Climb Details
Cost:
Deposit:
Length:
Difficulty:
Type:
$16000
$2500
21 day(s)
Mountaineering
Availability
Upcoming Climbs
| June 23, 2012 | |
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Guide(s): |
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Rising above the rainforests on the island of New Guinea in the Southern Pacific stands the tallest peak on Oceania and one of the Seven Summits, Carstensz Pyramid (16,023’). The journey to Carstensz Pyramid takes us from the beaches of Bali through the Papuan jungles to reach Carstensz’s rocky summit. The climb, while mostly rock scrambling and fixed line travel, entails moderate climbing up to 5.8 in difficulty. Expedition highlights include:
- Scale the most exotic of the Seven Summits, venturing into a land rarely seen by the outside world, in an adventure through tropical forests, across bridges constructed of grasses, and past equatorial glaciers to the highest point of Oceania.
- Climb with a qualified RMI Guide, experienced in leading Carstensz Pyramid expeditions, benefiting from their background, training, and expertise as you venture onto exposed terrain and to high altitudes.
- Rely on RMI’s unmatched logistical support. With 40 years of experience leading mountaineering expeditions, we have the ability to deal with the uncertainties of climbing Carstensz Pyramid, a mountain notorious for its bureaucratic and logistical challenges as well as its sharp limestone and fickle weather.
- Support the development of local enterprise and promote the rights of the local indigenous populations as we work with a local Papuan partner on Carstensz Pyramid. We are the only American guide service to do so.
- Take part in an RMI adventure and see why we continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.
Beginning our adventures in Bali, we gather as a team before flying to Timika, a small town on the island of New Guinea. A second, shorter flight brings us to the village of Sugapa, located in the heavily forrested hills on the north side of the Sudirman Range, from which Carstensz Pyramid rises.
From Sugapa, we begin our trek through the jungles toward Carstensz Pyramid, picking our way through the undergrowth of the rainforest, beneath the thick forest canopy, and across swaying twine bridges made by the local Moni tribesman who help us navigate this landscape. Our path eventually leads us out of the lower elevations to the high alpine equatorial tundra and to Carstensz Base Camp. Base Camp lies in an absolutely beautiful setting, where jagged limestone peaks rise above milky blue alpine lakes.
Carstensz Pyramid is a one day climb, necessitating a pre-dawn departure to avoid the afternoon equatorial precipitation. The climbing is of moderate technical challenge, involving mostly rock scrambling and requiring only a few moves of 5.8 difficulty. Proficiency with fixed ropes, ascenders, rappelling, and experience rock climbing is required. After completing our climb, we retrace our steps out of the mountains and into the jungle to Sugapa for our return flights to Timika and onward to Bali.
Climbing and travelling in Papua, Indonesia entails a great deal of uncertainty and requires tremendous flexibility. In addition to the fickle equatorial weather amplified by high altitudes, political and bureaucratic challenges exist and can hinder the progress of the expedition. For these reasons we build additional flexibility into our itinerary and request that all team members fully understand the nature of where we are going.
THE RMI DIFFERENCE
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. was established in 1969 and is one of America’s oldest and most-trusted guide services. We are the largest guide service on Mt. Rainier and Mt. McKinley and leaders in guiding climbs and treks around the globe. Our years of leading mountain adventures give us the experience and knowledge to create the best possible trips and we work hard to live up to our reputation as an industry leader. Our trip preparation before departure takes care of the details for you, from hotels to airport transfers, so that you can focus on preparing for the climb instead of the distraction that comes with coordinating logistics.
Our Carstensz Pyramid Expedition is led by RMI’s foremost U.S. guides who bring years of climbing experience not only on Carstensz Pyramid but on mountains all over the world, from the Andes to the Alaska Range to the Himalayas. As you reach higher elevations and test the limits of your experience, the value of an accomplished, highly-trained RMI Guide held to our standards and who has previously reached the summit cannot be understated. We are also fortunate to work with an excellent indigenous outfitter in Papua. The advantages of working with a Papuan outfitter who has spent a lifetime invested in the area is unequaled. In addition to the human rights guarantee of fair and respectful treatment of our local staff, our outfitter holds to increasingly environmentally responsible travel and camping practices - neither of these promises are often followed through by outside outfitters.
