October 23, 2020

An IMG Team taking it all in (Dave Coon)

While the bulk of summer season on Mt. Rainier is sold out, we still have availability on some of our winter Avalanche & Denali Prep Courses.

AIARE Avalanche Level 1 – Whether you are new to exploring the mountains during the winter or want to freshen up on your snow and avalanche skills, you’ll find topics covered in this course tailored to the backcountry recreationist. This curriculum meets and exceeds all guidelines put forth by the American Avalanche Association’s Education Committee for an Avalanche Level 1 course.

Mt Rainier (meeting at IMG headquarters in Ashford, WA):
December 18-20, 2020
January 1-3, 2021

Crystal Mountain (meeting at the Crystal Mountain Fire Hall):
January 22-24, 2021
February 12-14, 2021
February 26-28, 2021
March 12-14, 2021

Avalanche Rescue Couse – AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day course that focuses on the basics of companion rescue for new students. Returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills. This program is intended to be retaken every other year or so to keep up on best practices in rescue techniques and gear. The Avalanche Rescue Course is a prerequisite of the AIARE Level 2 Course. Each student will receive professional coaching on their rescue skills as well as a rescue card acknowledging the completion date.

Meeting at IMG headquarters in Ashford, WA:
January 4, 2021

Meeting at the Crystal Mountain Ski Area:
January 25, 2021

Denali Expedition Seminar  – Training focused on preparation for an IMG expedition to Denali or other high altitude peaks. Get the best possible training necessary to participate in an expedition to Denali including ice axe arrest, cramponing, sled rigging and hauling, expedition camps, snow shelters, snow anchors, crevasse rescue and fixed ropes. This program is equally useful for those looking for a good introductory winter training seminar. February, March and April only.

February 6-12, 2021 (2 spots open)
March 6-12, 2021 (4 spots open)
April 3-9, 2021 (1 spot open)

September 30, 2020

We’re happy to report that the 2020 Mt. Rainier season is wrapped.  Our final climb came off the mountain yesterday, and our Camp Muir Teardown Team (Rikki Dunn, Anna Hicks, Peter Dale, Nicole Sims, Dan Reithmuller & Jay Lyons) all descended today after two hard days of work battening down the hatches up at Camp Muir.  The weather last week was less than ideal (read horrendous), thankfully the storm passed and high pressure rolled in for our final climb and teardown. It’s not often that the end of the season is celebrated with ice cream…but it felt appropriate in the 80 degree weather we’re having here in Ashford.

Tip of the cap to all of the guides who worked their tails off this summer (of all summers) keeping things mountain-safe and covid-safe! It was no small effort.

2021 Rainier dates will be released in a couple weeks. Stay tuned.

Tye Chapman