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Travel Consultant

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide comprehensive travel support. We have been working with Erin for many years. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe and is extremely knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or send email to etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for this trip. Depending on the type of policy purchased you can protect against trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, medical evacuation, security and more. Travel insurance offers the best possible protection in the event of a sudden, unexpected illness or injury prior to or while traveling. You can purchase travel insurance at any time prior to the trip departure. Should you need to cancel from a program, Trip Insurance will refund you for any non-refundable cancellations fees when cancelling for a covered reason.

There are several things to note when purchasing trip insurance:

• Cancellation Insurance is included in the standard Trip Insurance policy if you are injured, or have a medical or family emergency prior to or while traveling. Should you need to cancel your program, Trip Insurance will refund you for any non-refundable cancellations fees when cancelling for a covered reason. Most travel insurance companies provide an option to include coverage that allows you to “Cancel for Any Reason”, but the initial policy must be purchased within 14 days of placing your deposit for the program.
• In order to cover your trip with RMI Expeditions you may need to include options such as an “Adventure or Sports” upgrade. Not all travel insurance will cover mountaineering, climbing, skiing or trekking adventures. Some will not cover due to gear used (crampons, ice axe), others will not cover above a certain elevation and/or region of the world. Check your policy carefully to make sure your activity is covered. Both companies listed below offer policies that are geared toward adventure travel.
• Purchasing Travel insurance is also dependent on your state of residence. If one company doesn’t offer coverage for you because you live in Washington, another company might.

 

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is travel insurance designed for adventurers, including the best evacuation and rescue services available.

 

Benefits are tailored for adventurers and include:

• Rescue and evacuation from the point of illness or emergency to your home hospital of choice.
• Trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, sporting goods, baggage loss, emergency dental, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and more.
• Completely integrated one-stop program with a single contact for emergency services to travel assistance and insurance claims.
• 24/7 access to paramedics, nurses and military veterans.
• Security extraction in case of unexpected dangerous and chaotic events.
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options and pre-existing condition waiver within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word. Whether it’s reimbursing you for a cancelled trip, paying your travel medical bills or evacuating you home in an emergency, Ripcord takes the worry out of your travel.

TripAssure, a Trip Mate brand, has created the Assure Adventure Plans to cover travelers participating in climbing, skiing, mountaineering and trekking programs.

TripAssure's Adventure Plan and Adventure Plus Plan differ only in the coverage option which allows you to Cancel for Any Reason. In order to receive Cancel for Any Reason coverage you must purchase the Adventure Plan Plus within 14 days of paying your deposit or payment with RMI. We recommend that you carefully read the Plan Document that applies to your purchase.

Travel Advisories / Warnings

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

Getting There

Several U.S. airlines offer daily flights to La Paz, Bolivia (LPB).

Flights departing Bolivia may be booked for the morning of Day 16.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required when traveling to Bolivia. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date. Arrive with a 2x2" passport photo, black and white copy of your passport, and the $160 visa fee. New, crisp bills and exact change are necessary.

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.

Bolivia Visa

A visa is required for travel and can be purchased upon your arrival in La Paz. The price for the visa is $160.  They will provide you with an entrance permit adequate for your stay. Please check the date to ensure it covers your complete stay in Bolivia. You must also have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation. This document will be provided prior to your departure.

You may also register in advance for a Bolivian Visa by completing the application and sending your passport along with additional materials to the Embassy of Bolivia. Please visit the Embassy website for more information.

Airport Arrival

Upon arrival at the La Paz airport please collect your baggage and proceed to the arrivals area. Take a taxi to our hotel.

In-Country Transportation

The provided ground transportation in Bolivia as stated in the itinerary is via private vehicle.

Immunizations & Travel Medicine

For the most current information on inoculation requirements and recommendations, please refer to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.

Traveler's Health

Travelers may suffer from upset stomachs when in foreign countries. 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 the restroom. 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 excess moisture from 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 it is cooked, boiled, or can be peeled, 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.

Medical Emergencies

Excellent care for minor illnesses and injuries is readily available. In the event of more serious illnesses or injuries, we recommend transport to any of the Level 1 care centers in La Paz.

