Prep for your Denali Expedition with IMG
Standing at 14,410 feet tall, Mt. Rainier is the highest peak in Washington and is the most glaciated peak in the Lower 48.
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 in Mt. Rainier National Park 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 such as Denali expedition or other high altitude, glaciated, technical peaks.
Our 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.
The Denali Seminar offers hands-on base level instruction and training, lectures, and informal discussions. 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. A summit attempt is not included in this program.
Prerequisites and Training
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 fitness suggestions, please see out Training for Rainier page.