine terrain, whether on rock, snow, or ice. We will train you in the mountain skills needed to help you achieve your mountain climbing goals, whether it be simply to experience a local peak or to climb some of the world's great mountains.

As California’s largest mountain guiding service, we are able to offer guided climbs and mountaineering courses throughout the Golden State from Mount Shasta and Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney

Why train for climbing with California Alpine Guides?

• California’s top mountaineering school with a 5-star Tripadvisor rating & Travelers’ Choice Award

• A more personalized learning experience at a fantastic value

• We provide most of your gear at no extra cost… on most climbs, all you need are your clothes! Unlike some other companies, we don’t “nickel and dime” you with extra charges for food and gear*

• Learn world standard techniques from American Mountain Guides Assoc. trained or certified lead mountain guides

• Small group sizes and individualized attention

Winter Mountaineering Courses & Climbs

These are our most popular winter mountain climbing courses. We've been running these winter mountaineering courses in the High Sierra of California for over ten years. Receive top-notch mountaineering training, including avalanche awareness, in all aspects of alpine winter mountaineering from a professional AMGA trained mountain guide.

Technical Winter Mountaineering Courses

Ice Climbing Classes

Our ice climbing courses are run in the Lee Vining and June Lake area in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The ice in the cold canyons of the Lee Vining and June Lake offers some of the best and most consistent waterfall ice climbing on the West Coast. Receive ice climbing training from our professional ice climbing guides right here in California.

Sierra Nevada Summer Mountaineering Courses & Guided Alpine Climbs

Our mountain-climbing courses during the summer in the Sierra Nevada and on Mount Shasta, are great all-round training for mountaineering and alpine climbing as they provide year-round snow and glaciers to give you a full mountain climbing experience. Our mountain climbing courses are designed to help you climb mountains on your own or to join us on one of our international mountaineering expeditions. Our professional AMGA trained and/or certified mountain guides will show you the way!

Sierra Nevada Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering Courses

Beginner mountaineering courses

Advanced Alpine Climbing Courses and Climbs

Mt. Whitney Guided Climbs

Mt. Whitney, at 14,495 feet, is the highest peak in the lower 48 states and offers fantastic mountaineering and technical rock climbing. John Muir, who made the first ascent of Mt. Whitney’s mountaineer’s route once said the trail is for “soft and succulent people”. Skip the Mt. Whitney trail and find true adventure on Mt. Whitney’s East Face and Mountaineer’s Routes with guidance from a professional AMGA trained mountain guide.

Summer Mt Whitney Climbs

Winter Mt. Whitney Climbs

Sierra Nevada Guided Alpine Climbs

We guide alpine rock climbs throughout the entire High Sierra and are your best source for guided climbs in the Sierra Nevada. From one-day beginner climbs to high end technical rock climbs, let us show you what our home range has to offer. Below are just a few of the High Sierra peaks that we are able to guide. We can guide most peaks throughout the High Sierra so if you have something in mind please contact us!