Climb Details
Cost:
Deposit:
Length:
Difficulty:
Type:
$2850*
$750
11 day(s)
Skills
* Please note the cost above is for the 2013 season. The 2014 fee will be posted upon approval from the National Park Service.
Availability
Upcoming Climbs
| May 2, 2014 |
| May 17, 2014 |
 |
"[RMI's] Guides are experienced and professional. Most important it's obvious they are well supported when in the field and not out there winging it."
— Will W. | Read More Testimonials |
Alpine climbing refers to a particular style of mountain climbing that involves a mixture of snow climbing, ice climbing, rock climbing, and glacier travel, where climbers generally single-carry their loads between camps, in a single push for the summit. Light and fast is the mantra of the alpine mountaineer. On the Alaska Mountaineering Seminar – Alpine you will spend over a week in some of the most beautiful mountains on the North American continent - the Alaska Range; learning the climbing skills necessary to safely lead your own alpine rock and ice climbs or attain the skills needed to be a strong team member on routes like Mt. Rainier’s Liberty Ridge or Denali’s West Rib. Highlights Include:
- Fly in a ski plane to Denali's Base Camp on the massive Kahiltna Glacier, in the heart of North America's highest peaks.
- Become well versed in the skills of alpine climbing in the best classroom possible: the mountains of the Alaska Range.
- Enjoy the lighter packs and ease of travel that alpine mountaineering is known for.
- Enjoy our exceptional 3 to 1 climber to guide ratio during the course, benefiting from the experience, expertise, and tutelage of RMI's renowned guides.
- Put your new skills to test during the program as the team makes attempts on several summits.
- Take part in an RMI adventure and see why we continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.
RMI's Alaska Mountaineering Seminar - Alpine takes place on one of the largest glaciers in Denali National Park, the Kahiltna. The incredible variety of terrain is ideally suited for learning alpine climbing skills, and offers numerous moderate and enjoyable climbs. Our alpine course has been designed to prepare you for guided ascents like Mt. Rainier’s Liberty Ridge or to enable you to lead your own adventures on other peaks back home. Ice and rock climbing, route planning, belay and rappel skills, gear placement and multi pitch techniques are some of the skills introduced and practiced during the course. RMI is proud to offer a 3 to 1 climber to guide ratio on our Alaska Mountaineering Seminar - Alpine. Our experienced guides offer extensive personal instruction through the course, from the teaching of fundamental climbing knots to instruction and guidance during the climbs. Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is committed to a safe, fun, and educational program and these goals are best achieved with a low student to guide ratio. While less expensive instructional programs in Alaska exist, none offer the instruction, quality, and experience of RMI.
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 a leader in guiding climbs and treks around the globe. Our experienced guides are some of the best in the world, more than 35 of whom have reached the summit of Mt. Everest, some multiple times. Our years of leading mountain adventures give us the experience and knowledge necessary to create the best possible trips. We work hard to live up to our reputation as an industry leader.
With over 35 years of experience of guiding on Mt. McKinley alone, RMI's legacy of instruction, safety, and success in the Alaska Range is unmatched. Our Alaska Mountaineering Seminar - Alpine is designed from years of experience guiding climbers on North America's highest mountain with the goal of providing participants with all of the necessary skills to go on to safely, confidently, and successfully scale Denali and the world's other greatest peaks.
SAFETY
Safety has always been RMI's top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides focuses on leading a fun and successful program without compromising safety. Our climber-to-guide ratio is 3:1 and provides an unusual degree of personal service from RMI's guides and increases our margin of oversight and safety on the mountain.
Our program is fully equipped with comprehensive medical kits and communication equipment. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety, keeping close dialogue with participants throughout the program. When problems arise on the mountain, away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience RMI's guides have makes them some of the most sought after guides in the profession.
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.
