Rainier Climb and Glacier Skills Course

• Extra days built into the schedule for summit flexibility and acclimatization
• Learn the necessary skills to climb glaciated high altitude mountains
• High guide to client ratio for personalized instruction

A successful ascent of Mt. Rainier is an incredible achievement and the slopes provide an excellent training ground for skills practice and foundation for general mountaineering experience. It is one of the most classic of all North American climbs and a superb training ground for developing or refreshing mountaineering/glacier travel skills. The summit of Rainier is 14,410’ (4392m) above sea level.

The guides at Mountain Professionals are experts at making sure you have a fun, safe and seamless trip. It’s an excellent company to work with regardless of your background or experience level! Orion O. Mt. Rainier

It is a true big mountain, one that rises from the surrounding plains rather dramatically so it is exposed to all the usual weather changes one would expect on a mountain of such height, therefore we want to be mentally prepared for all conditions while on the mountain. The first day hiking on the lower sections can range from hot, wearing just trekking pants and a light long sleeve shirt, all the way to freezing at night in camp. Rain or freezing rain is also a possibility on the lower days. If you follow the gear list and come prepared with everything we recommend, then you will be ready for anything the mountain will throw our way from an environmental standpoint.

You guys were spectacular. Still can’t get over how prepared and committed you were to our success. Looking forward to future adventures together. Geoffrey G. Mt. Rainier

The Disappointment Cleaver Route is a considered a moderate technical climbing route because we travel in rope teams and the guides may use snow protection during certain sections, but the actual climbing is straightforward and can be ascended with proper crampon and ice axe techniques, which you will learn or review on the course. The route travels amongst crevassed glaciers, ridges and snow slopes of a moderate angle. The rest of the route is low angle to moderately steep ice and snow. It will require climbers to be fit and motivated day to day to get ourselves in position at the Muir camp to make a successful ascent to the summit.

• Day 1: Arrive in Ashford WA. Our team will meet at the guides hotel for a trip orientation, packing for the climb and personal gear check
• Day 2: Meet in the morning at the Paradise Parking Lot. Climbers can carpool or share rides up to the trailhead parking lot. Begin the hike up to Camp Muir 10,188 ft (3,105 m). Along the way, we will discuss pacing, step kicking, rest step, and pressure breathing skills. Camping in tents at Camp Muir
• Day 3: Focus on the mountaineering skills needed to ascend Mt. Rainier and other glaciated peaks. A general snow school covering skills such as footwork, crampon skills, ice axe use, self arrest with an ice axe, rope team travel and basic introduction to snow anchors and knots. We will gain some altitude on this day in order to further acclimatize
• Day 4: Early morning departure for the summit of Mt. Rainier. We will focus our climb on the Disappointment Cleaver Route to the Summit and then return to our tents to sleep at Camp Muir
• Day 5: Early a.m. pack camp and descend to Paradise and end of program

Price Includes:

• Mountain Professionals Guides / Instructors
• Team equipment (group climbing gear, cooking equipment, mountain tents, etc.)
• Breakfasts and Dinners expedition (see day to day schedule for more detail)
• Comprehensive First Aid Kit and Wilderness First Responder Guide Staff
• Communication, on mountain radios and team dispatches

Price Does Not Include:

• Personal Transportation to Paradise Parking Lot Trailhead
• Lodging in Ashford
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal snack food and lunches on the mountain
• National Park Service Recovery Fee ($51 paid prior to Park Service)