We use RMI's own climbing equipment brought from the U.S., ensuring that our expedition standards of safety, quality, and reliability are met. Our menu is carefully planned and packed before the expedition, keeping our team happy and healthy throughout the expedition. Our exceptional focus on detail, our unparalleled level of climber attention, and our genuine excitement for these adventures are what make our programs truly memorable.
SAFETY
Safety has always been RMI’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. RMI’s experienced team of guides focus on leading a fun and successful climb without compromising safety. We apply the same standards of safety we bring to Alaska and the Himalayas to our climbs of Carstensz Pyramid. Careful planning, precise ascent profiles, updated weather forecasts via satellite, and diligent attention are taken as we venture to high altitudes. The remoteness of Carstensz Pyramid demands that comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and radio and satellite communication equipment are carried with the team throughout the trip.
As you prepare for your upcoming adventure please feel free to contact our office and speak directly to one of our experienced guides regarding equipment, conditioning, the route, or any other questions you may have about our programs. We are available Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (888) 89-CLIMB or info@rmiguides.com.
Carstensz Pyramid Itinerary
Climbing and travelling in Papua, Indonesia entails a great deal of uncertainty and requires tremendous flexibility. In addition to fickle equatorial weather amplified by high altitudes, political and bureaucratic problems exist which can hinder the progress of the expedition. We purposefully build flexibility into our itinerary to take into account considerations such as the permitting and registration process, weather, route conditions, acclimatization, and the strength of the climbing team. This flexibility allows us to accommodate logistical uncertainties without the pressure to adhere strictly to the schedule and significantly improves our chances of success on Carstensz Pyramid.
Day 1: Depart U.S.A.: During your approximately three day flight to Denpasar, Bali (DPS) you will cross the International Date Line. Most flights from the United States require a stop in a major city such as Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, or Bangkok en route to Denpasar.
Day 2: Travel Day.
Day 3: Arrive Denpasar, Bali: We transfer to our hotel and get some rest before our evening reception and welcome dinner. Overnight in Denpasar.
Day 4: Flight to Timika, Papua: We take an early morning flight to Timika, located on the island of Papua. In Timika, we are transferred to our hotel and spend the remainder of the day organizing our gear and relaxing by the pool. Overnight at Rimba Papua. (B)
Day 5: The day is spent in Timika making the final expedition preparations. Overnight at Rimba Papua. (B)
Day 6: Another early morning flight brings us over the Sudirman Range, with stunning views of Carstensz Pyramid if the weather cooperates, to the village of Sugapa. By mid afternoon we will begin our trek, leaving Sugapa and heading into the jungle, reaching the village of Bulapa for the evening. (B, D)
Day 7: Trek. (B, D)
Day 8: Trek. (B, D)
Day 9: Trek. (B, D)
Day 10: Trek. (B, D)
Day 11: Trek: We cross New Zealand Pass and reach Carstensz Base Camp. Base Camp sits along the shores of an alpine lake at nearly 13,900’. (B, D)
Day 12: The day is spent at Base Camp preparing and reviewing climbing techniques and resting for the climb. (B, D)
Day 13: Summit Day: Following an alpine start, we initially climb a series of rock gullies before traversing along the narrow summit ridge and over a series of small notches, to the summit. The climbing involves mostly scrambling, with a few short sections of mid-fifth-class climbing. We also use both fixed lines and Tyrolean traverses to bypass difficulties. (B, D)
Day 14: Trek. (B, D)
Day 15: Trek. (B, D)
Day 16: Trek. (B, D)
Day 17: Trek: We trek the final stretch though the jungle, returning to the village of Sugapa. (B, D)
Day 18: Flight to Timika: A morning flight takes us out of the mountains and back to Timika, where we enjoy a hot shower and some time by the pool. Overnight at the Rimba Papua. (B)
Day 19: Flight to Denpasar, Bali: We return to Bali to celebrate the end of our adventures. Overnight in Denpasar, Bali. (B)
Day 20: Depart Denpasar, Bali. (B)
Day 21: Arrive USA.
