Cho Oyu

Day 1: TRAVEL DAY
Depart U.S.A: Most climbers and trekkers fly to Kathmandu (KTM) via Bangkok, Thailand.  Travel time is approximately three days.

Day 2: TRAVEL DAY
Cross International Dateline.  Arrive in Bangkok, with possible overnight depending on flight schedules.

Day 3: KATHMANDU • 4,383'
Arrive in Kathmandu. We are transferred to our hotel for some rest and recovery before our evening welcome dinner and reception. Overnight at Yak and Yeti Hotel.

Day 4: KATHMANDU  •  4,383'
Situated in a bowl shaped valley in central Nepal, Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal and it is the cosmopolitan heart of the Himalayan Region.  Today the itinerary focuses on a thorough team meeting/orientation and equipment check, fitting for oxygen masks, arranging visas and permits, and any other last minute preparations.  We can always do a short walking tour in the afternoon if time allows.  Overnight at the Yak and Yeti Hotel.

Day 5: LHASA  •  12,100'
Today we fly over the Himalayas to Lhasa, the cultural and religious center of Tibet.  Upon arriving we transfer to our hotel and explore the surrounding area.

Day 6: LHASA  •  12,100'
As our bodies adjust to the Lhasa’s high altitude, we have the opportunity to explore this fabled city. Built around the banks of the Lhasa River and serving as the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa is a vibrant and exciting place. Changing rapidly underneath Chinese influence, Lhasa is a diverse mix of ancient and modern lifestyles, with age-old Buddhist structures and practices alongside the pressures of Chinese modernism. During our time in Lhasa we have the chance to visit some of the famed sites such as the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and the Barkhor Street Market.

Day 7: LHASA  •  12,100'
We continue acclimatizing and in the afternoon have time to explore Lhasa on our own, relax, and prepare for our morning departure for Cho Oyu.

Day 8: XIGATSE  •  12,795'
Leaving Lhasa, we follow the Friendship Highway southward across the barren Tibetan Plateau, reaching the village of Xigatse (12,795'). The Xigatse monastery contains the world’s largest gilded Buddha at over 70’ tall.

Day 9: TINGRI  •  14,400'
Continuing from Xigatse, the snow capped Himalayas grow larger in the distance as we carry on our overland drive to the village of Tingri at 14,400'. At the foot of the Himalayas and for centuries a meeting place for trade between Nepal and Tibet, Tingri’s views of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu are stunning.

Day 10: TINGRI  •  14,400'
Building upon our acclimatization, we spend the day hiking in the hills around Tingri, overlooking the Tingri Dzong, a fort abandoned in the 18th century just to the south of town.

Day 11: BASE CAMP  •  16,400'
We travel the final distance Tingri to Base Camp (16,400') on Cho Oyu. Tucked amongst rolling grasslands of the summer grazing pastures, Cho Oyu Base Camp is a dramatic setting of wandering yaks, dancing prayer flags, and stunning Himalayan peaks. Upon arriving, we unload our gear from the overland vehicles and prepare for the climb ahead.

Day 12: INTERIM CAMP  •  17,500'
Leaving Base Camp (BC), our group climbs through the rocky lower slopes to Interim Camp (IC), en route to Advanced Base Camp (ABC). With our equipment carried by yaks, we shoulder only light daypacks as we settle into our climbing routine, shaking the miles of travel from our legs as we pick our way amidst the rocks and across icy streams, climbing past the many inscribed Buddhist mani stones that lie along the path.

Day 13: ADVANCED BASE CAMP  • 18,500'
Continuing from Interim Camp, we leave the last tufts of vegetation and make the final approach to Advanced Base Camp and settle in our tents. Perched amongst the moraine and ice alongside the Gyabrag Glacier at the foot of Nangpa La Pass, a trade route still used to reach Nepal. This will be our home for the next several weeks.

Once at Cho Oyu Base Camp the itinerary can vary greatly, this is only an outline of the expedition’s movements. If weather and conditions allow for all team members to summit earlier, then the program schedule will be moved accordingly.  Similarly, if the summit attempt is delayed we can arrange for extra days.

