Mount Rainier with International Mountain Guides

Mount Rainier is the highest glaciated peak in the Lower 48 States and a "must do" challenge for all mountaineers, from novice to seasoned veteran. Our goal is to make The Mountain accessible to all who wish to climb with a guide and learn from the pros. From three-day summit climbs to six-day Glacier Skills Seminars, we have a program that will suit your preferences and time frame. Check out our quick scan list to find the trip that suits your needs best and we will be happy to help you get started on the experience of a lifetime!

Why climb Rainier with IMG?

IMG is guide owned and operated

IMG owners George Dunn, Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler and Paul Baugher have been climbing and guiding on Mt. Rainier since the early 1970's. We are the most experienced guides on The Mountain. Between the four of us we have 1300 successful ascents. We oversee every aspect of the business and our programs reflect this personal involvement. Rainier is our home, and we look forward to sharing our love of it with you.

IMG Guides are World Class

IMG is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. All of our guides meet or exceed the AMGA requirements established for guiding on Mt. Rainier. Many of our guides are certified by the AMGA, a lengthy and demanding process. Our guides have trained and learned on Rainier and then gone on to lead programs around the world, from Antarctica to Mount Everest. Our veteran guides still call Mt. Rainier home and come back to guide here every year. Check out our roster of world class guides.

We Offer You a Wider Range of Options

We have used our extensive knowledge of The Mountain to create programs to suit all types of climbers. For first time climbers we offer a variety climbs of differing lengths on different routes so you can select the climb and the level of challenge that suits you best. Our guides offer instruction throughout the program to help make you more comfortable in the mountain environment. For more experienced climbers we offer increasingly demanding routes and training seminars that concentrate on skill development to help prepare you for future climbs and expeditions. Click here for beginner, intermediate and advanced climbs on Rainier.

We Provide the Best Possible Experience on Mt. Rainier

All of our climbs are guided at a ratio of 1 guide for every 2 climbers. Your guide is better able to focus on your individual needs and your rope team is able to travel more efficiently. Safety, success and enjoyment of the entire experience are the goals we strive to achieve every climb.

Training is conducted on the upper mountain, not at the base. We start our training up on the glacier for better and more realistic conditions so you start out better prepared on summit day.

On our 3 Day Disappointment Cleaver climb, Rainier’s classic route, our itinerary includes a second night on the mountain to allow for extra acclimatization and time to rest and recover for the summit day. Our high camp at 11,000 feet on the Ingraham Glacier provides a jump start on summit day and makes the summit just a bit closer and more achievable.

We provide breakfasts and dinners on all of our programs at no extra cost. The guides work together to help prepare you tasty nutritious meals during the climb and we eat together as a team in a social and congenial environment.

We Offer Value to Our Customers

The National Park Service sets limits for fees charged by all guide services on the mountain. Why do some programs cost less and others more? It all boils down to number of days spent on the mountain and guide to climber ratio.

At IMG we feel it is worth the extra expense to provide two nights on the mountain for our shortest summit climb option. Better acclimatization and an easier summit day really pays off! A 2:1 climber to guide ratio provides for a more personal climb with focus on YOU.

What do we feel is not worth the extra cost?

Food. We serve breakfasts and dinners on all of our programs and not just freeze dried!

Transportation. At the start of the climb, we'll transport you as a team from Ashford, WA up to the trail head in our environmentally friendly propane powered vans.

Lodging. You'll spend each night of your climb on the mountain. There are no hotel nights to pay for except the first night after our orientation and training day at IMG headquarters. Want a convenient and economical place to stay? Book one of our comfortable tent rentals for the night right at IMG headquarters. No extra driving or shuttling to a hotel prior to the climb!

Throughout the climb, every accommodation is made to include you in the IMG family and make you feel welcome.