Mt. Rainier Denali Expedition Prep Seminar

Winter on Mt. Rainier is the ideal place to get a sense of what it take part in a bigger expedition such as Denali, Aconcagua, Everest, and more. This 4 day program is designed as a skills and training seminar for climbers seeking a primer in cold weather mountaineering skills, as well as those with aspirations of greater climbs in the future. As the name implies, this is excellent base level training for a Denali expedition or other high altitude, glaciated, technical peaks.

Our 4 Day Denali Expedition Prep Seminar emphasizes technical training and expedition logistics and is designed to deliver to people the specific skills required. The seminar teaches and reviews basic climbing skills like ice axe arrest, cramponing on steeper slopes and rope travel, then progresses on to more advanced training such as anchors, crevasse rescue, and fixed line ascension. As time and conditions allow, additional time will be spent on skills such as snow caves, avalanche hazard evaluation and route finding.

While our 4 Day Denali Expedition Prep Seminar is suitable for intermediate climbers with little or no previous climbing experience, this program does require adequate fitness and endurance training in order to be successful.

Topics to be covered include:

• Expedition gear and its use
• Snowshoeing
• Basic skills with ice axe and crampons
• Sled rigging and use
• Expedition camp building and maintenance
• Construction of snow caves and snow shelters
• Ascending and descending fixed ropes
• Building snow anchors and anchor systems
• Expedition glacier travel and route finding
• Crevasse rescue practice
• Lectures on high altitude medicine and prevention of cold weather injuries
• Avalanche hazard evaluation

Why Choose This Program?

This is an excellent introductory program for anyone aspiring to climb Denali or other large, glaciated, technical peaks. The primary focus is teaching valuable expedition climbing skills. The Denali Seminar offers hands-on base level instruction and training, lectures, and informal discussions in a smaller group setting. It is a great way to immerse yourself in a big mountain environment and learn through hands on practice about expedition climbing. This is invaluable training from our internationally renowned guide staff.

One fundamental aspect of the Denali Seminar is that the itinerary varies from course to course. The guides will determine the specific location of the course depending upon the weather, conditions, ability of the group, and skills they want to highlight. There is real opportunity to get away from the crowds and experience cold weather, big mountain training.

Prerequisites

No previous experience is required as basic mountaineering skills are taught as part of the program. However, previous cold weather camping and overnight backpacking trips carrying up to 60 pound loads is strongly recommended. A prior climb of Rainier during the summer months or comparable training is advised. For training suggestions please review the information provided on our Training for Rainier page »