Carstensz Pyramid Equipment List
The following is a list of required equipment. We may encounter a variety of weather conditions throughout our climb, including rain, wind, snow, sleet and extreme heat. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering. If you have questions regarding the equipment needed for your upcoming climb, give us a call and speak directly to one of our experienced guides.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering. This offer excludes sale items. For internet orders, please use the discount code RMI 2012.
Pack & Bag Guides' Pick
2 DUFFEL BAG(S): 100+ liter bag(s) made of tough, waterproof material with rugged zippers. One duffel will be taken on the mountain and carried by the porters through the rainy forest. The other duffel can be smaller and lighter duty and will be left at the hotel with extra gear and clothing.
BACKPACK: A 40 - 50 liter pack with a sternum strap is recommended for this climb.
PACK COVER (OPTIONAL): Protects your pack from rain while on the trail.
SLEEPING BAG:
A synthetic bag rated to 10° to 15° F. A waterproof bag is preferred, but not mandatory.
The temperature rating system for sleeping bags is arbitrary and is not a guarantee of warmth. Base your selection on how well you do in the cold. If you tend to sleep on the cold side, choose a bag rated on the lower end of the temperature range.
Technical Gear Guides' Pick
CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable climbing harness with a few accessible gear loops. Adjustable leg loops are essential.
RAPPEL DEVICE: A figure eight rappel device is the most versatile as it works with a variety of rope sizes.
20 ' PERLON CORD: 7 mm cordelette in one continuous length.
Head Guides' Pick
BUFF OR BANDANA: A buff or bandana provides good protection from the sun and dust as well as insulation from the cold, dry air.
CONTACT LENSES/ EYEGLASSES: Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses. Bring extra contact lenses and solution.
SUNGLASSES: Quality sunglasses with some side protection or wrap-around sunglasses are needed. Super dark glacier glasses are not necessary.
Hands Guides' Pick
LIGHTWEIGHT GLOVE: A glove with a leather or grip palm is best. Fleece- or wool-palmed gloves are too slippery when rappeling.
LEATHER GLOVE: Durable leather gloves are necessary for rappeling and climbing on the abrasive limestone of Carstensz.
INSULATED GLOVE: Warm, insulated glove, waterproof if possible. Choose an insulated glove with a removable liner for ease of drying.
Upper Body Guides' Pick
2 LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top will be used as your base layer. Zip-neck styles will allow for better temperature regulation.
NON-COTTON HIKING SHIRT: Lightweight, synthetic shirt with either long or short sleeves. The long sleeve is preferred for sun protection.
Lower Body Guides' Pick
CLIMBING PANT: Synthetic climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them alone on hot days, or in combination with the base layer on cold days. The thickness (insulation quality) should be based on how well you do in the cold.
HARD SHELL PANT: A high-quality, waterproof pant. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots.
LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANT: A lightweight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.
HIKING SHORTS: Good for lower elevations and warm, sunny days.
Feet
RUBBER BOOTS: High quality knee-high rubber boots with good grip for traveling in muddy terrain. Lace up or buckle closures are highly recommended since the provide a snug fit that reduces that chance of the boot being pulled off in deep mud.
CLIMBING BOOTS: Look for waterproof climbing boots with rubber soles and a rubber rand that extends up the side and covers the toes.
- La Sportiva Trango S Evo GTX
- La Sportiva Trango S Evo GTX
TREKKING BOOTS / APPROACH SHOES: One pair of sturdy trekking boots or approach shoes for trekking and wearing around camp. These must be waterproof.
Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick
EXTRA BATTERIES FOR HEADLAMP: Lithium batteries perform best in cold environments.
MEALS: See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
2 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.
