Mt. Shasta, CA

Celebrate on the summit

Trip Information:

Location: Cascades, California
Summit Elevation: 14,179 ft. (4322m)
Days: 4
Dates: Summer 2012 Dates Up Soon
Skill Level: All Levels - School and Climb
Maximum Group Size: 8 Clients
Cost of Trip: USD $700

Trip Description:

Mt Shasta: Climbers practicing crevasse rescue
Climbers practicing crevasse rescueAt 14,179 feet (4,322 meters), Mount Shasta is the second highest peak in the Cascades Range and an excellent training ground for larger climbs around the world. We are pleased to offer this exciting new Introduction to Mountaineering 4-Day Program to our lineup of trips. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone with an interest in learning to climb big mountain peaks, to gain valuable mountain climbing skills and have the opportunity to bag a major peak.

The trip offers is an excellent introduction to the basic mountain skills required to safely ascend glaciated mountain routes. During this four day program we cover basic mountaineering techniques such as ice axe and crampon use, self-arrests, snow and glacier travel skills, basic rope work and knots, and crevasse rescue techniques. This is an expedition style program where clients will learn skills each day and will culminate with a climb to the summit of Mount Shasta. We recommend arriving at least one day prior to the start date of your climb and plan on staying the night when you return from the mountain.

Mt Shasta: Learning good footwork
Learning good footworkThe final challenge is a summit climb on the Hotlum-Bolam Ridge, Shasta's northeast aspect which provides incredible scenery while crossing expansive glaciers. Designed for the aspiring mountaineer who wants to establish a solid foundation of mountain skills capped with an alpine start en route to Shasta's summit.

Upon sign up you will receive a detailed information packet including an equipment list of necessary gear specifically for the trip. Everything on the list is essential for your trip, both for your comfort and summit success. There is a gear rental shop located in the town of Shasta. Depending on your personal gear, you will probably have from 35 â€“ 45 lbs. to carry to camp. Each teammate will share in carrying some of the group gear, so plan to add a little to your total for the carry to base camp. (This may include a portion of a tent, a stove, some food, etc.) It's very important to have proper equipment, so if you have any questions please call or email and we're sure we can help.

Your instructors will provide the main meals - breakfasts and dinners - you will be responsible to bring plenty of your favorite snacks for the hike to base camp, the climb, lunches and rest breaks the on mountain days.

Projected Itinerary:

Day 1: 9:00 a.m. meeting in the town of Shasta for packing and discussion on group gear and to rent any personal equipment. Thorough gear check. 10:00 a.m. transport to the trailhead (7000 ft.) and begin hiking to reach (9,500 ft.) Camp. Basic skills overview and camp set up and overnight in tents.

Day 2: Thorough skills day, covering fundamentals of climbing techniques, ice axe and crampon use, team rope travel and team arrest, basic glacier travel, and crevasse rescue techniques. Return for dinner and briefing, early to bed in tents.

Day 3: Early a.m. departure (Alpine Start) for summit climb. Climb to the summit as a team with the instructors and return to camp for early evening dinner and last sunset from high on the mountain.

Day 4: Morning pack up camp, discuss further skills and descend to trailhead for transport back to town.