“The best view of one’s soul is… from beyond the edge of looking back” – Unknown

Our Philosophy

At Appalachian Mountain Institute, we want to provide quality service, excellence in instruction, and an experience tailored to fit with our clients’ climbing needs.   Whether teaching a beginner to climb, or an advanced climber to lead, AMI employees will strive to create a unique experience that embodies our own transformational climbing experiences.  Each employee is a member of the AMI family who will respect each other, clients and the spirit of the mountains.  Each guide willingly imparts his or her knowledge and skills graciously, with a kindred spirit, without contempt or rank, in order to promote growth among all.

•    All Senior guides have seven to thirty years of climbing experience
•    All climbing guides are AMGA certified
•    All climbing guides at AMI continually receive professional development training
•    AMI is fully insured and permitted by the Pisgah National Forest and Red River Gorge Kentucky

“The mountains help to reawaken forgotten dreams.”  – Gaston Rebuffet

Experience

Experience is a hard teacher; she gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.  AMI selects guides who have been climbing for seven years or longer.  This extended time allows for the development of judgment in an extremely wide range of conditions.  There is no substitute for experience and it is an essential component for sound judgment in the mountains.

“We were two men in a land of stone and we walked toward the same star.  I was happy to be on the drus, but here as elsewhere, my happiness was to lead a companion.  What would a guide be without someone to lead? Good weather, bad weather, easy, difficult, I need to sing the same tune as he.  That was the gift of our mountains.  Climbing to the summit, one man does his job, another is on vacation and the luxury of their efforts is friendship.” – Gaston Rebuffet

American Mountain Guides Association

Climbing experience is an essential component for guiding, but proper training and evaluation is necessary to complete the skills of a climbing guide.  AMI climbing guides are trained and certified by the AMGA.  Ask for AMGA certified guides when hiring.  To learn more, go to the AMGA website.

“Their lives are linked by a love and profession to the mountains, and their company will enhance the experience of all those who wish to approach the mountains and learn.”                                                 – Peter Boardman

Leave No Trace

Appalachian Mountain Institute promotes LNT ethics while in the mountains.  The mountains are a valuable resource that we can ill afford to abuse.  Our children will benefit from our responsible use of the land and it is our goal to minimize impact and promote sustainable practices.

“The best climber is the one who is having the most fun” – Alex Lowe

Community Outreach

AMI strives to reach others and introduce the wilderness experience to the next generation.  AMI sponsors the Adventure for Kids Program, an outreach program designed to take local kids climbing, who may not get an opportunity otherwise.  To learn more, go to Adventure for Kids.