POTABLE AQUA: Water purification for 50 quarts.
4 GARBAGE BAGS (Large): We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.
ZIP-LOCK BAG (1 GALLON): Please use the Zip-Lock as your personal trash bag.
INSECT REPELLANT
UMBRELLA: Small and lightweight.
LUGGAGE LOCKS: For your duffel bags. Must be TSA approved.
STUFF SACK(S): These should be waterproof. Bring as needed.
CAMERA
WATCH with alarm and light: Altimeter models are popular.
Travel Clothes
CASUAL PANTS
SHIRTS
SWEATER / SWEATSHIRT
COMFORTABLE SHOES
SWIMSUIT
Toilet Articles
TOOTHBRUSH
PEE BOTTLE: 1 to 1 1/2 quart size
Personal First Aid Kit
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT (FOR CUTS & SCRAPES)
BAND-AIDS
ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN / TYLENOL
MOLESKIN
ANTACIDS
IMMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)
PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)
SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Personal Medications
ANTIBIOTICS: Broad spectrum antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea.
ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics for upper respiratory infection.
TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain
ACETAZOLAMIDE: For Altitiude Illness
ANTI-MALARIA MEDICATIONS
Utensils Guides' Pick
Travel Documents
PASSPORT: Valid for six months beyond your return date.
COPY OF PASSPORT: The first two pages of your passport.
COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY
EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS
Optional Items
SLEEPING MASK
CLEANSING FACE WIPES
WATERLESS SHAMPOO
READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL
iPOD or MP3 PLAYER
PERSONAL SOLAR CHARGER: A small solar panel is a great way to charge your iPod or camera.
HAND LOTION
FOOT POWDER
Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: group and personal tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, fixed ropes, and comprehensive first aid and repair kits.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Purchase travel insurance.
Return the Participant Information Form to the RMI Office.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!
Meals
Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included as indicated in our Trip Itinerary. With the exception of hotel breakfasts, most restaurant meals are on your own. Your trip fee does not included bottled water and drinks.
Please list any special dietary needs on the Participant Information Form. The form must be returned to the RMI Office 60 days prior to the program departure date.
Mountain Lunches
You are responsible for your own mountain lunches for 12 days. Lunch items should weigh about 8 lbs. We will have an opportunity to purchase additional food in Denpasar, but we recommend you take what you need and only supplement with local food if necessary.
Take lunch foods that you genuinely enjoy. Eating well is the key to maintaining your strength while in the mountains. And in order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude, it is best to have a variety of foods from which to choose, from sweet to sour to salty.
Lunch snacks are eaten during short breaks throughout the day while in the mountains. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.
Recommended mountain lunch items: dry salami, smoked salmon, jerky (turkey, beef), small cans of tuna fish, individually wrapped cheeses, crackers, bagels, candy bars, hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, Toffees, Life Savers), Gummy Bears, sour candies (Sweet Tarts), cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, trail mixes, and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid). All items should be commercially packaged.
Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners
The breakfast menu includes items such as instant oatmeal, cold cereals (granola), breakfast / granola bars, hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, cider) and local fresh fruit.
Dinner usually begins with soup and ends with dessert, followed by a round of hot drinks. Healthy one-pot meals, incorporating fresh local food whenever practical, are served as the main course. One typical main course dinner might be pasta with meat and sauce. Another meal might be a stew with potatoes and fresh, local vegetables. There are limitations, but the menu is planned to offer good variety and ample portions.
Qualifications
Our Carstensz Pyramid program is for adventurers of moderate technical climbing ability in excellent physical condition! You should be confident moving on third-, fourth- and easy fifth-class rock, on fixed ropes, and through multiple rappels.
Please submit the RMI Registration Form prior to securing your reservation.
What to expect:
- Steep hiking with 40 lb. loads
- 12-14+ hour summit day
- Exposed fourth-class climbing
- Several hundred feet of low fifth-class rock
- Several Tyrolean traverses
- 15-20 rappels
- The Carstensz area is usually rainy and you should expect to spend at least some time travelling and climbing in the rain.
