November, 30 2016

Jackson Visitor Center (JVC) at Paradise

The National Park Service has opened a public comment process on a proposal to install a cellular antenna in the Jackson Visitor Center (JVC) at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. After considering the pros and cons to having increased communication around Paradise, we at IMG support the plan to add cell coverage capabilities within the Park.  The comment period ends 12/12/2016. According to the Park:

“The National Park Service has received two right-of-way permit applications from wireless telecommunications providers to install and co-locate wireless communications facilities within Mount Rainier National Park. The proposed location is in the Paradise area, within the National Historic Landmark District, and would not require the construction or use of a tower…. The proposed action would allow installation of telecommunications support equipment in the attics of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Antennas would be mounted on the interior of the east and west gable ends of the non-historic building, behind a special fiberglass panel designed to match the existing exterior wood siding.”

As a guiding company on Rainier, and as professional mountain guides around the world, we are often called upon to assist with rescues of independent climbers. Many accidents are preventable with increased communication, or could be initiated in a timelier manner, thus lessening the overall harm and complexity should a rescue be necessary.

We know many recreationalists head into the park specifically to get away from connectivity and distractions. In fact we often recommend our climbers keep their phones on ‘Airplane Mode’ to fully enjoy their climb. However, we feel the increased safety that comes with communication options far outweighs the negatives. As long as phones still have ‘Airplane Mode’ and individuals want to get away, finding the joys of the wilderness is still possible at Mount Rainier!

Please visit the NPS Project Planning Page listed below and give your voice to the discussion. The National Parks belong to all of us!

NPS Project Planning, 2016 Paradise Cellular Installation

Robert Jantzen

November 29, 2016

Are you looking for a real adventure this winter?  Do you only have week of availability?  Then the Denali Prep Seminar on Mount Rainier might be the perfect fit.   Every other week during the months of February, March, and April, IMG offers this one of a kind program.

The Denali Prep Seminar is a 6.5 day program that offers everything from winter camping skills, navigation training, sled hauling, anchor building, crevasse rescue training, fixed line work, avalanche science/rescue, and a whole lot more.  All of this takes place on one of the premier high altitude training mountains…Mount Rainier.

This program provides the opportunity to test what you are really made of.  During the six days on the mountain, you will experiencing many different weather systems.  Anything from heavy snow, wind, sun, and everything else you can think of.  This program offers the type of weather that climbers experience on Denali, as well as the other great mountains of the world.  If Denali is on your radar, you don’t want to miss this course.

If Denali is not in your sights, no worries.  The Denali Prep Seminar is a great fit for anyone who you want to see what winter mountaineering is all about.  It is also the perfect program for anyone who wants to expand their mountaineering skills toolbox.

Although this is not a “summit climb,” if weather allows and the avalanche conditions are suitable, we will give the summit a shot.  This is an added bonus to an already outstanding program!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, you can read more about it here:  http://www.mountainguides.com/rnr-denali.shtml

Hope to see you this winter!

Josh McDowell

November 22, 2016

Mt. Rainier continues to be one of the most sought after climbing objectives in the United States.  For decades it has served as a place for people to “test out” mountaineering.  It has also served as the premier training ground for people preparing for expeditions to Alaska and the Himalayas.  Although it is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48, with over 50 different climbing routes, the Disappointment Cleaver remains the most heavily used path to the summit.  Roughly 60% of climbers on Rainier use this route.

If you have climbed the Disappointment Cleaver Route, or are looking for something a little more challenging and off the beaten path, the Kautz Glacier Route might be exactly what you are looking for.

This Kautz provides great climbing, and is a true Mt. Rainier “Classic.”  It is a perfect fit for anyone with prior alpine climbing experience looking to increase their climbing skills.  The highlight of the climb is the 1000 foot Kautz Ice Chute.  It a 50-60 degree slope with a variety of exciting route options.  This section gives participants a chance to climb moderately steep ice, all while using more advanced climbing techniques.  Climbers often come away from this trip with a greater appreciation of what is possible in the mountains.  It is for all of these reasons that the Kautz Glacier Route is a guide favorite!

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can read more about it at the following webpage: http://www.mountainguides.com/rnr-kautz.shtml.

Hope to see you next summer!

Josh McDowell