Day 1: Travel
| 4:00 p.m. | Meet the guides at Anchorage International Airport (Domestic Terminal), carousel 1 in Alaska Airlines baggage claim. |
Shuttle transportation to Talkeetna is arranged by RMI (please see the Travel tab). The shuttle leaves at 4:30 p.m. and it is a three hour drive to Talkeetna. The group will stop at a grocery store in Wasilla, for the opportunity to purchase any fresh food you'd like to bring on the mountain (cheese, salami, etc). The team will arrive in Talkeetna at approximately 9:00 p.m. Participants need overnight accommodations. Guides, and most RMI climbers, stay at the Talkeetna Motel (please see the Travel tab).
Arriving in Talkeetna
Day 2: Pre-Trip Preparation and Fly On
| 7:00 a.m. | Meet at The Roadhouse Restaurant, Talkeetna, AK |
There are a number of important items to accomplish in Talkeetna. After a breakfast meeting we begin our training at the K-2 Aviation hangar. The team will go through extensive personal equipment checks. Final recommendations and suggestions concerning gear will be made at that time. The team will plan meals and ready group food and equipment for the glacier flight. There will be an introduction to safety practices, including use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers. Instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations will be made as well. After all is made ready we begin shuttling members into the Kahiltna Base Camp, weather permitting. This spectacular scenic flight requires approximately 45 minutes, one way. Once at Kahiltna Base Camp build a mountain camp and kitchen and begin our alpine skills training by learning and reviewing knots, hitches and basic rope skills.
Flying to Base Camp
DAY 3: The following seminar itinerary is approximate and depends on such considerations as weather, route conditions and strength of the party. Eight man-days of food and fuel are carried on the mountain. There are emergency food rations at Base Camp, in case weather prevents the group from flying off. It is best to purchase an airline ticket booked to depart Anchorage one week after the seminar's end date. When you return to Anchorage, you can then reschedule your flight.
At Kahiltna Base we review the foundational glacier travel skills that allow travel and access to more varied terrain. Skills reviewed on this day include: knots, harness, carabiner and avalanche transceiver use, proper use of the ice axe for balance and self and team arrest, cramponing on moderate terrain, and the basics of roped glacier travel. We spend the afternoon learning how to construct a variety of snow and ice anchors for use in belaying, rappelling, and crevasse rescue.
Evening discussions will take place throughout the seminar and cover a variety of mountaineering topics such as: mountain medicine and wellness, weather, route finding and navigation, route planning, self care and the art of climbing efficiently.
Kahiltna Base Camp
DAY 4: Our first summit day. A moderate climbing objective will be picked by the guides for the first summit attempt of the trip. We use the day of climbing to learn and discuss such skills as hazard recognition and management, route finding, terrain and running belays, and short rope techniques. Our goal is to apply these techniques on the route, have an adventurous and safe climb, and be back in camp by early afternoon. During the afternoon hours we will work on belaying skills; reviewing the basics and learning new methods for belaying a following or leading climber in an alpine setting.
First Summit Day
DAY 5: Alpine ice climbing! Today we work on movement skills, gear placement, belaying, rappelling, and multi pitch climbing techniques needed for longer alpine ice routes.
Alpine Ice Training
DAY 6: Alpine rock climbing! We spend time on the high-quality granite found near Base Camp and work on movement skills, gear placement, and anchor construction. The evening is devoted to route planning for the next day’s climbing objective.
Alpine Rock Training
DAY 7: Second summit day. A moderate climbing objective will be picked by the guides for the second summit attempt of the trip. Our goal on this full day of climbing is to safely apply the skills we have learned to date.
DAY 8: In the morning the crevasses near camp will serve as our training ground for a variety of self and team rescue scenarios. In the afternoon we review skills and prepare for the next day’s student led climbs.
Crevasse Rescue Training
DAY 9: Student led climbs. With route plans, and our rock and ice gear in hand we head out for a day of climbing with the students taking the lead. Everyone will get a chance to be on the front of the rope, navigating through the crevasse fields, kicking steps up the snow gullies, determining the best climbing line and placing the protection.
DAY 10: Our last morning on the glacier is comprised of packing camp and moving back to the flight staging area. We fly from the Kahiltna Base Camp to Talkeetna for a celebratory dinner. Participants need overnight accommodations in Talkeetna.
Returning to Base Camp
DAY 11: Morning transfer to Anchorage for afternoon flights. (Note: Return flights should be made to depart Anchorage one week after program end day to accommodate weather delays.)