This trip is open to individuals who possess:
- Excellent physical fitness
- Confidence to move quickly and competently on low fifth-class terrain
- Proficiency with technical climbing skills including clipping in and out of anchors, belaying, use of ascenders on fixed lines, multiple rappels, and familiarity with Tyrolean traverses
- Previous high mountain experience
Good experiences to consider prior to attempting this program include:
- West Ridge of Forbidden Peak
- Fisher’s Chimneys on Shuksan
- Expedition Skills Seminar on Mt. Rainier or Alaska
- Mexico's Volcanoes
- Ecuador's Volcanoes
The altitude, length of trip, the remoteness of the area, and the technical nature of the climb, all contribute to make this a challenging and demanding trip.
Physical Fitness Training
Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, mountaineering qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor. Most importantly, it requires an intentional fitness program, one which mimics the physical and technical demands of the climb.
Start your mountaineering training immediately. Stick with a rigorous fitness and training program to arrive in top physical condition and confident of your technical skills. Train to carry approximately 40 lbs loads over difficult, often muddy terrain and to move quickly and competently on long and exposed rock scrambles on fourth- and low fifth-class terrain.
Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your levels of fitness and skill. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure.
Please refer to our Fitness for Mountaineering page for detailed information regarding conditioning.
Acclimatization
Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize.
The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude. In addition to a proper rate of ascent, your performance is often related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Proper hydration, nutrition, and warmth must be maintained on a daily basis throughout the expedition.
Travel Consultant
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide our clients with comprehensive travel support. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe. We have been working with Erin for many years, and she is very knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or email at etravel@cox.net.
Travel Insurance
We require everyone to purchase travel insurance for Carstensz Pyramid. Travel insurance covers trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation and offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details including adventure/sports coverage. Additional cancellation coverage may be available if purchased within 14 days of making your trip deposit. However, trip insurance can be purchased any time prior to the start of your program.
For more information, please visit one of the websites below or contact your local travel agent.
| AIG Travel Guard | International Health Insurance |
| Travelex Insurance | Erin Rountree |
Getting There
Our expedition will begin and end in Bali, Indonesia. Your flight will require approximately three days to reach the capital city of Denpasar, Bali (DPS) and will cross the International Date Line. Most flights from the United States require a stop in a major city such as Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, or Bangkok en route to Denpasar. Flights generally arrive in Denpasar in the afternoon on Day 3 of the itinerary. Departing flights may be booked for any time following our final evening in Denpasar.
Entry Information
All team members must obtain a standard tourist visa for Indonesia. U.S. citizens are eligible to purchase a non-extendable and inconvertible “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) in Denpasar, Bali.
All special permits (known as the “Surat Jalan”) for travelling and climbing in Papua will be obtained by RMI.
A valid passport is required when traveling to Indonesia. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date. We suggest making a copy of the first two pages of your passport and keeping them in a separate bag as a backup. A copy should also be left with your emergency contact.
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Immunizations / Travel Medicine
For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
Weather
The title of the 1961 documentary, “Sky Above, Mud Below,” helps paint a picture of just how much it can rain in Papua. This equatorial tropical rainforest sees an abundance of rain throughout the year. In fact, as a friend who grew up on the island stated, “The rain is part of the jungle.”
We expect to encounter rain and mud throughout the trek in, and we often expect to climb Carstensz Pyramid in either rain or snow. While December through early March record the highest precipitation levels due to the northwest monsoon, it is not uncommon for rain to fall every day. Dry periods, while occasional, are unpredictable.
Travel Advisories / Warnings
Please confirm any current travel advisories / warnings as well as entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Payments
A deposit of $2,500 per person secures your reservation. Deposit payments may be made via wire transfer or check. Final payment is due 120 days prior to the start of your program, and we will send you a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. Balance payments may be made via check or wire transfer only. If your final payment is not received within 120 days of the program your reservation will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. Trips departing within 120 days from the reservation date must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
Cancellations
Once we receive written notification (mail, e-mail, or fax) that you are canceling an individual participant or your entire reservation the following fees will apply. A fee of $2,500 per person will be charged for cancellations made more than 120 days before departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 120 days before your program. Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to departure, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.
