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Vinson-Massif
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Cost:
Length:
Difficulty:
Type:
$35500
22 day(s)
Mountaineering
| There are no upcoming climb dates. |
Located only 660 nautical miles from the South Pole, Vinson-Massif (16,067') is the highest peak in Antarctica and one of the renowned "Seven Summits." Antarctica has the reputation for having the most inaccessible and inhospitable mountains in the world. Climbed for the first time in 1966, Vinson still sees very few visitors and remains a pristine and majestic peak. To reach this remote area of the world, we fly from Punta Arenas, Chile to Patriot Hills and land on the blue ice runway! A short flight then brings us to the edge of the Ellsworth Mountains and base of the Branscomb Glacier. From here we ascend the Branscomb Glacier and then climb the headwall on Vinson. Summit Day is one of the most spectacular of any big climb in the world: as we ascend from our High Camp (12,400') the views of the immense ice sheets which surround the Massif gradually come into view, the final steep push up the summit ridge is exhilarating but not technically difficult, and standing atop this remote summit a climber looks for miles in all directions onto a landscape virtually untouched by humans.
When your goal is the highest peak on the Antarctic continent, experience matters. Dave Hahn guides RMI's Vinson climbs. Dave holds the world record for Vinson Massif- he has reached the summit an incredible 27 times. Along the way Dave has helped hundreds of climbers in their quest to reach this, the most remote of the world's "Seven Summits", and to experience the grandeur of Antarctica along the way.
Join Dave and RMI for an adventure to the "top of the bottom of the world."
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.
Mt. Vinson Itinerary
The climb usually takes a minimum of 14 days, but weather related delays often occur and, therefore, your schedule must remain flexible.
Day 1: Depart U.S.
Day 2: Arrive in Santiago, Chile and connect with flights to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ). Upon arrival in Punta Arenas please take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. We will have our first team meeting and orientation once all climbers have arrived. Night spent at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Punta Arenas.
Day 3: Today we make our final preparations for the flight to Patriot Hills with an equipment check, weighing baggage, etc. During the afternoon we will have time to explore the interesting port city of Punta Arenas. Night spent at our Hotel Diego de Almagro in Punta Arenas.
Day 4: Flight to Patriot Hills, Antarctica (2,600'). This flight is approximately five hours long, crossing Drake Passage and the Antarctic Circle before landing on a blue ice runway. If the weather allows we will continue on via Twin Otter aircraft to Vinson Basecamp located at 7,200' on the Branscomb Glacier. The flight is approximately 1 1/2 hours. (B, D)
Day 5: The climb begins! We carry food and fuel to Camp 1 located at 9,100', make our cache and descend to Vinson Basecamp for the night. (B, D)
Day 6: Rest and acclimatization day. (B, D)
Day 7: We break camp, climbing back to Camp 1 with our remaining gear and establish our second camp at 9,100'. (B, D)
Day 8: Weather and health permitting we carry to High Camp located in the saddle between Mt. Vinson and Mt. Shinn at 12,400'. We cache gear at High Camp and descend to Camp 1 for the night. (B, D)
Day 9: Rest and acclimatization at Camp 1. (B, D)
Day 10: Move to High Camp. (B, D)
Day 11: Summit Day! On the climb from High Camp to the top of Mt. Vinson we gain 3,600'. From the 16,067' summit we have unparalleled views of the Ellsworth Range, the Ronne Ice Shelf and seemingly the whole continent of Antarctica. We spend the night again at high camp. (B, D)
Day 12: Break camp and descend to Vinson Basecamp. Night spent at Basecamp. (B, D)
Days 13 to 19: Days thirteen through nineteen are contingency days should we experience delays due to weather or other unforeseen events. Days of delay are a normal part of Antarctic travel and maybe used on the mountain or for travel. (B, D)
Day 20: Return flight to Patriot Hills and connect with the transport plane for our return flight to Punta Arenas. Night spent at the hotel at Punta Arenas. (B)
Day 21: Fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago and connect with flights to the United States.
Day 22: Arrive home.
Key: B, L, D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Mt. VInson Equipment List
The following is a list of equipment for the program. Skimping on equipment can jeopardize your safety and success, so we want you to think carefully about any changes or substitutions you are considering.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI participants receive a 10 percent discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering (excluding sale items). The Discount Code is RMI 2010 for internet orders. For more information or questions regarding clothing and equipment items call 800-238-5756 or click below.
Pack & Bag Guides' Pick
2 DUFFEL BAG(S): 120+ liter bag(s) made of tough material with rugged zippers.
BACKPACK: A 90+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb. It is imperative that your backpack is large enough and tough enough to handle the load. A separate summit pack is not needed.
DAY PACK: A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on, while traveling or sightseeing.
SLEEPING BAG: A bag bag rated to -20° to -40° F. Either goose down or synthetic, with ample room for movement. Most guides prefer down, because it is lightweight and compactable. A waterproof bag is superb, but not mandatory.
