PRICE
$1495
SCHEDULE
April 11 – April 16, 2021
April 25 – April 30, 2021
DETAILS
Grade: Beginner
6 Day Course
Talk to an ADVENTURE expert
425.749.7421
OVERVIEW
Learn how to prepare for a big mountain expedition on the most glaciated peak in the Lower 48 States. Our 6-Day Expedition Training Course uses Mount Rainier as a classroom while teaching aspiring mountaineers the advanced climbing and logistical skills needed for expeditions to Denali, Aconcagua and the Himalaya. You will learn to navigate in the mountains and build a secure expedition snow camp while practicing the essentials of glacier mountaineering, including: crampon and ice axe technique, climbing on snow, self-arrest, snow anchors, rope team travel, crevasse rescue and more. Depending on mountain conditions, we will use snowshoes and sleds for travel. This course gives you the essential skills needed to travel safely and independently in the glaciated mountain environment.
Mount Rainier Expedition Training • 6 Day Course
Our Expedition Training course includes breakfast, dinner and hot drinks on the mountain. To minimize pack weight, we use the lightest available, high-quality mountaineering tents, stoves and group equipment. We meet in Ashford for an equipment check and orientation on the first morning of the course. The next day we make our way to the trailhead and ascend to our basecamp. Each day is dedicated to learning expedition mountaineering skills. On Day Four we ascend to Camp Muir. On Day Six we return to the trailhead.
Expedition Training School Curriculum
- Rest step, step kicking and pressure breathing
- Ice axe techniques and self arrest training
- Crampon usage and techniques
- Glacier travel, climbing as a rope team
- Introduction to snow & ice anchors
- Crevasse rescue
- Basic climbing knots & hitches
- Ascending fixed lines
- Belaying, rappelling, rope management
- Mountain navigation
- Establishing a secure expedition snow camp
- Traveling with snowshoes and sleds
- Leave No Trace skills
- Climb to Camp Muir
- Discussion topics will include: Clothing and equipment, packing a backpack, mountain weather, glaciology, acclimatization, route finding, snow camp skills. Our professional guides will follow the above curriculum, introducing the essential mountaineering skills for a successful summit climb.
Muir Snowfield
- Approach Time to Camp Muir: 5-6+ hours
- Distance: 4.5 miles, 4800 ft. gain
- Trailhead: Paradise Meadow, 5400 ft.
- Panorama Point Basecamp: 6,000 – 6,300 ft.
- Elevation Gain to Basecamp: 900 feet
- Camp Muir: 10,188 ft.
- Total Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
- Pack Weight: 50-60 lbs. trailhead to High Camp, 20 lbs. to Camp Muir
- Trail synopsis: Our route begins at Paradise Meadows gaining elevation moderately until reaching our basecamp near tree line around 6,000 feet. The trail is snow covered during the spring season so we will utilize snow shoes and sleds for travel. We continue our climb to Camp Muir, taking a break near split rock between 7,600 – 7,800 feet. From here we ascend snow, kicking steps and moderately gaining elevation to our second (8,600 ft.) and third breaks reaching the top of Moon Rocks at 9,200 feet. We take our final break shortly before reaching Camp Muir.
Need help choosing a trip?
Read our Four-Legged Stool blog post for tips on finding the right adventure for you.
Related courses: 3 Day Mount Baker Intro to Mountaineering, 5 Day Mount Baker Glacier Mountaineering, 6 Day Mount Rainier Expedition Training, 2 Day Mount Baker Crevasse Rescue and Ice Climbing, 4 Day North Cascades Alpine Mountaineering Skills, 2-3 Mount Washington Winter Intro, 2-4 Day Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing, 2-5 Smith Rock Intro to Sport Climbing, Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Course Highlights
- A full day of mountaineering training and acclimatization to prepare you for the climb to Camp Muir.
- A full day to develop advanced glacier mountaineering skills including anchors and crevasse rescue.
- Professional instruction from Northwest Alpine Guides staff.
- Small teams for a personalized experience. Many of our courses are guided with a maximum of six climbers and two guides.
- Breakfast, dinner and hot drinks are provided on the mountain.
- A comprehensive expedition training course in the spectacular scenery of Mount Rainier National Park.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 • Orientation
Day 2 • Hike to Camp
Day 3 • Intro Mountaineering School
Day 4 • Climb to Camp Muir
Day 5 • Expedition Training School
Day 6 • Hike to Trailhead
Qualifications
This ascent is an entry level summit climb and is suitable for climbers in excellent physical condition with no prior mountaineering experience. A full day of introductory skills training is included in the program. No extra acclimatization is necessary for this program. Read our Goals and Fitness page for recommendations on how to best physically prepare for this adventure.
