Mt. Baker TaiChi Climb Frequently Asked Questions
This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: office@mountainguides.com
What skills do I need to have?
There are no prerequisites for the Mt. Baker TaiChi Seminar. All participants must be in very good physical condition. For several months prior to the start of the climb, training should include long, slow, distance runs over hilly terrain, an hour or more in duration, and at least one outing per week carrying a heavy pack (45-50 pounds) up and down steep hills or stairs. These sessions should gain 2-3,000' over three or more hours. For training suggestions, please review the information provided on our Training for Rainier page »
Who is leading the Mt. Baker TaiChi climb?
The trip will be led by IMG Lead Guide and Mt. Rainier Supervisor, Nickel Wood, with the following relevant credentials: Lead Guide with 12+ years of experience guiding rock, ice, alpine, glacier, and high-altitude climbing. Wilderness First-Responder, RYT-200 Yoga Teacher, 4 years of Study of TaiChi and Qigong and recently completed a 75-hour comprehensive Introduction to TaiChi and learned the Yang 24 form from Grandmaster Ding Mingye at Lexington Healing Arts Academy in Lexington, KY.
How do I get there?
International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations: 425-831-0367 or pirjo.dehart@cttdestinations.com
What's included in the trip cost?
Cost Includes:- dinners and breakfasts on the mountain
- all group equipment including shared tents, stoves, climbing ropes and hardware
- climbing permits.
Cost Does Not Include:
- transportation to the trailhead
- lodging the evening prior to the start of the climb or the last night of the trip
- meals other than breakfasts and dinners on the program.
- required* Travel Insurance
What kind of insurance do I need?
The *Travel Insurance requirement does not apply to IMG customers on programs within the contiguous USA (excluding Alaska) but is strongly encouraged. The trip cancelation insurance protects your financial investment in the climb if you need to cancel, as all IMG fees are non-refundable. The earlier you purchase your insurance, the more options available.