Days 14 to 37: THE CLIMB
Once at ABC we will rest for a few days, allowing our bodies to adapt to life at 18,500’. Using nearby terrain, we will review our climbing techniques, becoming comfortable and proficient on steep terrain and fixed lines. Shortly after our arrival, we will take part in our Puja Ceremony, a deeply meaningful and very exciting Buddhist ceremony led by a local lama before the start of any climbing expedition.

With our bodies acclimating to Base Camp, our Puja ceremony completed, and our training accomplished, we begin our acclimatization rounds on the mountain. Over the next weeks we will slowly work our way up the mountain, acclimatizing to higher and higher elevations and becoming stronger at altitude and familiar and comfortable with the terrain. Above ABC (18,500') we establish three camps. Camp 1 (21,000') is at the top of a long scree slope. From here the route is entirely on snow. We follow a gentle rounded ridge until we hit a short but steep ice cliff. We use a fixed rope to negotiate the cliff (normally about 60') and then continue across a gentle glacier before we start another slightly steeper slope that we ascend via a fixed rope. Camp 2 (23,100') is on an easy snow slope above. The ascent to reach Camp 3 (24,500') is relatively short and the climbing on more gentle snow slopes. Summit day consists of climbing intermediate snow slopes until we reach a series of rock bands, which we cross by way of their snow ledges. We come out onto a snow slope leading us to the summit ridge and then to what is often mistaken as the summit. The real summit is still about 1,200' away on almost flat snow.

The number of days this takes our team will vary due to weather, acclimatization, team strength, the number of caches we make, and other such circumstances. Our guides will use their vast mountain experience, knowledge, and decision-making abilities to maximize each climber's chance of reaching the summit of Cho Oyu.
 

TBD: BASE CAMP  •  16,400'
We make the descent from ABC back to BC, marveling at the riot of green that we find after so many days at barren high altitudes.

TBD: BASE CAMP  •  16,400'
Back at Basecamp we take advantage of the lower altitudes for some much-needed rest as we prepare all of our gear for our return to Kathmandu.

Day 40: ZANGMU  •  7,544'
Leaving Base Camp, we regain the Friendship Highway and drive across the spectacular Nyalam Thongla Pass and through the
Nyalam Gorge, into the town of Zangmu (2,300 m). We spend our last night in Tibet in the village of Zangmu, high in the Himalayas near the border with Nepal.

Day 41: KATHMANDU  •  4,383'
Drive from Zangmu to Kathmandu. We spend the night at the Yak & Yeti Hotel.

Day 42: CONTINGENCY DAY •  4,383'
This day is available in case of any delays.

Day 43: TRAVEL DAY
Depart Kathmandu. Most climbers fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok, and then onto the United States. An overnight in Bangkok is standard for most flights.

Day 44: TRAVEL DAY
Arrive home.

Pack & Bag Guides' Pick

Technical Gear Guides' Pick

Head Guides' Pick

Hands Guides' Pick

Upper Body Guides' Pick

Lower Body Guides' Pick

Feet Guides' Pick

Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick

Travel Clothes

Toilet Articles

Personal First Aid Kit

Personal Medications

Utensils Guides' Pick

Travel Documents

Optional Items

Provided Equipment

Pre-Trip Checklist

Meals

All meals and an assortment of snacks are provided during the expedition. The value of careful planning cannot be overstated for a high altitude expedition and we work diligently to keep our climbers fit and content.

Please list any special dietary needs on the Participant Information Form. The form must be returned to the RMI Office 90 days prior to the program departure date.

Snacks

While the food in the mountains is excellent, it is nice to bring along a few of your favorite snacks and drink mixes to enjoy after a long day. We recommend that climbers bring 10 - 12 lbs. of their absolute favorite snacks and comfort foods to have throughout the expedition as a supplement to the foods that we provide.

You will want to have a few snack items with you everyday to fuel you up the trail. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner!

The importance of having snacks and lunch foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. In order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.