SLEEPING BAG: 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. Using two sleeping bags together is not recommended.
SLEEPING PAD - CLOSED FOAM: A full-length or 3/4 length closed cell foam pad. This second sleeping pad is placed on top of the inflatable.
Technical Gear Guides' Pick
ICE AXE: The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm. axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.
CLIMBING HARNESS: A comfortable, adjustable climbing harness.
CRAMPONS: The 10 to 12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal. Rigid frame crampons designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended. Carry any repair kit/replacement parts and adjusting tools which are specific to your crampons.
TREKKING POLES: Lightweight and collapsible.
15 ' PERLON CORD: 7 mm cordelette
PERLON CORD: Two 6' lengths of 6mm cordelette
PERLON CORD: Three 5' lengths of 6mm cordelette
Head
WARM HAT: Wool or synthetic. It should be warm, but thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.
NECK GAITER
BALACLAVA
2 GLACIER GLASSES: A pair of dark-lensed sunglasses with side shields or full wrap-type sunglasses.
GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights.
Hands Guides' Pick
HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED MITTEN: Wind/water resistant, insulated mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold.
HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVE
1 - 2 PAIR WORK GLOVES
Upper Body Guides' Pick
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.
HEAVY WEIGHT BASELAYER: One long-sleeve heavy weight top.
LIGHT INSULATING LAYER: A fleece or other insulation layer.
SOFT SHELL LAYER: A windproof, water-resistant and highly breathable layer.
HARD SHELL JACKET: A jacket made of rain/wind-proof material with an attached hood.
DOWN OR SYNTHETIC INSULATED JACKET: A synthetic primaloft jacket.
DOWN PARKA WITH ATTACHED HOOD: This should be an expeditionary-style heavy parka that extends well below the waist and above the knees and must have an insulated hood. Goose down is recommended versus synthetic fill.
Lower Body Guides' Pick
UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton briefs or boxers are a must on the mountain.
LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER: Light to medium weight wool or synthetic bottoms.
HEAVY WEIGHT BASELAYER: Heavy weight bottoms.
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 pant made of breathable rain and wind-proof material will be needed. Full-length side zippers are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons in cold, inclement weather.
DOWN OR SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANT: A synthetic primaloft pant.
Feet Guides' Pick
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: A new breed of composite boot like the Olympus Mons or an expedition-style plastic double boot in combination with a full overboot is mandatory. Price is the best indicator. Though expensive, the function of footwear is of crucial importance. Select a brand's "top of the line" model and it should be sufficient for Mount Vinson. The boot needs to be roomy enough to allow for good circulation. Anticipate a sock combination when sizing them (single sock, liner and sock, or two heavy socks on each foot). Wear the boots as often as possible before the climb, to determine proper fit, comfort and performance. It is recommended that you keep your boots in your carry-on luggage for all of your commercial flights in case your luggage is mis-directed.
OVERBOOTS: Expedition overboots add significant warmth, especially at high altitude. All-in-one mountaineering boots do not need the added insulation of overboots.
BOOTIES: Goose down or synthetic fill. Booties can be worn inside of the overboots while walking around camp, which allows an opportunity to dry out inner boots.
4 PAIR SOCKS: Either wool or synthetic. Some people find liner socks useful for reducing friction.
GAITERS: These are not necessary with all-in-one boot / gaiter models. A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots, will be needed for protecetion from snow, mud, and catching your crampons on loose clothing.
Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick
LIP PROTECTION
5 CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
2 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.
2 INSULATED WATER BOTTLE COVERS: These help prevent liquids from freezing. It should completely cover the bottle.
TOILET PAPER
EAR PLUGS: For sleeping.
2 AA BATTERIES: For avalanche transceiver. Avalanche transceivers are supplied by RMI.
LUGGAGE LOCKS: For your duffel bags. Must be TSA approved.
STUFF SACKS
CAMERA
LIGHTER
PEE BOTTLE: 1 to 1 1/2 quart size
WATCH with alarm and light: Altimeter models are popular.
SLEEPING MASK
Travel Clothes
CASUAL PANTS
SHIRTS
Toilet Articles
TOOTHBRUSH
TOOTHPASTE
BABY WIPES
HAND SANITIZER: Personal size.
Personal First Aid Kit
BAND-AIDS
ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN
MOLESKIN
ANTACIDS
IMMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)
PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)
SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Personal Medications
ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea
TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain
DIAMOX: Acetazolamide for Altitiude Illness (250 mg. tabs)
Utensils Guides' Pick
2 SPOON or SPORK
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
2 EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS
Optional Items
CLEANSING FACE WIPES
BABY POWDER
READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL
iPOD or MP3 PLAYER
THERMOS
Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, group cooking equipment, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, avalanche transceivers, avalanche probes and shovels, and blue bags (for solid waste disposal).
Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.
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. 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 90 days prior to the program departure date.