4 to 1 Climber to Guide Ratio
We lead the Mount Rainier Expedition Training at a 4 to 1 climber to guide ratio ensuring that you receive personal attention and hands-on instruction throughout the climb.
Northwest Alpine Guides is an authorized special use permit holder in Mount Rainier National Park
ITINERARY
Course begins and ends in Mount Rainier National Park
Plan to arrive the day before the course begins.
Day 1 • Course Orientation
Northwest Alpine Guides will provide you with a detailed PreClimb departure book upon registration including personal gear list, meeting location and driving directions.
Our alpine guides will meet you for team introductions, a thorough gear check, group gear distribution and discussions on expedition packing. On Day One and throughout the course our guides will host thorough discussions on various mountaineering topics.
Accommodations are not included: Overnight in Ashford, WA
Meals Included: None
Day 2 • Hike to Basecamp
The hike to basecamp takes 2 to 3 hours. The team will set camp between 6,000 and 6,300 feet depending on conditions. After setting up camp, your guides will continue instruction as time allows. We prepare dinner and relax for the evening with views of the extensive Nisqually Glacier and the south side of Mount Rainier.
Vertical gain climbing: 600-900 feet
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Dinner (D)
Day 3 • Intro to Mountaineering School
Today we learn mountaineering fundamentals. Instruction includes snow climbing, ice axe and crampon technique, self-arrest and team arrest, rope travel and basic knots and anchors.
Each team member will be assessed throughout the mountaineering school. You will need to demonstrate adequate fitness and proficiency in climbing skills as your safety is our priority.
After mountaineering training, we return to camp and prepare for our climb to Camp Muir. The team enjoys dinner and goes to bed early for the next day’s climb.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)
Day 4 • Climb to Camp Muir • 10,188 feet
We gain 3,400 feet over 5 to 6 hours as we ascend the Muir Snowfield to Camp Muir, where we set up our tents on the edge of the Cowlitz Glacier. During the afternoon guides will continue instruction as time allows.
Vertical gain climbing: 3,400 feet
Climbing time: 5 to 6 hours
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)
Day 5 • Expedition Training School
Today our curriculum moves into advanced glacier mountaineering skills needed for big mountain expedition climbing. We learn navigation, crevasse rescue, snow and ice protection, ascending fixed lines, belaying, rappelling, and rope management.
Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)
Day 6 • Hike to Trailhead
After enjoying breakfast, we wrap up our skills training and break camp. Then we retrace our hike back to the trailhead. We usually arrive back at the trailhead by early afternoon and conclude our adventure in Ashford.
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)
Plan to depart the day after the course ends.
Itinerary Notes
Northwest Alpine Guides makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
DETAILS
Where to Meet
At 11:00 a.m. on the morning of the climb, we meet in Ashford, WA, for an equipment check and orientation. We will email you detailed PreClimb information including a gear list and full departure details upon receiving your registration.
Deposit and Payments
- $1000.00 deposit includes a $1000.00 non-refundable registration fee, due with application.
- Balance due 120 days prior to start date.
- The balance can be paid by check, or credit card.
Price Includes
- Guided course and instruction
- Scheduled meals on the mountain (breakfast, dinner, hot drinks)
- Professional mountain guide
- Group equipment (including tents, ropes, stoves, sleds, etc.)
- Wilderness Permits
Price Does Not Include
- Transportation
- National Park entrance fee
- Lunch and snack food
- Personal gear
- Hotels or lodging
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Medical and evacuation coverage
- Staff gratuities
Guides
Our instructors are highly skilled professional guides who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patience, and supportive teaching styles. They are dedicated to a climbing lifestyle, and collectively have climbed throughout the earth’s major mountain ranges. Our guides are friendly, very willing to share their own experiences, and can help you develop a plan to achieve your own climbing ambitions. All our guides carry current certification in wilderness first aid.
Tipping
Our guides are dedicated mountain professionals who work hard to ensure your success and wellbeing on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Tips normally average 10 – 20% of the cost of the program. If you prefer to transfer funds electronically, please send gratuities through paypal.me/mountaingurus
Summit Attempt
Our course goal is to learn and practice foundational mountaineering skills. As such, a summit attempt is not one of our goals.
