Expedition Prep & Summit Seminar

Mt. Rainier is the ideal place to get a sense of what’s involved in a bigger expedition such as McKinley, Aconcagua, Everest, and more. This 6 ½ day program in Mt. Rainier National Park is designed as a skills and training seminar for climbers seeking a primer on expedition-specific mountaineering skills, as well as those with aspirations of greater climbs in the future such as a McKinley 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 to be successful on a long expedition. 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. Additional time will be spent on skills like packing and dragging expeditions sleds, camp maintenance, avalanche hazard evaluation, route finding, and more. Put your gear and your skills to the test and climb to the summit of Rainier on the final day of the program.

The Expedition Prep 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.

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.

 

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.