Alaska Mountaineering Seminar - Alpine 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 2013.
Pack & Bag Guides' Pick
DUFFEL BAG: A 100+ liter bag made of tough material with rugged zippers. This duffel will be used on the mountain to transport gear in your sled.
BACKPACK: A 70+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb. A separate summit pack is not needed.
SLEEPING BAG:
A bag rated to 0° 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.
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.
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 formula for this climb: up to 5'8", use a 55-60 cm. axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 60-65 cm. axe; and taller, use a 65-70 cm. axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should be a few inches below your knee.
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.
RESCUE PULLEY (OPTIONAL): Reasonably lightweight.
24 ' PERLON CORD: 6 mm cordelette in one continuous length.
24 ' PERLON CORD: 7 mm cordelette in one continuous length.
SNOWSHOES: Select a short to medium length model of snowshoe. The 22" model and the optional heel lift work well for most climbers. Team members are more often 'drafting' as opposed to actually breaking trail, so it is not necessary to have a longer pair. The 'shoes should have an attached claw or crampon for better purchase. Miles of roped glacier travel will be logged wearing snowshoes. It is recommended to spend some time walking in them prior to the trip.
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.
GOGGLES: Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. Additionally, contact lens wearers may find a clear-lensed goggle very useful on windy nights.
HEADLAMP IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Hands Guides' Pick
HEAVY WEIGHT INSULATED GLOVE OR MITTEN: Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves or mittens for protection against wind, snow and cold. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.
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.
DOWN PARKA WITH ATTACHED HOOD: This item becomes of highest importance when we are faced with poor weather. This should be an expedition-style parka. The parka is worn primarily in camp, at rest breaks, and on summit day (when it is of crucial importance). When sizing a parka, allow for several layers to be worn underneath; buy it large. The parka must have an insulated hood.
NON-COTTON HIKING SHIRT: Lightweight, synthetic shirt with either long or short sleeves. The long sleeve is preferred for sun/bug 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 and the temperatures expected on your climb.
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.
SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANT (OPTIONAL): A synthetic primaloft pant.
Feet Guides' Pick
MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS: Expedition-style quality double boot, with high altitude expedition-style inner boot is mandatory.
OVERBOOTS (OPTIONAL): 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.
GAITERS: A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampons on loose clothing.
Miscellaneous Items Guides' Pick
2 CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES: One-quart water bottles are required. Wide mouth bottles are ideal since their opening is less likely to freeze.
3 GARBAGE BAGS (Large): We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.
CAMERA
Toilet Articles
TOOTHBRUSH
PEE BOTTLE: 1 to 1 1/2 quart size
Personal First Aid Kit
BAND-AIDS
ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN / TYLENOL
BLISTER TREATMENT
ANTACIDS
IMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)
PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)
SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE
Personal Medications
ANTIBIOTICS: Broad spectrum antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea.
TYLENOL #3: Tylenol 3 for pain
ACETAZOLAMIDE: For Altitiude Illness
Utensils Guides' Pick
Optional Items
SLEEPING MASK
READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL
iPOD or MP3 PLAYER
MOSQUITO REPELLENT: For Talkeetna.
Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, shovels, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, and avalanche probes.
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.
Each member will have a sled for use during the program. Sleds aid in transporting loads between camps on the lower mountain.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Purchase travel insurance.
Return the Participant Information Form to the RMI Office.
Arrange Lodging in Talkeetna.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!
Meals
On the program you will need lunch snacks for eight days. Lunch items should weigh about 7+ lbs. Breakfasts and dinners are provided by RMI while on the mountain.
Special Dietary Needs: Expedition food is packed well in advance. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know at the time of reservation.
Breakfasts and Dinners
Eight man-days of food are carried on the mountain, which can be stretched in the event of bad weather. Additionally, a cache of emergency food is left at Kahiltna Base Camp.
