International Mountain Guides Climbing and Mountaineering Expeditions

Mt. Rainier Climbs and Courses

Washington  •  14,410'  •  4392m

Mt Rainier Climb
International Mountain Guides climbers on the summit of Mt Rainier. Photo by Jason Edwards
 

Which 2012 IMG Mt. Rainier Summit Climb or Course is Right for You?

Please browse the list below to compare and contrast the difficulty level, expedition length, and prices of the International Mountain Guides Mt. Rainier programs and click the trip names to get more climb details. We are proud to offer among the lowest client to guide ratios available and believe this maximizes our clients' experience and success rate. Please contact us with any questions.

What time does my climb start? Most IMG Rainier trips will meet at 2 pm on the first day of your climb. Muir/DC, Kautz, Emmons, Liberty Ridge climbs, and all seminars meet at IMG HQ. The Mountaineering Day Schools and the 2-Day Crevasse Rescue School meet at 8am at IMG HQ. Many more questions about our climbs and courses are addressed in the Rainier FAQ »

The website availability does not operate in "real time". Changes occur regularly. Please review the schedule below and call the IMG office to verify availability before sending your application and fees.

Beginning Mt. Rainier Climbs Open to All Skill Levels
IMG Rainier Program
(Click trip name for details)
Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
3-Day Muir/DC Summit Climb
May 2012
12-15, 14-17, 16-19, 18-21, 20-23,
22-25, 24-27 (FULL), 26-29 (FULL), 28-31 (FULL), May 30 - Jun 2 (FULL)
June 2012
1-4 (FULL), 3-6 (FULL), 5-8 (FULL), 7-10 (FULL), 9-12 (FULL), 11-14 (FULL), 13-16 (FULL), 15-18 (FULL), 17-20 (FULL), 19-22 (FULL), 21-24 (FULL), 23-26 (FULL), 25-28 (FULL), 27-30 (FULL), Jun 29 - Jul 2 (FULL)
July 2012
1-4 (FULL), 3-6 (FULL), 7-10 (FULL), 9-12 (FULL), 11-14 (FULL), 13-16 (FULL), 15-18 (FULL), 19-22 (FULL), 21-24 (FULL), 23-26 (FULL), 25-28 (FULL), 27-30 (FULL), Jul 29 - Aug 1 (FULL), Jul 31 - Aug 3 (FULL)
August 2012
2-5 (FULL), 4-7 (FULL), 6-9 (FULL), 8-11 (FULL), 10-12 (FULL), 12-15 (FULL), 14-17 (FULL), 18-21 (FULL), 20-23 (FULL), 22-25 (FULL), 24-27 (FULL), 26-29 (FULL), Aug 30 - Sep 2 (FULL)
September 2012
1-4 (FULL), 3-6 (FULL), 5-8 (FULL), 7-10 (FULL), 9-12 (FULL), 11-14 (FULL), 13-16 (FULL), 15-18 (FULL), 17-20, 19-22, 21-24, 23-26, 25-28, 27-30
2:1 $1,280

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford for initial group training and orientation on the starting date. Ice axe, cramponing and roped glacier travel are taught at Camp Muir before the trip to High Camp. Three full days are spent on the mountain for maximum acclimatization and a more enjoyable experience. Packs are lighter because of the fixed camps and minimal group gear to carry. Expect a 35 pound pack.

When's the best time to climb Rainier? Find out »

4-Day Emmons Summit Climb June 2-6, 2012 (FULL)
June 10-14, 2012 (FULL)
June 15-19, 2012 (FULL)
June 23-27, 2012 (FULL)
July 1-5, 2012 (FULL)
July 6-10, 2012 (FULL)
July 14-18, 2012 (FULL)
July 22-26, 2012 (FULL)
July 27-31, 2012 (FULL)
August 4-8, 2012 (FULL)
2:1 $1,664

A great trip for people who want a scenic, less traveled route. A more self-sufficient climbing experience with all gear carried by the group, but all the advantages of IMG's 2:1 guide ratio. Expect to carry a 50+ pound pack and enjoy a beautiful and scenic route.

Meet at 2pm at IMG headquarters for gear checks and rental, then the team rides over in the IMG shuttle to the Alpine Inn Lodge at Crystal Mountain Ski Area, on the east side of the mountain.

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Seminars and Training on Mt. Rainier
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
Mountaineering Day School
June 2012: 2, 13, 25
July 2012: 6, 12, 27
5:1 $187 1

A great introduction to basic glacier travel skills. You’ll learn proper handling of an ice axe; practice self arrest; learn to climb in balance up and down steeper slopes; proper use of crampons and how to travel safely as a member of a rope team over glaciated terrain.

Meet at 8:00am at IMG Headquarters in Ashford.

Advanced Mountaineering Day School
June 2012: 14, 26
July 2012: 7, 13
5:1 $187 1

A continuation of the MDS to include steeper angle cramponing skills: flat footed French technique, front pointing, standing in balance on crampons and movement over ice. Use of ice axe on moderately steep slopes including technical tools. Anchor construction on snow and glacier ice is covered as well as belaying, anchor management, rappelling and lowering.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at IMG Headquarters in Ashford.

2-Day Crevasse Rescue School
June 2012: 3-4; 15-16; 27-28
July 2012: 14-15; 28-29
5:1 $369 2

A comprehensive introduction to climbing skills: knots, ropework, self-rescue, anchors, crevasse rescue. We at IMG feel this is the most comprehensive crevasse rescue course available.

