REI’s ‘Prep For Rainier’ Series

March 13, 2019

IMG Rainier Summit Team May 29, 2018 (Betsy Dain-Owens)

The Rainier season is just a few months away and IMG is once again partnering with REI to help you prepare. You are welcome to join whether you are climbing with guides, as part of an independent party, or just curious about the mountain!

Learn about the different routes, training recommendations, and gear!

March 21 – Tacoma
March 27 – Seattle
April 2 – Issaquah
April 4 – Bellevue
April 9 – Southcenter

Sign up on the store website through the above links and bring your questions!

IMG Office

Great First Day On The Trail!

March 12, 2019

: Crossing the first suspension bridge to Phakding (Kusang Tshering)

: Lunch under blue skies on day 1 of the trek (Kusang Tshering)

Ang Jangbu reported that our Private Dingboche Trekking Team had a perfect first day on the trail. The Team was up early and had no delays flying into Lukla from KTM. After arriving in Lukla and confirming all gear flew with the Team, it was time to hit the trail. The Team had an easy day with a lunch stop at Thado Koshi. After lunch, they moved to their first lodge at Phakding at 2:30Pm.

Everyone is doing well!

Greg Vernovage

Private Trek to Dingboche in KTM

March 11, 2019

Private Dingboche Trek (Ang Jangbu Sherpa)

We received word overnight that our Private Dingboche Trekking Team has arrived to Kathmandu with all of their luggage! Ang Jangbu and Lopsang have done the gear checks and met with the team to go over trip details and they are ready to fly to Lukla. This is a great team and many people are veterans of the Khumbu Valley. One of the highlights that is on the list for this team is a scenic flight of Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Valley!

Have a great trek to Dingboche everyone!

Greg Vernovage

There’s Still Time To Climb Mt. Whitney With IMG!

March 8, 2019

IMG climbers reaching the summit of Mt. Whitney (Kurt Wedberg)

The snowpack in the Sierra is well above average this year and we expect this will make for the most magnificent views in a place already known for magnificent views. All the more reason to climb the Mountaineer’s Route on Mt. Whitney with IMG!

We have the following availability:

March 28-31
March 30 – April 2
April 6-9

Email: office@mountainguides.com for more information or sign up now!

Heather Garland

Denali Prep Seminar On Rainier A Huge Success!

March 7, 2019

: Perfect winter seminar conditions at Camp Muir (Nicole Sims)

: Crevasse rescue training in a storm (Nicole Sims)

IMG Guides, Rikki Dunn & Nicole Sims, set the bar high with how well they ran the second Denali Prep Seminar of the season. Their first couple of days on the mountain found them under sunny skies, but weather moved in as soon as they arrived at Camp Muir. This gave them the opportunity to evaluate conditions, consider the forecast, and determine the best strategy for training in inclement weather.

: IMG Denali Prep Seminar in action at Camp Muir (Nicole Sims)

: Testing a deadman picket (Nicole Sims)

The storm provided the team with the perfect conditions for practicing whiteout navigation skills, crevasse rescue techniques, and avalanche hazard evaluation. The team descended back to IMG HQ today happy, healthy, and full of enthusiasm! Well done!

We still have 1 spot available on both our March 16th & March 30th seminars. Sign up today!

Heather Garland

Happy International Women’s Day!

March 8, 2019

IMG Rainier Women’s Climb July 2018 (Emily Johnston)

From the bottom of our hearts to the top of the world, International Mountain Guides would like to wish all women around the world a very happy International Women’s Day! May you feel empowered to pursue your dreams wherever they lead – today and every day.

Heather Garland

Denali Prep Seminar Weather Change

March 6, 2019

Sled hauling (Nicole Sims)

The IMG Denali Prep Seminar enjoyed sunshine and blue skies for their first three days on the mountain. They experienced an unexpected temperature inversion (it was warmer the higher up they went instead of colder) on their hike up to Camp Muir on Monday causing them to shed layers. It has been a bit windy the past two days while they explored the terrain and worked on cramponing techniques.

Denali Prep Seminar heading up (Nicle Sims)

The weather has since changed and they are dealing with snow and winds today that are keeping visibility at about 200 meters. The inclement weather is all part of the program for these groups as much of the training is geared toward bigger ranges where retreat is not always an option.

: There is something special about having the mountain all to yourselves (Nicole Sims)

: Training on the ridge (Nicole Sims)

The team will work on crevasse rescue and haul systems today and try to keep the sideways blowing snow from causing too much trouble.

We have 1 spot left on our March 30 – April 5 seminar and 3 spots on the April 27 – May 3. Submit your registration to office@mountainguides.com before they fill!

Heather Garland

Training For Alaska On Little Tahoma

March 5, 2019

Little Tahoma (Robert Jantzen)

If you have your sights set on the more remote and challenging climbing found in the vast wilderness of Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park you’ll need some solid training first. IMG has created the perfect program for you. Our 5.5 Day Little Tahoma Seminar is made up of small teams (4 climbers, 2 guides), is offered only twice per year (when conditions are ideal for this type of training), and held far from the crowds on Rainier.

We still have room on the following:

June 16-21
July 7-12

These seminars are run by the most experienced IMG guides and are exactly what you need to take your mountaineering to the next level!

Email: office@mountainguides.com for availability.

Heather Garland

Denali Prep Team Headed to Camp Muir

March 4, 2019

IMG Lead Guide, Rikki Dunn, and the Denali Prep Team (Nicole Sims)

Our Denali Prep Team spent yesterday training in the Alta Vista/Panorama Point area just above Paradise before setting up tents for their first night of expedition-style camping on Rainier. They woke up to clear skies and cold temps this morning, packed up their gear, and headed to Camp Muir.

All is well!

Heather Garland

Fuhrer Finger May 19-24

March 1, 2019

IMG climbers on Rainier’s Fuhrer Finger route (Chris Meder)

Winter is rolling right along and the spring Rainier season is just around the corner. While there aren’t many ways left to join a guided trip up the mountain, we do have room for intermediate/experienced climbers on our May 19-24 Fuhrer Finger climb.

If’ you’ve already climbed the Emmons or the Kautz and would like something more challenging, then take a look at the much less crowded Fuhrer Finger. These climbs are limited to 4 climbers and 2 guides and we only attempt the route in the early season when conditions are best. With all of the snow in the Cascades this year, we expect those conditions to be better than they have in quite some time!

Email: office@mountainguides.com or submit your application for review today!

Heather Garland