Bolivia Country Facts

Bolivia, in western-central South America, is a land-locked country that borders Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the northwest. One-third of Bolivia is made up of the Andes mountain range, while the Eastern Lowlands reach into the Amazon basin.

Bolivia is a democratic republic and is a developing economy with a poverty level near 53%. Its main economic activities include agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, and manufacturing goods. Bolivia is rich in minerals, particularly tin.

Bolivia is a multi-ethnic, multicultural country. Amerindians, Mestizos, Europeans, Asians, and Africans make up significant portions of the populations, however traditions of racial and social segregation, introduced by spanish colonialism, have carried on in the modern day. Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language, though 36 indigenous languages have official status as well.

Bolivia's constitutional capital is located in the city of Sucre, relatively remote as an economic center, and consequently the seat of govenment resides in La Paz. La Paz is the third largest city in Bolivia, and sits in a bowl surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano. The city of La Paz has a population just less than 900,000 residents (as of 2008), but with the nearby cities of El Alto (the location of the airport) and Viacha, is a metropolitan center witha  population of 2.3 million, making it the largest urban center in Bolivia.

The mountainous regions of Bolivia were part of the Incan Empire, with the northern and eastern lowlands inhabited by independant tribes. The spanish conquistadors arrived from Cuzco and Asuncion in Peru in the 16th century, beginning a period of colonization in which Bolivia was known as Upper Peru. Much of Spain's empire was built on the silver extracted from Bolivian mines. 1809 marked the first call for independance the beginning of a 16 year war led by Simon Bolivar which resulted in the formation of the republic. Frequent unrest and wars with its neighbors, as well as a series of miliatary dictatorships in the 20th century that were propped up by the American government, have led to periods of turmoil in Bolivia. In 2005, President Evo Morales and his socialist party were elected with an absolute majority in democratic elections, and he was reelected in 2009. He remains the current president.

Weather

The weather in the altiplano region of Bolivia varies drastically, with day-time temperatures reaching the mid seventies and night time temperatures dropping to just above freezing. Snow and nightly frosts occur during every month of the year. We recommend bringing a variety of clothing, and having a down jacket on the airplane, as many flights arrive at night, when termpatures can be quite cold. For current weather conditions, check Weather Underground.

Cultural Etiquette

The people of Bolivia are generally reserved. Do not be surprised if people in the street to not greet you with a smile. Although it is not expected that we dress formally, we should dress modestly. Casual and comfortable clothing is suggested along with comfortable shoes. Showing expensive cameras, watches, jewelry, etc. is considered unseemly and may attract unwanted attention.

When entering a shop or home, politely use a greeting such as buenos días (good day), buenas tardes (good afternoon), buenas noches (good night). Similarly, upon leaving, even if you've had only minimal contact, say adios (goodbye) or hasta luego (see you later).

On city streets, children selling small items and shining shoes can be quite persistent. Some ask directly for money. To keep from being hassled, a polite but firm "No, gracias" is generally sufficient.

It is expected that you engage in some degree of bargaining for market or street purchases. This is fun, and should be taken lightly.

Electricity

Electricity in Bolivia is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. Carry a universal convertor and plug adaptor travel kit.

Money

Bolivia's official currency is the boliviano (BOL). Check a financial newspaper or www.xe.com for the current exchange rate prior to departure. 

We suggest bringing $500 - $700 total for personal spending money including restaurant meals, drinks, pocket money, and the Support Staff Tip Pool.

The airport exchange counters offer a good rate for changing money, and charge a very modest ($1.50) exchange fee. It is relatively easy to change BOL to back to USD as well. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

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 which caters to tourists.

Tipping

Everyone approaches tipping a little differently. Whether or not a person tips, and how much, is completely dependent upon the individual; here are some suggested tipping guidelines for your trip.

Local waiters, drivers, and other service personnel expect to be tipped. Ten to fifteen percent is standard. Some restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee to bills in which case, no further tip is required.

Support Staff Tip Pool: We recommend that each climber contribute $100 to the Tip Pool. This is collected at the beginning of the trip and will cover group tips for all our support and mountain staff throughout the program.