The dinner menu is a combination of fresh food (vegetables, tortillas, cheese), retort entrees (fully cooked meals packaged in sealed containers and heated in hot water), freeze-dried (Mountain House or Richmoor Natural High), and packaged main-course items (Ramen, Lipton Rice or Noodles, Macaroni & Cheese). There is also a supplement (mashed potatoes, rice, stuffing), soups and various hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, cider), and dessert. Every attempt is made to assure a variety and adequate quantity.
Breakfasts consist of fresh food (bagels, cream cheese), bacon and eggs, instant oatmeal, instant grits, cold cereal (granola), breakfast bars, and hot drinks.
Properly taking care of oneself on the program begins with eating and drinking adequate amounts. Dehydration is always a concern; inadequate fluid intake can contribute to frostbite and other medical problems. It is recommended to drink 4-5 liters per day at altitude.
Finally, the question of vitamins always comes up. If vitamins are a part of your regular diet, then we recommend bringing those vitamins on the mountain.
Lunch/Snacks
The importance of bringing lunch foods that you genuinely enjoy cannot be overstated. Good food is the key to maintaining health and happiness on long expeditions. It is necessary to have foods that stimulate the whole palate in order to combat loss of appetite at altitude. Cover the whole range of taste buds from sweet to sour to salty.
In addition to supplying your body with nourishment, food is perhaps the best means for maintaining a positive mental attitude on long expeditions. The mental aspect of mountaineering is possibly the greatest challenge we face as climbers. Anybody can train physically, given enough time, but it is more difficult to prepare for the mental ordeal of waiting for the weather to clear. On poor weather days you will find that having an interesting variety of goodies in your food bag may be the difference between a mental annoyance and mental torture. Besides keeping yourself mentally healthy, a diverse food supply earns you fast friends as you barter with tent mates for savory snacks.
Take care while shopping for your lunch snacks. Don't wait for the last minute. Make a list in advance, and add to it as you generate and remember more ideas. Try to shop at stores that offer a large variety of gourmet and specialty foods, as well as your old, stand-by favorites. Keep in mind that, for the most part, McKinley stays cold enough to preserve perishable food for weeks.
Personal lunch suggestions: bagels, tortillas, crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), hummus, Pringles, corn nuts, smoked almonds, roasted cashews, GORP mix (peanuts, M&M's, sunflower seeds, raisins), smoked salmon, fresh veggies (carrots), salami, pepperoni, cheese (pepper jack, Swiss, cheddar), jerky, candy variety (sweet, sour), chocolate bars, hard candies, energy bars (Cliff, Luna), dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, pear), drink mix (Kool Aid, Crystal Light). Perishable food items may be purchased at a grocery store en-route to Talkeetna, but you should have the bulk of lunch items already purchased and packed.
Qualifications
This trip is open to individuals in excellent physical condition with previous climbing experience. In order to participate, each team member is asked 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.
- A minimum of one previous glacier climb.
Physical Fitness Training
Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.
- Start immediately. Start a rigorous fitness and training program now with the goal of arriving in top physical condition and confident in your skills.
- Be intentional. Focus on gaining the necessary strength, stamina and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the climb.
- Be sport-specific. The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your climbing objective. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the climbing.
For this Alaska Mountaineering Seminar - Alpine, you are preparing for:
- Glacier travel with a 25-40 lb load
- 12+ hour summit days
- Mountaineering techniques which require core strength and flexibility
Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure!
Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.
Acclimatization
No acclimatization is necessary for this program.
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 traveler's 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.
Air Travel
RMI guides arrive in Anchorage in the afternoon of Day 1. The guides and climbers form up at 4:00 p.m., Alaska Airlines domestic baggage claim, carousel #1. When arranging transportation, if your flight cannot arrive in Alaska before 3:30 p.m. it will be necessary to arrive a day earlier, and go to the airport to meet the team.
Airfare should be booked to depart Anchorage one week after the program's end date. When you return to Anchorage, you can reschedule your return flight at the ticket counter or over the phone. Depending on the airline, a change of date penalty is usually charged at this time. We have found scheduling a future date usually works better than an open-ended ticket or missing an early return date.
Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage everyone to purchase travel insurance which covers trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation. 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 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 at 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 | Erin Rountree |
| Travelex Insurance |
Getting to Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a three-hour drive from Anchorage. We will arrange a transfer from Anchorage to Talkeetna at 4:30 p.m. the day your program begins. If you wish to join this transfer, please arrive in Anchorage no later than 3:30 p.m. The shuttle price is $180 per person round-trip. We recommend contacting Denali Overland Transport to make your reservation and payment in advance. Please contact (907) 733-2384 with credit card information and the date of your program. If you are traveling to Talkeetna on your own, please let RMI know in advance that you will not require transportation.
Lodging
You will need to arrange overnight accommodations prior to arriving in Talkeetna, we suggest reserving rooms three months prior to your expedition. Programs usually require a total of two nights in Talkeetna. Weather and flying conditions can change the number of days spent in Talkeetna. In the event bad weather prevents us flying to the mountain on schedule, you should have extra money for meals and lodging in Talkeetna. It is not necessary to book a room in advance for our return to Talkeetna at the end of the climb.
There are several different options for lodging in Talkeetna with something to fit every comfort level. The Talkeetna Motel is where our guides stay while in town and there is a discount for RMI climbers. Please contact (907) 733-2323 (no email) with the date of your program and credit card information to hold the room. Please note that the Talkeetna Motel cannot guarantee single rooms during the busiest part of their season. The motel staff will assist you in booking a room with another team member upon your arrival.
Talkeetna Area Accommodations:
| Talkeetna Motel | (907) 733-2323 |
| Talkeetna Roadhouse | (907) 733-1351 |
| Latitude 62 Motel | (907) 733-2262 |
Weather
Mt. McKinley's weather forecast is updated through the National Weather Service
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.
Resources
Bass, D., Wells, F., Ridgeway, R. Seven Summits 1986
Beckey, Fred Mount McKinley: Icy Crown of North America 1993
Bezruhka, Stephen Altitude Illness - Prevention & Treatment 2001
Cole, Terence The Sourdough Expedition: Stories of the Pioneer Alaskans Who Climbed Mount McKinley in l910 1985
Davidson, Art Minus 148: The Winter Ascent of Mount McKinley 1986
Houston, Charles Going Higher: The Story of Man and Altitude 1987
Mason, Gene Minus Three 1970
Michener, James A. Alaska 1988
Moore, Terris Mount McKinley: The Pioneer Climbs 1981
Randall, Francis Denali Diary: Letters from McKinley 1987
Selters, Andy Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue 1990
Sherwonit, Bill To The Top of Denali 1990
Sherwonit, Bill Denali: The Complete Guide 2002
Snyder, Howard The Hall of the Mountain King 1973
Stuck, Hudson The Ascent of Denali 1914
Washburn, B., Roberts, D. Mount McKinley - The Conquest of Denali 1991
Waterman, Jon High Alaska 1989
Waterman, Jon Surviving Denali: Accidents 1910 - 1990
Payments
A deposit of $750 per person is required to secure your reservation. Payments may be made via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or check. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of your program. We will send a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. Trips departing within 90 days from the reservation date must be paid in full at the time of reservation. Please note that credit cards are not accepted for balance payment; check or wire transfer only.
Cancellations
Once we receive written notification (mail, e-mail, or fax) that you are canceling an individual participant or your entire trip the following fees will apply. A fee of $350 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. Registration monies cannot be carried forward to future years.
Cancellation Insurance: We strongly suggest that everyone purchase travel insurance. Please see our Travel Page for details.
Change of Date
Date changes are subject to availability and apply only to the current climbing season. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 60 days prior to your departure date. A $200 fee will be charged per person for all date changes made more than 60 days prior to the program.
Land Cost
The current fee includes:
- RMI Leadership
- Breakfast and dinner while on the mountain
- Group equipment (tents, ropes, stoves, fuel, etc.)
- Bush pilot service between Talkeetna and base camp*
*If you depart the trip early you may be subject to additional bush pilot fees.
The fee does not include:
- Airfare to Alaska
- Ground transportation between Anchorage and Talkeetna (however, this will be arranged by RMI)
- Accommodations and meals while not on the mountain
- Lunch during the climb
- Customary guide gratuities
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.