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Active Rest Day on Cho Oyu

September 12, 2019

Trekking towards Camp 1 on Cho Oyu (Phunuru Sherpa)
Nangpa La from ABC (Dallas Glass)
Cho Oyu at Sunrise from ABC (Dallas Glass)

The Cho Oyu Team took the day getting settled in at ABC and going for a short hike to stretch their legs up towards Camp 1. An active rest day is good for the team. Getting out and doing some trekking is a good way to get their heart rates up a bit and work on more acclimatization. The team can get a good view of the route on Cho Oyu and Nangpa La which is one of the oldest trade routes connecting Tibet to Nepal where local people made the pilgrimage to Namche for trading.

The Fixing Sherpa returned to ABC after fixing more of the ropes on the route to Camp 2. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day with the Puja and training for the team before making plans to head up to Camp 1 for their first rotation. There is a little snow in the forecast for tonight but that should not slow down the progress and plan for climbing over the next week.

All is well on Cho Oyu

Greg Vernovage

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Cho Oyu Team Arrives At ABC

September 11, 209

2019 Cho Oyu Team trekking into ABC (Phunuru Sherpa)
ABC on Cho Oyu (Phunuru Sherpa)
Looking up the route to Camp 1 from ABC (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru called to let us know the team had a great day trekking to ABC on Cho Oyu.  He also wanted to let us know that the 6 Sherpa who went up to Camp 1 had a great day and have now fixed to the top of the ice cliff.

The plan for tomorrow is to take a short hike up the glacier towards Camp 1 for the team. The Sherpa Team will work on fixing the route to Camp 2 before descending to ABC.  September 13th is Puja Day!

All is well on Cho Oyu!

Greg Vernovage

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Cho Oyu Team in Gyaplung

September 10, 2019

IMG Senior Guide Phunuru Sherpa checked in from Gyaplung (Intermediate Camp) at 17,716’/5,400m. The team had a great day trekking to Intermediate Camp with perfect weather.

PK Sherpa unloading gear at Gyaplung (Phunuru Sherpa)
PK Sherpa unloading gear at Gyaplung (Phunuru Sherpa)
Gyaplung (Intermediate Camp) with Cho Oyu (Phunuru Sherpa)
Gyaplung (Intermediate Camp) with Cho Oyu (Phunuru Sherpa)

Tomorrow, the team will head up to ABC and get settled in. PK and Mingma Sherpa came down to meet the team and trek up to ABC. Chhewang and Pasang are at ABC (18,700’/5,700m) and planning on heading up to Camp 1 (21,000’/6400m) with Sherpa from other teams to start fixing the route to Camp 2.

All is well on Cho Oyu!

Greg Vernovage

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Cho Oyu Team Preparing for Intermediate Camp

September 9, 2019

The Cho Oyu Team had a good rest day today and will be moving up to Gyaplung which we also call Intermediate Camp in the morning. Tomorrow will not be a difficult day of trekking and the team can pretty much stick to the road but having this Intermediate Camp in place breaks up the altitude gain as they move to ABC.

Intermediate Camp with Cho Oyu in the clouds (Dallas Glass)

Intermediate Camp with Cho Oyu in the clouds (Dallas Glass)

The team will be met by a few of our Sherpa who will come down from ABC. The weather is looking reasonable for the next few days and we are looking forward to getting the entire team together at ABC in a couple days.

All is well in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

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Cho Oyu Team Acclimating Well

September 8, 2019

Phunuru called to let us know this Cho Oyu Team is acclimatizing very well. The team had another great day of weather at Chinese Base Camp and took advantage of the weather by gaining more altitude and stretching their legs a bit further. They trekked to 5,730 meters over 5 hours and made it back to Camp in time for a late lunch.

Cho Oyu through the clouds (Phunuru Sherpa)
Cho Oyu through the clouds (Phunuru Sherpa)
Trekking near Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
Trekking near Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
Cho Oyu from above Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
Cho Oyu from above Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

 

While the team trekked across the ridge above Base Camp, Phunuru was able to talk to our Sherpa Team who headed to Camp 1. Our advanced Sherpa Team reports the route to Camp 1 is in excellent condition.

Tomorrow, the team will repack and take a full rest day before heading to Intermediate camp the following day.

All is well in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

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Another beautiful day in Tibet

September 7, 2019

Trekking above Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
2019 Cho Oyu Team at 5,300 meters (Phunuru Sherpa)

 

Phunuru checked in this morning to let us know the team had a great day trekking up to 5,300 meters for acclimatization.  They trekked up towards Intermediate Camp and then a steep hill to gain more altitude.  The team enjoyed beautiful weather and views today.  The advanced Sherpa Team now has ABC built and ready for the climbers and will head up to Camp 1 in the morning to claim our campsite.

All is well in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

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Cho Oyu Team settled in at Chinese Base Camp

September 6, 2019

New road to Chinese Base Camp with Cho Oyu in the background (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG Senior Guide Phunuru Sherpa checked in after a beautiful day in Tibet.  The team enjoyed near perfect weather for the drive from Tingri to Chinese Base Camp.  The team is in great spirits and acclimatizing very well.  Our Advanced Sherpa Team is now at ABC, setting up camp and preparing to climb to Camp 1 to secure our spot and check on the route. It is always nice to get out of the hotels and into our own camp.  Kaji’s home cooking and a few days of acclimatization hiking is on the itinerary.

