Mt. Rainier Fuhrer Finger Route Summit Climb

The Fuhrer Finger climb is a good choice for anyone with prior alpine climbing experience looking for a more challenging route on Mt. Rainier. If you are very fit and looking to push yourself physically and technically on a climb other than the standard route this program is for you. This is a small group climb, limited to 4 climbers and 2 IMG guides.

Climbers on this program have often climbed either the Emmons or the Disappointment Cleaver routes on Mt. Rainier and have felt very comfortable on those ascents. They must be confident cramponing in firm glacier conditions on steeper slopes. This is a challenging climb that ascends the steep Fuhrer Finger, a more direct line up the south side of the mountain. The climb gets you away from the majority of the climbers in the Camp Muir corridor. It is normal to not see another party on the route. The crux of the route, the finger itself, is a narrow chute that necks down to a few hundred feet across. The steepest part of the chute is 40-50 degrees in angle. Above, the upper mountain eases off in angle and the final 2,000 feet are a more typical 20 degree slope. Hazards on this route include the potential for isolated rock or ice fall during warming conditions and we climb the exposed part of the chute rapidly to avoid prolonged exposure. The 5-day program allows enough time to do the climb comfortably, but if you have not climbed on steeper glacier slopes before, we strongly recommend choosing another route as your first attempt of Mt. Rainier. If you are looking for something more physically challenging, technical and off the beaten track, then the Fuhrer Finger route is an excellent program.

We employ a light and efficient philosophy for climbing on Mt. Rainier. We will help you pare down your personal climbing gear during a pre-climb gear check to minimize weight and make certain you bring only the essentials up the mountain.

Climbing with a 2:1 client-to-guide ratio provides a superior level of support and safety. Our group of 4 climbers and 2 guides is a perfect sized team. IMG provides breakfasts and dinners for the group on the mountain for your convenience and comfort.

Prerequisite

A review of basic climbing skills is incorporated into this program's itinerary. However, we expect that participants have previous climbing experience and are fit and ready for the very strenuous effort.

All participants must have prior alpine climbing experience either on Rainier or on other major glaciated peaks, and be familiar with basic mountaineering skills including cramponing in firm ice and snow conditions. Past experience on multi day backpacking trips is also highly recommended. This is a strenuous and more technically demanding summit climb, not for first time climbers.

Training and Fitness

Mt. Rainier, at 14,410ft, is one of the largest and most challenging endurance climbs in the United States. It is the most imposing glaciated peak in the lower 48 States and has long been a premier training ground for climbs such as Denali, Aconcagua and the Himalayas. An attempt of Mt. Rainier is a serious endeavor and one that demands good physical fitness. To learn more about training for this climb, please read our Training Suggestions for Mt. Rainier »