Age Guidelines
Participants age 16 & 17: May participate in fixed-date group itineraries if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
All minor climbers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the entirety of the program. If either the minor climber or the guardian needs to descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that all participants consider travel and trip cancellation insurance after making a deposit. Travel insurance offers the best protection in the event of a sudden, unexpected illness, an injury prior to or while traveling, or a possible family emergency.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. Northwest Alpine Guides does not insure you against these risks. We ask that you consult your travel insurance carrier directly with questions.
For more info about current coverage plans and quotes please visit.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance
Travel, evacuation and rescue coverage designed for adventure travelers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit)
Global Rescue
We recommend Signature Travel Insurance. For travel insurance or Global Rescue membership.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Global Rescue
Date Changes
Date changes are not available for this departure.
Cancellations
Since departures require a minimum number of participants, Northwest Alpine Guides must adhere to a stringent refund policy. The policy is intended to protect participants who have otherwise committed time and resources to the departure. Please read our Online Reservation for Terms and Conditions.
MEALS
During the Mount Rainier Expedition Training Course, Northwest Alpine Guides will provide group meals consisting of four (4) breakfasts and four (4) dinners. You will need to provide your own lunch and snack food on the mountain.
Mountain Lunches
We recommend that you bring a variety of snack food to eat while moving. On each day, we will encourage you to eat at regular, short maintenance breaks, roughly once every hour. These snacks can be critical for maintaining a steady supply of energy while moving up and down the mountain. We will not stop for a big lunch break.
Some examples of snack foods include dried meats (salami), jerky (turkey, beef, fish), tuna fish, cheese, crackers, bagels, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, candy bars, gummy candy, cookies, energy bars and trail mix.
We cannot overstate how critical it is for you to bring foods that you enjoy eating. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength in the mountains. We recommend a selection of sweet, sour and salty food.
When preparing lunches, please do not bring food items that require cooking or extensive preparation.
Day 1: Course orientation
No meals provided
Day 2: Lunch & snacks for hike from trailhead to basecamp
Two or three 15-minute lunch & snack breaks
Day 3: Lunch & snacks for mountaineering school
8-hour training includes a 30-minute lunch break, two 15-minute snack breaks
Day 4: Lunch & snacks for climb to Camp Muir
Three or four 15-minute snack breaks on the ascent from high camp to Camp Muir, two 15-minute snack breaks on the descent from Camp Muir to high camp
Day 5: Lunch & snacks for mountaineering school
8-hour training includes a 30-minute lunch break, two 15-minute snack breaks
Day 6: Remaining snacks for the descent to trailhead
Group Meals
Here is an example of meal items NWAG provides and our guides will prepare during group breakfasts and dinners.
Breakfast: Oatmeal, Bagels, Pop Tarts, and Granola Bars
Dinner: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Pasta, Noodles, Tortellini, Rice, Beans, Vegetables, Tasty Bites, Cheese
Hot Drinks: Coffee, Caffeinated Tea, Herbal Tea
Meal Concerns
For those with special meal concerns we recommend bringing food to supplement the pre-planned group meals we provide. We can accommodate most common food allergies. We do not serve fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, milk or egg. For vegetarian diets, we are easily able to leave out the meat before serving group meals.
Northwest Alpine Guides is unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or other special meal concerns.
TRAVEL
Getting There
At 10:00 a.m. the morning of the course, we meeting in Ashford, WA. We will email you PreClimb info including gear list and departure details upon registration.
Flight Travel
Most climbers will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before the program and rent a car for the hour and forty-five minute drive to Ashford, Washington. Please note that Seattle traffic is worsening and driving times from Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport may be significantly longer.
Our Northwest programs begin at the date, time and meeting location listed in the itinerary in your PreClimb Information. Meeting locations may vary depending on program destination. Climbers flying to Washington State must arrive the day before their program begins in order the meet the group for an early morning gear check and orientation. Return times on the final day of the program are difficult to predict. We strongly recommend that climbers book a hotel night following the final day of their itinerary and schedule departure flights on the following day. If departing on the last day of the program, we recommend booking a flight later than 10 pm.
Transportation
Transportation between the meeting location and the trailhead is not included in the price of the trip. Guides are not responsible for providing transportation to team members. We serve both local and out-of-town climbers in our Northwest programs, and many of our guests prefer to use their own vehicles. Team members are free to organize rideshares with other team members. With your permission, our office staff can share your name and contact information with other team members so that you can organize ridesharing. The NWAG office does not coordinate ridesharing or carpooling and we are unable to share customer or guide contact information due to privacy concerns. In rare cases, Northwest Alpine Guides staff may provide limited transportation between the trailhead and Sedro-Woolley / Seattle / Bellevue as a fee service.
Mountain Weather
For updated North Cascades weather forecasts, click here.