Recommended snack items: dry salami, smoked salmon, Jerky (turkey, beef, fish), small cans of tuna fish, individually wrapped cheeses such as Laughing Cow or Baby Bell, crackers, bagels, candy bars, hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, Toffees, Life Savers), Gummy Bears, Sour candies (Sweet Tarts), cookies, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, GORP mixes, and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfasts consist of most typical choices. Eggs, toast, hash browns, corn flakes, muesli, oatmeal, pancakes and the local specialties of chapatti and Tibetan bread are all common menu items. Breakfast is accompanied by juice, coffee, tea, cocoa and other hot drinks.

Lunch and dinner options include a variety of choices. Soups (commonly tomato, vegetable, noodle, or hearty "sherpa stew") are excellent starters. Main courses like chicken and yak dishes, pastas, pizzas, and even fries are served alongside vegetable fried rice or noodles. Be sure to save room for a dessert such as apple pie, chocolate cake, or "snickers pie"!

On the mountain, similar meals are served. Lunches and dinners include several courses, beginning with soup and ending with dessert.

Qualifications

Participants on our Cho Oyu Expedition must have a solid understanding of mountaineering skills. We also require that each team member have previous high altitude experience, such as McKinley, Aconcagua, or other 7,000 or 8,000 meter peaks. Screening and final selection will be done on an individual basis after we have reviewed your climbing resume and our veteran Cho Oyu guides have spoken with you directly.

Mountaineering is a tough endurance sport, and the importance of good conditioning cannot be overstated. In training, we want to mirror, as best we can, the physical activities that we will be performing in the mountains. Your primary focus should be gaining the necessary strength and stamina needed to go up and down steep slopes with a backpack.

It is imperative that you undertake a rigorous conditioning program prior to your trip and arrive in top physical shape. Here are some proven suggestions to get you ready for the physical challenge.

• Start training immediately. The more time you have to get in shape, the better.
• Cardiovascular training (such as running and cycling) and strength and endurance training (such as weight training and stair climbing) should both be included in your program.
• Start cardiovascular training by running, biking, hill climbing, or using step machines. Try exercising for an hour or more per session, and keep your heart rate and respirations at a reasonably high level, without over doing it. Three to four long training sessions per week are going to be more beneficial than short daily workouts. The intensity of your workout should reflect the level of effort we anticipate needing to climb the last 1,000' to the summit.
• Begin your strength training by working on muscle groups used in mountaineering. Specifically, you want to target your quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, back and shoulder muscles.
• There is no better training for mountaineering than up and downhill hiking. Get outside and go on extended hikes with a weighted backpack 2 - 3 times per week. Try hiking for 60 to 90 minutes at a time with a 10 - 15 minute break after each segment. Begin your training program with a 20 - 25 pound pack and work up gradually to the approximate weight expected to be carried on the climb. If there are no hills nearby, stairs work fine for training, especially if you can find a taller multiple storied buildings or stadium steps. When working out in a gym, use stair stepping machines and treadmills with a weighted pack. Additionally, treadmills raised up to the full 15 degrees will be more beneficial than running on relatively flat terrain.
• Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life!

This sounds like a lot of work... and it is. With our daily schedules busy with family, work, and other important commitments, it can be difficult to set aside time for training. But being physically prepared for your climb is the single most important thing you can do to increase your chances of standing on the summit. It's also more enjoyable.

For more detailed information regarding conditioning, please see the Fitness for Mountaineering document.

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 strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance 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. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program.

For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your local travel agent.

AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Personal Medical Insurance

We recommend that you purchase medical insurance for your expedition as most standard insurance does not cover mountaineering. International Health Insurance (IHI) provides coverage for annual travel or a single trip. For additional information including coverage, benefits and premiums or to book online visit International Health Insurance.

Getting There

Most climbers fly to Kathmandu (KTM) via Thailand, with an overnight in Bangkok. During your flight you will cross the International Date Line. Travel time is approximately three days. If you would like to see the mountains as you fly into Kathmandu, make sure you sit on the right-hand side of the plane.

