September 9, 2015

2016 Rainier Dates Released

It’s official, our 2016 dates have been released and with just 8 climbers and 4 guides on each climb they go fast!

Let’s cut to the chase:

Winter & Denali Prep Seminars: Literally a prerequisite for Denali. 4 experienced guides, 8 climbers, 6.5 days of learning/training/climbing and generally getting your butt kicked by the winter weather. This program is for you if your eyes are on Denali or you’re just looking for a winter challenge. Included in the price of the program is lodging for your first night in Ashford and all breakfasts and dinners on the mountain. What a deal!

Kautz Route: Sweet climbs for the climber with a little (or a lot) of climbing experience. This is the best option for those who’d like to return to Rainier to attempt a different, slightly more challenging route. 1 day traversing the south side of Mt. Rainier, 1 day climbing the Turtle Snowfield, Summit day up the Kautz Ice Chute and 1 day down to the parking lot. New for 2016 – all Kautz climbs now include an Advanced Mountain Day School to help get you prepared for the conditions on the route.

3.5 Day Disappointment Cleaver Route: We believe this program is far and away the most enjoyable way to climb Rainier and is also great introduction into mountaineering. It starts out with a half-day orientation and gear check. On the 1st day of the climb the group will ascend the Muir Snowfield up to Camp Muir (10,000ft). After dinner (usually IMG’s world famous burritos) it’s off to a full nights sleep in the Gombu bunkhouse. Day 2 features a nice breakfast (usually pancakes and bacon) followed by a 1/2 day training at Camp Muir. After the training the group will move up to High Camp at the Ingraham Flats (11,000ft). Day 3 of the climb is reserved for the summit attempt and then all the way back down to Paradise and on to IMG HQ to hopefully sign the summit board.

4.5 Day Emmons Route: Another great introduction to Mt. Rainier and mountaineering in general. Maybe just a little tougher than the 3.5 day climb but the extra day on the mountain makes up for it. 2 days to Camp Schurman (9500ft), 1 summit day and 1 day back to the trailhead. A perfect climb for the fit individual looking for a little more adventure.

For the more experienced climbers we have more technical programs like the Fuhrer Finger Route and Liberty Ridge.

Additional programs include: Little Tahoma Seminar, Glacier Skills Seminars, Mountain Day Schools, Advanced Mountain Day Schools and Crevasse Rescue Schools are popular programs for climbers looking to get a grasp of the basic skills needed to pursue climbs on their own.
**Please click here to see our registration forms and process.  And don’t miss our Rainier FAQ section to answer a lot of your initial questions. Note: “Holds” will not be placed on any Rainier climbs.