Mt. Rainier 3½ Day Summit Climb

Our 3½ Day Ingraham Glacier/Disappointment Cleaver summit program is designed for those looking to experience the elite alpine world of Mount Rainier with a training-based approach. We maximize training by beginning the program with a half-day instructional orientation at IMG's Headquarters in Ashford, WA, just outside Rainier National Park. The training continues on the mountain during the ascent. Our program has more training and time to acclimatize than the typical 2-day climbing program, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the majestic alpine environment with your climbing team.

While our 3½ Day Summit Climb is suitable for novice climbers with little or no previous climbing experience, this program does require adequate fitness and endurance training in order to be successful.

Why Choose This Program?

Here at IMG, we utilize a high climber-to-guide ratio (2 climbers per guide) which provides a superior level of safety, education and support. Our group size is never larger than twelve (8 climbers and 4 guides.) We make use of two camps on the route: Camp Muir (10,080ft) and The Ingraham Flats (11,400ft.) The use of multiple camps over a 3-day program makes for shorter climbing days and a shorter summit day from the higher elevation of The Ingraham Flats.

IMG employs a light and efficient philosophy for climbing. To minimize the weight in your packs, we provide shelter, stoves, fuel, cookware and group climbing gear (ropes, pickets, shovels, etc.) for you at each camp. Climbing without these items on the first day (nearly 5,000ft of elevation gain) allows you to arrive at camp more rested for the climb ahead. We will help you review your personal climbing gear prior to departure to make sure you are not carrying any unnecessary weight up Mt. Rainier. Total personal gear, including filled water bottles, should be approximately 40 pounds, excluding your boots and trekking poles.

Safety is our number one priority. We make no guarantees with respect to the program objectives. Many circumstances, including weather and abilities of yourself or other climbers may inhibit you from reaching the summit. Our goal is to give each of our customers the best experience we possibly can, regardless of the weather, route conditions, or time of year.

Prerequisites

There are no specific climbing prerequisites for this program. All that is required is an eagerness to learn, a significant base of cardiovascular physical fitness, and previous experience carrying an overnight pack. You will be expected to carry this weight over the course of many hours each day. For training suggestions please review the information provided on our Training for Rainier page. This is a novice climb for those interested in learning elements of travel on big, glaciated mountains. Technical training is conducted during the pre-climb orientation and continually throughout the climb.

Rental Gear

Some of the more specialized gear (like plastic boots, harness, etc.) is available for rent from IMG. Please consult our Rental Page for details.

See video of an IMG Mt. Rainier Gear Check »

 

Safety is our number one priority. We make no guarantees with respect to the program objectives. Many circumstances, including weather and abilities of yourself or other climbers may inhibit you from reaching the summit. Our goal is to give each of our customers the best experience we possibly can, regardless of the weather, route conditions, or time of year.