January 29, 2019
January 29, 2019
Mt Whitney (14,495’) in California’s Sierra Nevada is the highest peak in the lower 48. IMG only climbs it in the spring, before the crowds, and only by the Mountaineer’s Route! With terrain up to 45°, this is truly a mountaineer’s challenge.
Email: office@mountainguides.com and sign up today!
January 29, 2019
Mt Rainier National Park is open as far as Longmire, but the road to Paradise is not yet open to the public. The weather was nice yesterday (Monday) and the NPS managed to get a good start on plowing the Paradise Parking Lot, which is covered by about 5 feet of snow that has fallen since plowing ceased December 22. The Mt Rainier weather report for the next couple days looks good, so hopefully the Park road crew will be able to finish the job soon. We are expecting the snow to start falling again by the end of the week.
IMG is looking forward to our upcoming programs on the mountain with an AIARE Level 1 avalanche course February 8-10 and a Denali Expedition Seminar February 16-22. All systems are go for these programs!
Eric Simonson & George Dunn
January 29, 2019
The next Aconcagua team hit the road this morning to Penitentes. Rikki Dunn and Martin Lucero are at the helm. With a small team of five, this is certainly going to be a special experience. This is Rikki’s second trip on Aconcagua this season, I guess he just can’t get enough.
Now that all the food packing and gear prep has been completed it’s time to start making their way to basecamp. The van ride to Penitentes is a pretty one; once the team arrives they will finalize mule loads and wrap up today with a big plate of food and maybe a glass of wine.
Tomorrow morning everybody will switch out their flip flops and sandals for a pair of hiking boots and hit the trail. First stop along the way to basecamp is Pampa de Leñas.
Luke Reilly
January 28, 2019
If you missed this excellent Carstensz Pyramid Trip Report written by IMG Lead Guide, Jonathan Schrock, when we first published it, here’s another chance! We’re sure you’ll agree, Carstensz Pyramid is nothing short of an absolute adventure. You don’t have to take our word for it though, email Greg Vernovage: Everest@MountainGuides.com and come see for yourself!
January 24, 2019
If someone falls into Lake Titicaca, it is tradition not to rescue them but to let them drown as an offering to the Earth Goddess Pachamama. Legend has it that the first Inca rose from the lake’s depths. We will visit Lake Titicaca before heading to the Cordillera Real Mountain Range to climb 3 great peaks. We still have space available on both of our Bolivia trips happening this summer.
You have questions and we have answers. Send Greg Vernovage an email at Everest@MountainGuides.com
January 24, 2019
For the aspiring alpinist, the Matterhorn (14,692′) is the ultimate challenge. If its legendary stories and iconic pictures have captured your imagination and your climbing resume and fitness level meet the requirements, then join IMG in Zermatt, Switzerland this July 13-20!
Email: office@mountainguides.com for more information!
Heather Garland
January 23, 2019
Third Aconcagua trip for the season is complete. Team finished their walk out from Plaza Mulas today, did a ‘duffle shuffle’ again in Penitentes and then loaded the trailer, jumped in the van and then it’s all downhill to Mendoza.
Fourth expedition will be heading out this week. We’ll share their progress with you once everyone is together and on their way!
Phil Ershler
January 23, 2019
Join IMG Senior Guide, Craig John, for nine days of hut to hut trekking in Iceland this summer! From the historical capital city of ReykjavÃk to the recently-formed craters Magni & Móði, Craig will lead you through a majestic landscape of gorges, waterfalls, lava flows, and more. And in the evenings, you can relax while he shares stories of his winter exploits in New England’s White Mountains, summers on Rainier, and what it’s like to summit Everest (twice!).
Limited space remains.
For more information or to sign up, contact Greg Vernovage.
January 22, 2019
Spoke with Nickel and Tincho from base camp on Aconcagua this morning. Everyone’s down and safe at Plaza Mulas and enjoying being cooked for by Grajales Expeditions, our service provider on the mountain. Air is thick and relatively warm and only one day of walking with a light pack separate the team from showers, steaks and a hotel bed in Mendoza.
We’ll confirm tomorrow or the following day that all’s well in Mendoza and that the team is readying for flights home.
Phil Ershler
January 22, 2019
IMG Client, John Wild, sent New England Program Directors, George Dunn & Craig John, the following email after his recent winter ascent of Mt. Washington in NH with IMG Guide Dan Riethmuller:
George/CJ,Â
The summit climb of Mt. Washington this past weekend was a great experience. It was a first class climb with a first class guide. Dan did a fantastic job getting us up and down without any problems. I will definitely recommend this climb and will be back on Mt. Washington in the future.
Best Regards,
John Wild
Well done!
IMG Office