February 1, 2019

IMG Guide, Leanne Sebren, discusses crampon techniques (Harry Hamlin)

Training For Mountaineering With International Mountain Guides 

We talk a lot about climbing mountains because climbing mountains is important to us. But we also talk about training for the mountains because preparation is key. And while there is a training component or skill review built into many of our climbs, nothing truly replaces a day or two of focused instruction and repetitive practice. There’s something to be said for a short hike, light pack, and no thoughts of the summit to distract from the task at hand – which is exactly what is so appealing about an IMG mountaineering course.  

IMG’s Mountaineering Day School (MDS) is an introductory or refresher course that teaches essential skills used on guided climbs of Rainier and similar alpine peaks. Climbers spend a full day training about an hour’s hike from Paradise. Participants practice beginner level techniques including ascending and descending steep snow slopes, cramponing, ice axe use, self-arrest, team-arrest, and roped glacier travel. You won’t be ready to head to the mountains on your own just yet, but you will bring solid beginner skills and confidence to a guided rope team. This course also prepares you for the Advanced Mountaineering Day School and Crevasse Rescue School, both of which have dates scheduled so you can take the courses consecutively. 

Available MDS Courses:
May 17, May 24, June 14, July 4, July 25, August 8, August 21

IMG’s Advanced Mountaineering Day School (AMDS) is an introductory follow up course that builds on the skills taught in the MDS. The primary focus is preparing climbers for guided climbs of harder, more technical ascents of glacier/alpine routes such as the Kautz and Fuhrer Finger. The day is spent on the Nisqually Glacier (unless conditions dictate otherwise) practicing ascending and descending steeper glacier snow and ice up to 40-50 degrees, following on multi-pitch belays, anchor construction & management, rappelling, lowering down steep pitches, and use of technical ice tools (condition dependent). 

Available AMDS Courses:
July 5, July 26, August 9, August 22

IMG’s Crevasse Rescue School is a comprehensive mountaineering course designed to provide you with basic through advanced mountaineering knowledge and skills for use in practical situations on your own. Day one is spent in Ashford at IMG’s headquarters learning and reviewing knots and hitches, snow and ice anchor systems, belaying, ascending, descending, and crevasse rescue. Day two is spent either at a crevasse on the Nisqually Glacier or a steep snow cornice (depending on conditions) learning climbing knots, snow and ice anchors, ascending and descending ropes, simple crevasse rescue, advanced crevasse rescue systems, and crevasse self-rescue.

Available CRS Courses:
May 18-19, May 25-26, June 15-16, July 6-7, July 27-28, August 10-11, August 23-24

Email: office@mountainguides.com or call: 360-569-2609 or simply sign up now.

Have a great weekend!

IMG Office