Mountain Lunches
You are responsible for your own mountain lunches for 17 days. Lunch items should weigh about 9 - 10 lbs.
You are packing two different kinds of food for this trip - "Mountain Lunches" and "General Snack Food".
Mountain Lunches are the snacks that you will be eating throughout the climb. The food is generally bought from the U.S. and it is your tried and true favorites. You will need to bring enough snack food for 10 days of "Mountain Lunches". Snack items should be small and compact (not bulky) and fit inside a stuff sack as you will be carrying these snacks with you while you climb.
General Snack Food is what you will be eating if we are delayed for any reason while on the ice. Most of this food can be purchased in Punta Arenas. It should be small and compact as well but we will be able to cache some of the food at Patriot Hills and at Vinson Basecamp. You will need a total 7 days of General Snack Food.
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, 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).
Mountain Breakfasts and Dinners
The breakfast menu includes items such as instant oatmeal, cold cereals (granola), breakfast bars (Kashi, Kudos), 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 spaghetti with sausage and fresh vegetables. Another meal might be chicken fajitas with cheese, tortillas, onions, and peppers. There are limitations, but the menu is planned to offer good variety and ample portions.
Qualifications
Previous climbing experience is required for this program. In order to participate, each team member needs to submit a short climbing resume showing, at a minimum the following skills:
- Familiar with crampon use, team rope travel skills, and ice axe arrest techniques.
- Previous glacier climb experience.
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 the last 8 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
All climbers on Vinson are required to have medical evacuation insurance of $150,000. Evacuations from the Antarctic Continent are incredibly complicated and extremely expensive. AIG Travel Guard and International Health Insurance (IHI Bupa) both offer policies.
Getting There
Climbers flying from the U.S. usually fly via Santiago, Chile and then onward to Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ). The six-hour flight to Antarctica is aboard a Russian Illuyshin cargo plane which lands on a blue ice runway at Patriot Hills. From Patriot Hills we board a Twin Otter on skis for the one-hour flight to Vinson base camp. The logistical support needed to get climbers and their gear into position on Mt. Vinson is extraordinary.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin requiring airlines to collect additional passenger information. This effort is part of the Secure Flight pre-screening program. TSA will require 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. Collection of your date of birth and gender will be mandatory beginning August 15th, 2009. 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 Secure Flight's full name requirement.
Snapshot
Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest continent on the planet. In the winter, the lowest recorded temperatures (without wind chill!) have reached -89°C (-129°F). The continent averages 2.4 km in height (1.5 miles) above sea level, making it 1.5 km (almost a mile) higher than the global average land height! Each year the South Pole receives less than an inch of water... in the form of snow, of course. This amount of precipitation is similar to that of another desert, the Sahara.
Vinson Massif, at 78°35'S, 85°25'W is 21km (13 miles) long and 13km (8 miles) wide, is the highest peak in Antarctica. It lies on the southern part of the main ridge of the Sentinel Range. It was named for Carl G. Vinson, a Georgia congressman and a major force in 20th century US Antarctic exploration. Discovered in 1957 after being sighted by US Navy aircraft, it was first climbed in December 1966 by a combined group from the American Alpine Club and the National Science Foundation.
Entry Information
Passport: Valid for 6 months beyond expected return date.
Chilean Visa: U.S. visitors will be charged a reciprocity fee at the port of entry, and a small receipt for the fee will be stapled in the last page of the passport. This visa is valid for multiple entries and remains valid until the expiration of the passport. In addition, visitors will be issued a tourist visa consisting of a single sheet of paper placed in the passport. This visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days. An extension of stay for an additional 90 days is possible, but requires payment of an extension fee. The visa document must be surrendered to immigration authorities upon departure.
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the U.S. Department of State.
Health Considerations
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.
No CDC Required vaccinations.
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.
Please confirm any current travel advisories/warnings as well as passport and visa requirements with the US Department of State.
Tipping
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.
Payments
A deposit of $5,000 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.
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
The current fee includes:
- RMI Leadership
- Flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Vinson BaseCamp and return with 50 lbs of baggage allowance per person.
- Hotel accommodations as stated in the itinerary: two hotel nights in Punta Arenas prior to the flight to Antarctica and one upon our return
- All breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain and other meals as stated in the itinerary
- All group cooking, climbing and camping equipment
The fee does not include:
- International roundtrip airfare to Punta Arenas
- Accommodations and meals in Punta Arenas not included in itinerary
- Personal medical evacuation insurance of $150,000 (required)
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Excess baggage fees on flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Excess baggage fees on flight to Patriot Hills (50 lbs per person included in price, additional charge of $30 per kilogram)
- Airport taxes and Chilean entry visa
- 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)
- Bottled water and personal drinks
- Additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses
- Costs incurred as a result of delays or events beyond the control of RMI
- Transfers between the Punta Arenas airport and hotel for arrival and departure flights
- Recommended insurance policies (medical, trip cancellation, etc.)
- 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.
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.