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. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.

Resources

Fodor's and other travel service websites are readily available and describe Bolivia travel and facts.

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Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition with previous climbing experience. Prior knowledge and experience with rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest is required. It is a great first trip to altitudes above 15,000'.

Our experience shows that individuals perform better and enjoy the adventure more if they have a high degree of fitness and comfort with basic mountaineering skills. This program’s high altitude and snowy terrain contribute to make this a very worthwhile challenge.

Qualifying Programs

Recommended climbing experiences prior to the Cordillera Real Expedition include:

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 the Cordillera Real Expedition, you are preparing for:

• Hiking and climbing with a 20-25 lb load
• 10+ hour summit days
• Mountaineering techniques requiring 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

The key to climbing high is proper acclimatization. Our program follows a calculated ascent profile which allows time for your body to adjust to the altitude.

Excellent physical conditioning significantly increases your ability to acclimatize as you ascend. Climbers in excellent physical condition simply have more energy to commit to the acclimatization process throughout the days and nights of the ascent, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude more easily.

Finally, physical performance and acclimatization are also related to how well you have taken care of yourself throughout the hours, days and weeks prior to summit day. Arriving healthy and well-rested, maintaining proper hydration and caloric intake, and protecting against unnecessary heat loss (staying warm) are all key factors in an individual’s success on an expedition such as this.

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Equipment List

• Pack & Bag

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    2 DUFFEL BAG(S)

    A 120+ liter bag made of tough material with rugged zippers.

  • • Patagonia Black Hole Duffel - 120L
    • Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Expedition Duffel - 117L
    • Osprey Transporter - 130L

• • 
    BACKPACK

    A 50+ liter pack is the recommended size for this climb. A separate summit pack is not needed.

  • • Gregory Alpinisto 50

• • 
    DAY PACK

    A 25+ liter day pack to use as carry-on, while traveling or sightseeing.

  • • Gregory Juno 25

• • 
    SLEEPING BAG

    A bag rated 0° to 15° F. Either goose down or synthetic.

  • • Feathered Friends Murre EX 0°

• • 
    COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
  • • Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
    • Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack

• • 
    SLEEPING PAD

    Full-length inflatable or closed cell pad.

  • • Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite
    • Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sol
    • Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm

• Technical Gear

• Guide 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. 

  • • Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
    • Black Diamond Venom
    • Petzl Sum'Tec

• • 
    ICE HAMMER

    A second technical ice climbing tool of 50 - 55 cm will be needed.

  • • Black Diamond Venom Ice Tool with hammer head

• • 
    CLIMBING HARNESS

    We recommend a comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop seat or adjustable leg loops are convenient for managing your clothing layers over the course of the climb and facilitate going to the bathroom.

  • • Men's Mammut Zephir Altitude
    • Women's Arc'teryx AR-385a
    • Petzl Altitude
    • Black Diamond Couloir

• • 
    1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER(S)

    Used for clipping into the climbing rope.

  • • Petzl William Triact Lock

• • 
    2 LOCKING CARABINER(S)

    Used for clipping into anchors, etc.

  • • Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate
    • Black Diamond Mini Pearbiner

• • 
    3 NON-LOCKING CARABINER(S)

    Used for pack ditch loop, etc.

  • • Black Diamond Oval Wire
    • Petzl Ange L

• • 
    HELMET

    A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet. Bicycle or ski helmets are designed for a different type of impact and will not substitute as a climbing helmet.

  • • Men's Black Diamond Vector Helmet
    • Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
    • Women's Black Diamond Vector Helmet

• • 
    CRAMPONS

    12 point adjustable crampons designed for general mountaineering are ideal. We highly recommend anti-bot plates to prevent snow from balling up underfoot. Rigid frame crampons designed for technical ice climbing are not recommended.

  • • Black Diamond Sabretooth
    • Petzl Vasak Leverlock

• • 
    TREKKING POLES

    Lightweight and collapsible poles are preferred. Larger baskets work well with deep snow. Ski poles will also work.

  • • Black Diamond Expedition 3
    • Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork
    • Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock

• • 
    24 ' PERLON CORD

    6 mm cordelette in one continuous length.