Travel Insurance
We require everyone to purchase travel insurance for Carstensz Pyramid. Travel insurance covers trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation and offers the best possible protection if you have a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or when traveling. Check with the insurance provider for specific coverage details including adventure/sports coverage. Additional cancellation coverage may be available if purchased within 14 days of making your trip deposit. However, trip insurance can be purchased any time prior to the start of your program.
For more information, please visit one of the websites below or contact your local travel agent.
| AIG Travel Guard | International Health Insurance |
| Travelex Insurance | Erin Rountree |
Land Cost
Included are the following:
- RMI Leadership
- All domestic flights from Denpasar (Bali) to Papua and return
- All internal flights, whether fixed-wing or helicopter
- Hotel accommodations as stated in the itinerary (based on double occupancy*)
- All meals as stated in the itinerary
- Up to three nights’ accommodation and meals in Timika (in case of delay)
- All group camping & climbing equipment.
- Special permits for travelling & climbing in Papua
- Papuan leadership and guide staff
- Porter support for up to 15 kgs of personal equipment from Sugapa to Base Camp and return
- Camp staff and cooking staff
Not included are the following:
- International round-trip airfare and travel expenses to/from Bali. (Bali is served by daily connections to many international transit centers, including Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Bangkok, etc.)
- Accommodations and meals not included in itinerary
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Indonesian tourist visas
- Airport arrival and departure taxes
- Indonesian customs duties
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
- Personal expenses, room charges and laundry
- Personal drinks and beverages
- Customary guide gratuities
- Rescue costs or costs associated with early departure from the expedition
- Costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of RMI (except as noted above)
- Recommended and required insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)
- Personal medical evacuation insurance of $500,000 (required)
- Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)
- The cost of delays due to weather, road or trail conditions, flight delays, government intervention, illness, medical issues, hospitalization, evacuation costs (by helicopter or any other means), or any other contingency which we or our agents cannot control are not included.
* Single Travelers: If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate. If you wish to stay alone, a supplemental fee will be charged for a single room. The single supplement is not available in huts, tents, or in all hotels.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure. We also reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, or route conditions. In such a case, a full refund is given; however, RMI is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).
Risk Management
Safety is RMI's number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering such as avalanches, ice fall, rock fall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them. RMI guides draw from their wealth of experience and training to make sound decisions that improve your chance of reaching the summit without compromising the necessary margin of safety.
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of mountaineering, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.
Climber Responsibilities
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Some of the responsibility for the team is carried by the individual climbers. For this reason, we ask that each participant:
- is physically and mentally fit, properly attired and equipped, and continues to self assess throughout the program to ensure as safe a climb as possible. If a climber's own physical fitness limits his or her ability to safely continue upward, that can have a negative impact on the summit experience or opportunity of other climb participants.
- honestly and accurately describe themselves, in terms of fitness, health and skills, and their equipment to their guides, and that they adhere to the advice of their professional mountain guide.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions
In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines and restrictions on all climbing programs, domestic and international.
- Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
- Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by parent or legal guardian
- Ages 18 & above: No restrictions
An individual’s birthday must precede the departure date of the program. For example: a 15 year old who turns 16 on July 1 may participate on a program beginning July 2.
Accompaniment by parent or legal guardian is required for the program or climb.
Under-aged participants on Private Climb or Group Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.
General Policies
RMI's program plans and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, terrain, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including discretion to change program schedule or itinerary, and change guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather or route conditions. In such a case, a full refund is given; however, RMI cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).
RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire party may have to turn around without reaching the summit. Failure to reach the summit due to a person's own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.'s responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule.
If the Participant decides to leave a trip at any time after the start of the trip and prior to its conclusion, he or she will not be entitled to a refund.
RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a trip or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if RMI determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program.