August 16, 2019
Whiteout conditions on Mt. Rainier (Nicole Sims)
If you plan to climb in Mexico, Ecuador, or on Aconcagua this autumn or winter, brush up on your cramponing, ice axe, and rope team travel skills with IMG Lead Guide, Kevin Kayl, before you go. Our last training sessions of the season are just days away and registration is closing. Go prepared!
August 21 – Mountain Day School
August 22 – Advanced Mountain Day School
Email: office@mountainguides.com for details.
Heather Garland
August 16, 2019
One of many reasons to climb in Ecuador (Romulo Cardenas)
Mountaineering shoulder seasons in North America can be challenging with unpredictable and often inclement weather. Lamenting the lack of outdoor activity isn’t going to make you feel any better. However, heading to the equator most definitely will!
We have the perfect itinerary lined up for you, including ascents of Cayambe (18,990′) and Cotopaxi (19,347′). Chimborazo (20,561′) is available as a 3-day extension for the interested and capable climber. Explore cathedrals and sample local cuisine in Quito. Visit the famous Otavalo Market and spend time in the town of Peguche.
Acclimatize with hikes of Fuya Fuya (13,986′) and Imbabura (15,190′) prior to attempting Cayambe. Review basic mountaineering techniques on the slopes of Cayambe and spend two nights at the Oleas-Ruales-Berge Refuge prior to climbing. After our summit attempt, we will drive to the jungle town of Papallacta, where we can soak in the hot springs for which this town is famous.
Cotopaxi, which just may be the most picturesque volcano in the world, is up next. The climbing begins at the Jose F. Ribas Refuge (15,973′) and is followed by a night at the hacienda of La Cienega. Wrap up the trip with a traditional home-cooked meal and celebration at our local Ecuadorean guide’s home and a visit with famed Ecuadorian photographer and explorer, Jorge Anhalzer.
You simply do not want to miss this!
Register today for our November 7-19 trip with Lead Guide, Rikki Dunn!
Heather Garland
August 15, 2019
It’s ice climbing season! Ok, it isn’t quite yet, but it is time to book your dates before they sell out for winter 2020. Located in the San Juan Range of southwestern Colorado, Ouray is one of the few locations in the lower 48 states where quality ice climbing is virtually guaranteed in the winter months – contributing to its nickname,”Ice Climbing Capital of North America.”- and to its popularity. There are only so many permits available, so book early!
For you skiers, ice climbing is the perfect complement to a ski vacation. Telluride is just 47 miles (1 hour drive) away from Ouray. Bring the family skiing, then come spend a few days climbing in the Ice Park with IMG!
The Ouray backcountry is the perfect place for climbers interested in more technical peaks in Alaska, the Alps, and the Himalayas.
Programs run from January 4 through February 28.
Email: office@mountainguides.com to register!
(Watch for our New England dates to be posted soon!)
Heather Garland
August 14, 2019
Machu Picchu from Intipunku (Eric Remza)
Don’t miss out on visiting the ancient city of Machu Picchu this September with IMG Lead Guide, Charlotte Austin! Learn about the Incan culture while you travel the Salkantay route, carrying only a day pack. Spectacular vistas await you on this remote and majestic mountain and historical adventure.
Trip dates: Aug 31 – Sep 9
Email: office@mountainguides.com to sign up while there is still room!
George Dunn
August 13, 2019
2019 Mongolia Team (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)
Our 2019 Mongolia Trip was fantastic! The team of climbers who met in Ulaanbaatar were as good as they get and had an incredible time visiting the Naadam Festival, climbing in the Altai Mountain Range and some climbers decided to visit the Gobi Desert at the end of the trip.
We have designed the 2020 Mongolia program so that you can enjoy the same incredible experiences as the team did this Summer. You can choose to visit the Naadam Festival and then go climb or come in a little later for the climb only portion. If you have more time, why not join for all three parts of the program! If you have a non-climbing partner, not a problem, they are more than welcome to join you for the Naadam Festival or the Gobi Desert Extension. This is an adventure designed for everyone! Let us know if you would like to join our team in Mongolia 2020!
Greg Vernovage
August 9, 2019
It’s time for members of our final Elbrus team of 2019 to head home. Having all stood on the summit, they are a pretty satisfied crew!
IMG teams begin our trip in St. Petersburg and end in Moscow as it’s nice to see as much of this fascinating country as possible. St. Basil’s and Red Square, the GUM and the Kremlin, Sparrow Hill and the University, Old Arbot Street ……… so much to see!
Next year – same time, same place. Elbrus is a fun one of the Seven. A little work, for sure, but a great excuse to go see a bit of Russia. Not a bad combination!
Phil Ershler
August 9, 2019
Mountain weather has a well-deserved reputation for being unpredictable. Forecasts can be helpful, but you often don’t know what you’re going to get until you’re in it. As always, preparation is key. Whether you hire a guide service or not, knowing and understanding the basics of mountaineering will make you a stronger, safer climbing partner. We have a few remaining spots on the following courses:
August 21
Mountain Day School
August 22
Advanced Mountain Day School
August 23-24
Crevasse Rescue School
Email office@mountainguides.com to sign up and look for our 2020 Rainier dates to be posted in early September!
Heather Garland
August 7, 2019
The Team has made it back to La Paz for a well deserved shower, drink and a celebration dinner tonight. Congratulations to all of the climbers who went down to Bolivia for some great climbing. They enjoyed beautiful weather for all of the climbs and took advantage of the weather by climbing three great mountains. All that is left is to say thank you to our Bolivian Staff and get packed up tomorrow for early morning flights home.
Let us know if you would like to join the Team in Bolivia in 2020!
Greg Vernovage
August 6, 2019
Time in Terskol and the Baksan Valley is coming to an end. Team has been hiking in some pretty good weather and plans another sauna tonight. Moscow is just ahead and everyone’s looking forward to visiting a city which they’ve heard about since childhood. Exciting stuff.
Phil Ershler
August 6, 2019
IMG Senior Guide Harry Hamlin just called from Base Camp on Illimani after some great climbing to the summit of Illimani (21,200’). Harry said the weather was perfect and the team did very well this morning. It is always great to hear that the Bolivia Team went 3 for 3 during the trip and even better news when we hear the team is now all back to Base Camp safe and sound. The team will celebrate and sleep the rest of the afternoon and evening before heading to the trailhead in the morning. Our staff in Bolivia always does a great job putting a little extra into the climb of Illimani by having a barbecue ready for when the team gets down.
Greg Vernovage
