International Mountain Guides Climbing and Mountaineering Expeditions

Mt. Rainier Climbs and Courses

Washington  •  14,410'  •  4392m

Mt Rainier Climb
Mt Rainier. Photo by Ben Babusis
 

Which 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? All IMG Rainier trips will meet from 2 pm to 6 pm on the first day of your climb. Muir/DC, Kautz, Liberty Ridge climbs, and all seminars meet at IMG HQ; Emmons trips meet at Alpine Inn Lodge at Crystal Mountain Ski Area. The Mountaineering Day School and the 2-Day Crevasse Rescue School meet at 8 am at IMG HQ. Please note that Avalanche Programs meet at the Crystal Mountain Fire Hall at 8am. (For more details please refer to the PDF docAvalanche program trip information.) Many more questions about our climbs and courses are addressed in the Rainier FAQ »

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 Climb
May 2010
21-24 (FULL)
23-26
25-28
27-30 (FULL), May 29 - Jun 1 (FULL), May 31 - Jun 3 (FULL)
June 2010
2-5 (FULL), 4-7 (One spot left) (FULL), 6-9 (One spot left) (FULL), 8-11 (FULL), 10-13 (FULL), 12-15 (FULL), 14-17 (FULL), 16-19 (FULL), 18-21 (FULL), 20-23 (FULL), 22-25 (FULL), 24-27 (FULL), 26-29 (FULL)
Jun 28 - Jul 1 (FULL)
July 2010
2-5 (FULL), 4-7 (FULL), 6-9 (FULL), 8-11 (FULL), 10-13 (FULL), 12-15 (FULL), 16-19 (FULL), 18-21 (FULL), 20-23 (FULL), 22-25 (FULL), 24-27 (FULL), 26-29 (FULL), 28-31 (FULL), Jul 30 - Aug 2 (FULL)
August 2010
1-4 (FULL), 3-6 (FULL), 5-8 (FULL), 7-10 (FULL), 9-12 (FULL), 13-16 (FULL), 15-18 (FULL), 17-20 (FULL), 19-22 (FULL), 21-24 (FULL), 23-26 (FULL), 27-30 (FULL)
Aug 29 - Sep 1 (FULL)
Aug 31 - Sep 3 (FULL)
September 2010
2-5 (FULL)
4-7 (FULL)
6-9
8-11
10-13 (FULL)
12-15
14-17
16-19
18-21
20-23
22-25
24-27
26-29
Sep 28 - Oct 1
2:1 $1,225

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford for initial group training and orientation. Ice axe, cramponing and roped glacier travel are taught at Camp Muir before the trip to High Camp on Day 2. 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.

4-Day Emmons Climb May 29 - June 2, 2010June 14-18, 2010 (FULL), June 6-10, 2010June 14-18, 2010 (FULL), June 14-18, 2010 (FULL), June 19-23, 2010 (FULL), June 27 - July 1, 2010 (FULL), July 5-9, 2010 (FULL), July 10-14, 2010 (FULL), July 18-22, 2010 (FULL), July 26-30, 2010 (FULL)
July 31 - August 4, 2010 (FULL)
2:1 $1,595

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.

Meet at 2pm at Alpine Inn Lodge at Crystal Mountain Ski Area, on the east side of the mountain.

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Multi-day Seminars and Training on Mt. Rainier
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
Mountaineering Day School May 2010: 28
June 2010: 4, 11, 25
July 2010: 2, 16, 23
August 2010: 6, 13
5:1 $180 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.

2-Day Crevasse Rescue School May 29-30, 2010
June 12-13, 2010
July 3-4, 2010
July 24-25, 2010
August 14-15, 2010
5:1 $355 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 currently available.

Meet at 8:00am 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 June 27 - July 3, 2010 (FULL)
July 11-17, 2010 (FULL)
August 8-14, 2010 (FULL)
August 22-28, 2010 (FULL)
Days 1-3: 4:1
Days 4-6: 2:1
$1,800

Previously known as the Himalayan Seminar, this is 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.

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Intermediate Level Mt. Rainier Climbs
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
4-Day Kautz June 5-9, 2010 (FULL)
June 14-18, 2010 (FULL)
June 26-30, 2010 (FULL)
July 5-9, 2010 (FULL)
July 17-21, 2010 (FULL)
July 26-30, 2010 (FULL)
August 7-11, 2010 (FULL)
2:1 $1,595

A more technically challenging climb for people in good condition who have done some previous climbing and are looking for a bigger adventure. Training is conducted en route, but previous cramponing practice on glacier ice is required. We highly recommend the Mountaineering Day School as a refresher immediately prior to participating in this program.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford.

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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
May 16-21, 2010 (FULL)

June 6-11, 2010 (One spot left)
3:2 $1,965

The most technical and physically demanding guided route on Mt. Rainier, and a classic. Each climb is limited to 3 climbers and 2 guides. Technical ice climbing skills are required.

Meet at 2pm at IMG Headquarters in Ashford.

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Mt. Rainier Winter Expeditions and Seminars
IMG Rainier Program Client/Guide Ratio Price Total Days Program Description
Avalanche Courses
Jan 9-11, 2010
Level I • $385
Jan 22-25, 2010
Level II • $435
Feb 3-4, 2010
Level III • $495
5:1 varied 2-4

Taught at Crystal Mountain Ski Area.
Prices vary for each course level.

Winter Expedition Ascent
February 13-19, 2010 (FULL)
2:1 $1,650

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 March 14-20, 2010
March 28 - April 3, 2010
April 11-17, 2010
April 25 - May 1, 2010
2:1 $1,700

Training focused on preparation for an expedition to Denali or other high altitude peaks. Get the basic training required to participate in an expedition to Denali including ice axe arrest, cramponing, sled 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.

Ski Mountaineering 
 Seminar
April 22-26, 2010
May 6-10, 2010
3:1 $1143

The guides will cover the latest ski touring and ski mountaineering techniques that will allow you to enjoy this spectacular environment safely and efficiently.

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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