All is well in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

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Peru Update

September 5, 2019

A little overnight snow (Charlotte Austin)
Trekking in Peru (Charlotte Austin)
Part of what makes the Salkantay Trek so appealing! (Charlotte Austin)

Charlotte Austin checked in from our Salkantay Trek with the following update:

“All good here in Peru! We had a great day of trekking today — it was snowing when we woke up, but it started to clear as we walked over Salkantay Pass, and we caught some gorgeous glimpses of the high peaks around the pass. Now we’re tucked into our camp in the jungle around 9400’, and the team is healthy and strong. Tomorrow we look forward to a full day of trekking, then a visit to the local hot springs!”

Nice work making it over Salkantay Pass in good form!

George Dunn

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Cho Oyu Team Acclimatizing In Tibet

September 5, 2019

2019 Cho Oyu Team trekking above Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)
Relaxing at Chinese Base Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

The Cho Oyu Team was up and out the door early this morning.  After a good breakfast in Tingri, the team loaded into the vehicles and made their way up the road to Chinese Base Camp.  They arrived in time to meet our Sherpa Team before they loaded the yaks and headed to ABC.  After the 17 yaks and our Sherpa Team departed Chinese Base Camp for ABC, the team had some soup and then trekked up to 5,000 meters for some acclimatization.

After the hike, Kaji cooked a nice lunch for the team before they returned to Tingri for the night.  The plan for tomorrow is to wake up and hit the road early for the move to Chinese Base Camp.  Phunuru reports a couple other teams are at Chinese Base Camp as well.

Our Sherpa Team had a good day with excellent weather and made it to ABC with all of the yak loads.  Tomorrow, the team will begin working on ABC and the following day, make a carry to Camp 1.

All is well in Tibet!

Greg Vernovage

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Rainier 2020 Dates Released!

September 4, 2019

IMG Guide, Zach Weinberg, taking it all in on a 2019 ascent Mt. Rainier (Sina Tavallai)

The wait is over! Our 2020 Mt. Rainier dates have been released!

Registration is now open for the following 2020 Programs:

6.5 Day Denali Prep Seminar – This program is a perfect introduction to extreme cold weather mountaineering  and a perquisite for a guided Denali Expedition. Learn crevasse rescue, sled rigging & hauling, expedition camping, navigation, fixed line travel, and more.

AIARE Avalanche Level I – This three day course is an introduction to the skills a backcountry recreationist needs to safely travel in avalanche terrain. Topics covered include identifying avalanche terrain, understanding snowpack basics, developing a plan, team decision making, and fundamentals of companion rescue.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course – This one day program is intended to be retaken every other year to maintain and hone your companion rescue skills. New students can focus on the basics of companion rescue while returning students expand their skills with advanced topics. All students receive in-depth training and feedback during realistic scenario practice. The Avalanche Rescue Course is a prerequisite of the AIARE Level 2 Course.

3.5 Day Disappointment Cleaver Route – This program is by far the most enjoyable way to climb Rainier and is also a great introduction to mountaineering. Learn to climb safely and efficiently with expert instruction on cramponing, ice axe arrest, and rope team travel.

Women’s 3.5 Day Disappointment Cleaver Climb – If you’re a woman looking to climb and make connections with other strong women, don’t miss this program. Led by an all-female guide crew, this program follows the same itinerary as our other 3.5 Day DC Climbs.

 4.5 Day Emmons Route – Excellent for the strong beginner to intermediate climber with a very high level of fitness and stamina. The Emmons climb offers a more remote, aesthetic experience on a quieter side of the mountain. Expedition-style climbing requires a heavier pack than our standard DC, but it’s well worth the effort.

Kautz Route – This exciting intermediate route includes ascending a 30-50 degree snow/ice chute. Because the Kautz is more demanding and technical than the standard routes, prerequisites include a prior summit of Mt. Rainier via the DC or Emmons (or a comparable glacier climb approved by IMG). Come test your mettle on this challenging route off the beaten path.

Advanced climbers will enjoy the challenge of more technical programs such as the Fuhrer Finger and Liberty Ridge.

Additional training programs focusing on skills development include our Little Tahoma Seminar, Glacier Skills Seminar, Mountaineering Day School, Advanced Mountaineering Day School, and Crevasse Rescue School.

Check out our Rainier FAQ and click here to register !

Please note that the only way to apply for a spot on a Mt. Rainier program is to submit a completed Rainier application form and application fee. Absolutely no reservations or holds will be taken by phone. No exceptions.

Each application is time-stamped and processed in the order in which it is received. List your available dates in order of preference and if you are climbing with one or more partners, you’ll want to include each other’s names in the space provided on the application. It is best to send your applications all together in one email.

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage to protect your investment in the event you need to cancel.

Heather Garland

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