American Alpine Institute group program - thoughts?

A friend of mine and I are signing up for a 6 day (beginner) alpine mountaineering course with AAI. I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with AAI and could offer any opinions about their course (http://mtnguide.com/programs/bam.htm). We're both experienced backpackers, but novices to moutaineering and this seems like a good way to get started.

TIA,

Just make sure you are in really good shape so you can enjoy it and take advantage of the training. Stuff doesn't stay in your head very well when all of your blood is going to your thighs. You will likely benefit from both sprint and endurance training. As jeff Smoot says, you got no business above 10,000 ft if you can't run a 10K. Step machines or running stairs will help with those all important thigh muscles.

I can't advise on dates as we have had a very wierd snow season so far this year, as in very little snow. In fact, I got a call this morning from a friend suggesting that we try Hood on Wednesday since that will be the magical 5th day of high pressure clear weather. What is odd is that we've had a half dozen of these 5 clear day periods this winter, as opposed to a typical winter where it rains every frickin day.

Thanks!

I have not added running to my fitness program (yet), but I do get in about 60 mins of vigorous racquetball and 45 mins of vigorous cardio (stairs, elliptical, bike) 4-5 days a week. I've thought about doing some endurance running to replace a bit of the cardio. I also do strength training 3-4 days a week.

Mark

I took a couple of classes from them back in the 70's and they were outstanding. Learned a lot and had a great time - I ended up doing rec climbs with my instructor later. The place is still run by Dunham Gooding and unless his standards have dropped they should still be A-1.

Dave Sparks