MT. RAINIER BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE
Ashford, Washington (back)
5 DAY / 4 NIGHT
Mount Rainier, at 14,410 feet, is the most extensively glaciated volcanic peak in the continental United States. It offers limitless mountaineering possibilities to both aspiring and experienced mountaineers. The combination of high altitude, various route choices, and Northwest weather make this a truly unique experience.
Here is your chance to learn basic technical mountaineering skills, and put them to practice as you ascend one of the lower 48’s toughest mountains! We are taking this course as a private group (max 6) to ensure that we get plenty of instructor time. This will also allow us to camp on the mountain (instead of sharing a bunkhouse with a ton of other people), and take an extra day for acclimatization and / or bad weather delays.
DAY 1
Upon arrival in Ashford, it is recommended that all parties stay at Whittaker’s bunkhouse the night before so that you will be close by for the early start to the day.
DAY 2, 3 & 4
Early in the morning we don ropes, crampons, helmets, and grab our ice axes. Our route begins as we zing and
zag through the many crevasses of the mountain. It is truly a spectacular climb, and one that you are likely to remember for a while to come. As we make our ascent, we climb steadily for one to two hours at a stretch followed by a 10 to 15 minute break.
The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of the year, the route conditions, the weather during our climb, the temperature, etc. Those variables often affect our arrival time, which might vary dramatically from climb to climb.
The summit of Mount Rainier is very spectacular. A large crater dominates the summit, with steam rising out of the cavernous summit vents. The bare ground near the summit, even in the winter, will be warm to the touch. Columbia Crest, at 14,410 feet, is the highest point in Washington. After spending some time on top (depending on the weather), we begin the descent. This takes about half the time of the ascent, and also requires significant effort. (Accidents are traditionally recognized as more likely to occur descents.) Once back at camp, the group will take a break to pack for the final hike to Ashford.
These 3 nights will be spent camping on the mountain. On the mountain you’ll be camping, and there is even an opportunity to be group chef!
DAY 5
Upon return to Ashford, prepare to return home.
Activities:
You’ll learn Crampon use, Traveling as a rope team, Ice travel, Self-arrest, Pressure breathing and Rest stepping. You will be required to supply some of your own equipment (much of which can be rented) from a supplied gear list.
Ashford, Washington (back)
5 DAY / 4 NIGHT
Mount Rainier, at 14,410 feet, is the most extensively glaciated volcanic peak in the continental United States. It offers limitless mountaineering possibilities to both aspiring and experienced mountaineers. The combination of high altitude, various route choices, and Northwest weather make this a truly unique experience.
Here is your chance to learn basic technical mountaineering skills, and put them to practice as you ascend one of the lower 48’s toughest mountains! We are taking this course as a private group (max 6) to ensure that we get plenty of instructor time. This will also allow us to camp on the mountain (instead of sharing a bunkhouse with a ton of other people), and take an extra day for acclimatization and / or bad weather delays.
DAY 1
Upon arrival in Ashford, it is recommended that all parties stay at Whittaker’s bunkhouse the night before so that you will be close by for the early start to the day.
DAY 2, 3 & 4
Early in the morning we don ropes, crampons, helmets, and grab our ice axes. Our route begins as we zing and
The duration of the climb depends on many variables including snow conditions, the time of the year, the route conditions, the weather during our climb, the temperature, etc. Those variables often affect our arrival time, which might vary dramatically from climb to climb.
The summit of Mount Rainier is very spectacular. A large crater dominates the summit, with steam rising out of the cavernous summit vents. The bare ground near the summit, even in the winter, will be warm to the touch. Columbia Crest, at 14,410 feet, is the highest point in Washington. After spending some time on top (depending on the weather), we begin the descent. This takes about half the time of the ascent, and also requires significant effort. (Accidents are traditionally recognized as more likely to occur descents.) Once back at camp, the group will take a break to pack for the final hike to Ashford.
These 3 nights will be spent camping on the mountain. On the mountain you’ll be camping, and there is even an opportunity to be group chef!
DAY 5
Upon return to Ashford, prepare to return home.
Activities:
You’ll learn Crampon use, Traveling as a rope team, Ice travel, Self-arrest, Pressure breathing and Rest stepping. You will be required to supply some of your own equipment (much of which can be rented) from a supplied gear list.