Booking Flights: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires you to provide your full name, date of birth and gender as it is shown on the identification document that you plan to present at airport security check-points. You must begin making your reservations using your full name, matching exactly the ID you plan to present at the airport. If you submit that information at time of booking your reservation you can avoid delays at check-in. Finally, verify your name on your frequent traveler profiles. If you signed up using a name other than your name as shown on your identification, you should contact each frequent traveler program to update your name to match the full name requirement.
 

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entering Nepal and for entering Tibet. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected date of return.

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.

Visas and Airport Arrival

Nepal: All foreigners (except Indian Nationals) require visas, which can be obtained in advance or upon arrival with one passport photo and payment in cash (U.S. Dollars).

When you arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport go to the visa counter for visitors without a visa. Debarkation forms and visa application forms are both available in the arrivals hall. You will need 1 passport photo for your visa application.

Outside the arrivals hall there will be a large group of taxi drivers and agents from many hotels and travel companies. Look for a sign with the name RMI Expeditions. This will be your RMI guide and the driver who will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Tibet: All arrangements for our Tibet visas and flights to Lhasa will be made in Kathmandu. The costs of the Tibet visa and flights to Lhasa are included in the price of your program.

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.

Immuniziations / Travel Medicine

Before travel, be sure you are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP). Some schedules can be accelerated for travel.

See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. If it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see your doctor. It might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

CDC recommended vaccinations and preventive medications:

•     Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)

•     Hepatitis B

•     Malaria if you plan on traveling to lower elevations

•     Rabies

•     Typhoid vaccine

•     As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles

This information is accurate at the time of writing, but may change with little or no notice.

For the most updated information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Departure Tax

Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1,695 per person when flying back to Thailand or other non SAARC Countries (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). The departure tax in Kathmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and prior to checking in to the flight. The tax is dependent on your out-bound flight's destination and may change.
 

Country Facts

Nepal: Nepal is one of the world's richest countries in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and the variations in altitude. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meter above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic.

Capital: Kathmandu.

Population: 23.1 million

Language: Nepali is the national language. English is widely understood and spoken within the tourism industry as well.

Political System: Multi-party Democracy.

Tibet: Tibet lies at the center of Asia, with an area of 2.5 million square kilometers. The earth's highest mountains, a vast arid plateau and great river valleys make up the physical homeland of 6 million Tibetans. Lhasa, which means "land of the gods," is the heart of Tibet. Over 1,300 years old, it sits in a valley along the Lhasa River. Traditional Tibetan influence is still strong and quite evident, especially around the old quarters near Barkhor. With good hotels, excellent restaurants, and a fascinating cultural heritage, Lhasa is wonderful place to visit.

Capital: Lhasa

Population: 6 million Tibetans and an estimated 7.5 million Chinese.

Average Altitude: 13,000' above sea level.

Language: Tibetan. The official language is Chinese.

Political System: Communist

Etiquette

Although it is not expected that American tourists dress formally in Nepal or Tibet, it is expected that they dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes.
 

Money

Nepal: The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). A recent exchange rate was about 76 NPR to the U.S. Dollar. In Nepal you are almost always required to pay for goods or services with the Nepalese Rupee. It is recommended that you change to Nepalese Rupees only as much money as you think you may spend as local currencies cannot be removed from the country or reconverted easily.
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. You will find a large number of ATMs in Kathmandu and using ATMs is a far easier method of obtaining cash. Traveler’s checks are a good backup and the safest way to carry money, but are not easily cashed and usually have a much lower exchange rate. If you are planning to use traveler’s checks, we recommend that you buy America Express as they are most widely recognized and accepted.

Tibet: The official currency of Tibet is the China Yuan Renminbi (CNY). A recent exchange rate was about 6.8 CNY to the U.S. Dollar. Credit Cards are accepted in some places in Lhasa but rarely outside of the city. There are several ATMs located in Lhasa but we recommend bringing U.S. Dollars or traveler’s checks as a backup in case you are unable to withdraw money from them. Your guides can help you exchange your U.S. Dollars for CNY once you reach Lhasa. Traveler's checks are also now accepted at the Bank of China in the city of Lhasa. As in Nepal, we recommend using American Express traveler’s checks in Tibet.