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at IMG Headquarters in Ashford.

The first day is conducted at Headquarters. The second day is conducted on the mountain. Participants are responsible for their own overnight lodging. IMG has an inexpensive and convenient tent camp on site.

Glacier Skills Seminar & Summit Climb
July 2-8, 2012 (FULL)
July 14-20, 2012 (2 spots open)
August 13-19, 2012 (FULL)
August 25-31, 2012
Days 1-3: 4:1
Days 4-6: 2:1
$1,950

The "high end" IMG training program. Includes standard seminar training with a focus on more ice climbing, route finding and glacier travel. Three nights spent on lower glaciers, then one night at Muir, one night at Ingraham Flats. Training focused on developing climbing skills, ice climbing, crevasse rescue. Summit attempt included.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

6 ½ Day Little Tahoma Mountaineering Seminar

Jul 29 - Aug 4, 2012

Optional Emmons Glacier Climb:
Aug 5-8, 2012 (additional $1536)

4:2 $1,950 6 ½

Similar in content to our "high end" Glacier Skills Seminar, but with more adventure. The seminar is a small team format, four climbers and two guides. The program is far from the standard route, traveling over several glacier systems enroute to a summit of Little Tahoma, 11,138', the third highest peak in Washington State. The seminar includes all of the normal seminar training including a focus on glacier ice climbing, rescue training, route finding and roped glacier travel. Add on an optional Emmons Glacier Climb at the end of the program for the ultimate experience!

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

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Intermediate Level Mt. Rainier Climbs
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
4-Day Kautz Summit Climb
June 8-12, 2012
June 17-21, 2012
June 29 - July 3, 2012
July 8-12, 2012
2:1 $1,664

A more technically challenging climb for people in good condition who have done some previous climbing and are looking for a greater summit day challenge. Training is conducted en route, but previous cramponing practice on glacier ice is required. For a refresher, or to learn additional new skills, we highly recommend the optional Mountaineering Day School, the Advanced Mountaineering Day School or the Crevasse Rescue School, which are often offered as refresher options prior to the scheduled dates of the Kautz Summit Climb.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

5-Day Kautz EX Summit Climb
July 19-24, 2012 (1 spot open)
July 28 - August 2, 2012
August 9-14, 2012
2:1 $1,846

During midsummer conditions when the crux of the Kautz route has a longer section of exposed, 40-50 degree glacier ice, we feel an extra day spent training on the lower glacier in advanced cramponing technique is required to get the team all climbing with the same skills. We add the Advanced Mountaineering Day School into the trip itinerary to better set up the group for success on the summit day. You are responsible for two nights of lodging in Ashford, after the ½ day on day one and after skills training on day two.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

Fuhrer Finger Summit Climb
June 26 - July 1, 2012 (FULL)
July 8-13, 2012 (FULL)
July 21-26, 2012 (FULL)
4:2 $1,900

The Fuhrer Finger climb is a good choice for anyone with prior alpine climbing experience looking for a more challenging route on Mt. Rainier. Each climb is limited to 4 climbers and 2 guides. Previous alpine climbing experience on major glaciated peaks and basic mountaineering skills including cramponing in firm ice and snow conditions are required. The five day schedule allows time for training in advanced skills, a high camp set up at the top of the Finger at 11,000 feet and maximum enjoyment of the climb to the summit.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

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Advanced Level Mt. Rainier Climbs for Experienced Climbers Only
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
Liberty Ridge Summit Climb
May 27- June 1, 2012 (FULL)
June 17 - 22, 2012, 2012 (FULL)
4:2 $2,048

The most technical and physically demanding guided route on Mt. Rainier, and a classic. Each climb is limited to 4 climbers and 2 guides. Technical ice climbing skills and excellent stamina are required.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford on Day 1.

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Mt. Rainier Winter Expeditions and Seminars
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
Winter Expedition Ascent
January 14-20, 2012
February 11-17, 2012
2:1 $1,750

Training focused on winter climbing and Denali skills based out of our hut at Camp Muir. There is a strong focus on avalanche hazard evaluation. The goal is a winter ascent of Rainier, but it is an elusive prize. This is the perfect training for any high altitude, cold weather expedition. Mt. Rainier in mid-winter is the ultimate challenge!

Denali Expedition Seminar & Climb
March 10-16, 2012 (FULL)
March 24-30, 2012
April 7-13, 2012
April 21-27, 2012 (FULL)
2:1 $1,800

Training focused on preparation for an expedition to Denali or other high altitude peaks. Get the best possible training necessary to participate in an expedition to Denali including ice axe arrest, cramponing, sled rigging and hauling, expedition camps, snow shelters, snow anchors, crevasse rescue and fixed ropes. This program is equally useful for those looking for a good introductory winter training seminar. March and April only. Includes a summit attempt as conditions allow.

Ski Mountaineering Seminar
April 20-24, 2012
May 4-8, 2012
3:1 $1,153

Come join us for an unforgettable ski and mountain experience. It is not an exaggeration to say that Mt. Rainier has some of the world's finest alpine ski mountaineering terrain. You will be skiing on a wide variety of fantastic terrain including glaciers, chutes, and long descents guided by our AMGA certified ski guides.

All prices quoted above include Mount Rainier Climbing Pass, Park Entrance Fee,
and shuttle service from IMG Ashford HQ in and out of the Park.

Private Mt. Rainier Climbs
Please call the IMG office at 360-569-2609 to discuss details, route options and prices.
 
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