Everyone has a preferred way to carry money. Some use money belts, others have hidden pockets. Whatever you do, be aware of pickpockets and thieves in any area that caters to tourists.
 

Tipping

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Restaurants and hotels may add 5 % to 10% to bills in which case no further tip is required; otherwise a 10% tip is customary in places that cater to tourists. It is customary to tip guides and porters on treks and climbs. Elsewhere it is not customary to tip, but gratuities are always appreciated.

Our guides work hard to ensure your well being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program.

Health

Travelers often suffer from upset stomachs when in Nepal. There are some basic rules, however, that can help keep you healthy.

•     Hygiene - It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using any bathroom. If water is not available for washing, we recommend using a hand sanitizer.

•     Water - The number one rule is: don't drink the water, and that includes shower water and ice! Brush your teeth with purified water rather than tap water. You should check bottled water for a good seal and use a napkin to wipe dry excess moisture in drinking glasses. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if it has been diluted with water. Carefully clean the tops of bottled beverages before opening.

•     Food - If you can cook it, boil it, or peel it; you can usually eat it. Salads and fruits should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible. Be wary of ice cream and shellfish. Always avoid any undercooked meat.

Photography

Nepal and Tibet are very photogenic and the photos you take will be priceless. Ask for permission before photographing individuals, particularly indigenous people. Many of the locals are accustomed to posing for photographs. They may appreciate a small gift in return. If in doubt, either ask or refrain. Don't photograph any government or military property or persons; this includes the airport.
 

Electricity

Domestic consumption of electricity in Katmandu and Lhasa normally comes in 220 Volts/50 cycles. It is advisable to carry voltage converters and plug adapters with you while traveling. Voltage converters and plug adapters are easily accessible at shopping malls in the cities of Nepal and the U.S.
 

Travel Advisories / Warnings

Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the US Department of State.

Resources

There are a number of books on travel health including: Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa and Latin America by Dirk Schroeder. Lonely Planet, Let's Go, Fodor's and Frommers are all good travel guides. Information and updates can be found on the website for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, which provides medical information for travelers as well as the consular information.

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 90 days before departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations made less than 90 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.

We strongly encourage everyone to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance 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. If you have not yet purchased travel insurance, you may do so prior to commencement of the program. For more information please visit one of the websites below, or contact your travel agent.
AIG Travel Guard
International Health Insurance
Erin Rountree

Land Cost

Included are the following:

• RMI Leadership
• Ground transportation to and from the airport in Kathmandu
• Flight to Lhasa
• All group camping supplies such as mountain tents, stoves, fuel, cooking tent, dining tent, shower tent and storage tent.
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• Hotel accommodations as stated in the itinerary
• Park fees and climbing permit fees
  
• Tibetan Visa Fee
• Liaison and Sirdar officers
• Sherpa support
• Camp staff and cooking staff
• Radio communications
• Power supply at Base Camp
• Porter support
• Yak support
• Hyperbaric bag and emergency medical oxygen
• Climbing oxygen above 7500 meters and Top Out Mask
• A single tent at Base Camp with a foam trekking mattress
• High-altitude camp equipment and supplies
  
• Climbing Sherpa will establish camps, carry group equipment (including sleeping bags and pads), establish the route, etc
• Weather forecasting

Not included are the following:

• International round-trip air fare and travel expenses to/from Kathmandu
• Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu not included in itinerary
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Excess baggage charges
• Airport taxes and Nepal entry visas
• Sherpa tip pool (we suggest $400 for summit climbers)
• Tips for RMI Guides
• Rescue costs or costs associated with early departure from the expedition
• Helicopter or charter flight
• Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
• Personal expenses, room charges and laundry
• Personal drinks and beverages
• International departure taxes
• Nepal Custom Duties
• Costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of RMI
• Recommended insurance policies (medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, etc.)
• Additional personal Sherpa support is available, but must be arranged before the expedition.
• 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. 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.

• Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
• Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by parent or legal guardian
• Ages 18 & above: No restrictions 

Participants on Private 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.