  • • Mammut Accessory Cord

• • 
    15 ' PERLON CORD

    7 mm cordelette in one continuous length.

  • • Mammut Accessory Cord

• Head

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    WARM HAT

    Wool or synthetic. It should provide warmth but also be thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.

  • • Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome
    • Smartwool Cuffed Beanie

• • 
    BUFF / NECK GAITER / BALACLAVA

    One item for face protection is required. Our primary recommendation is the Buff. A neck gaiter or balaclava is also acceptable.

  • • Original UV Buff
    • Merino Wool Buff
    • Smartwool Neck Gaiter

• • 
    BALL CAP OR SUN HAT
  • • RMI Washed Chino Hat
    • Patagonia Tech Sun Booney
    • Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat

• • 
    GLACIER GLASSES

    You will need protective sunglasses, either dark-lensed with side shields or full wrap-around frames. Almost all sunglasses block UV-A, UV-B and infrared rays adequately. Pay attention to the visible light transmission. The darkest lenses (glacier glasses) only allow approx. 6% visible light to get through, while lighter lenses (driving glasses) let in as much as 20+ %. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see the wearer’s pupils through the lenses, they are too light for sun protection at altitude.

  • • Men's Julbo Explorer 2.0
    • Julbo Tamang
    • Julbo MonteBianco

• • 
    GOGGLES

    Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. On windy days, climbers, especially contact lens wearers, may find photochromatic lenses the most versatile in a variety of light conditions.

  • • Smith Squad
    • Smith Knowledge OTG

• • 
    HEADLAMP

    Be sure to begin the program with fresh batteries.

  • • Black Diamond Storm
    • Black Diamond Spot
    • Black Diamond ReVolt

• Hands

• Guide Pick™

• • Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.

• • 
    LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVE

    One pair of fleece, soft-shell or wind-stopper gloves.

  • • Outdoor Research Super Vert Glove
    • Black Diamond Arc Glove
    • Black Diamond Softshell Glove

• • 
    MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVE(S)

    Wind/water resistant, insulated mountain gloves.

  • • Men's Marmot Randonnee Glove
    • Women's Marmot Randonnee Glove
    • Black Diamond Patrol Glove

• • 
    HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVE

    Wind/water resistant, insulated gloves. These also serve as emergency back-ups if you drop or lose a glove.

  • • Black Diamond Guide Glove
    • Men's Marmot Expedition Mitt
    • Women's Black Diamond Mercury Mitt

• Upper Body

• Guide Pick™

• • We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.

• • 
    LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER

    Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Quarter zip styles will allow for better temperature regulation. We recommend light colors, which best reflect the intense sun on hot days.

  • • Men's Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Zip
    • Women's Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Crew

• • 
    INSULATING LAYER - LIGHTWEIGHT
  • • Men's Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece
    • Women's Bight Gear Fissure Tech Fleece
    • Men's Patagonia R1 Hoody
    • Women's Patagonia R1 Hoody

• • 
    INSULATING LAYER - MEDIUM WEIGHT
  • • Men's Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
    • Women's Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
    • Men's Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody
    • Women's Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer

• • 
    RAIN JACKET (HARD SHELL)

    A jacket made of rain-proof material with an attached hood.  We recommend a thinner lightweight jacket rather than a heavier insulated jacket.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Jacket
    • Women's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Jacket
    • Men's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket
    • Women's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket

• • 
    INSULATED PARKA with HOOD

    This expedition-style heavy parka should extend below the waist and must have an insulated hood. While the parka is worn primarily at rest breaks on summit day, it serves as an emergency garment if needed. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill as down weighs less. The parka does not have to be waterproof, though that is a nice feature.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Caldera Parka
    • Women's Bight Gear Caldera Parka
    • Mountain Hardwear Nilas Jacket

• • 
    SPORTS BRA

    We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.

  • • Women's Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra
    • Women's Patagonia Active Compression Bra

• Lower Body

• Guide Pick™

• • We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.

• • 
    1 - 3 UNDERWEAR

    Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

  • • Men's Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Brief
    • Men's Patagonia Daily Boxer Brief
    • Women's Patagonia Barely Bikini

• • 
    LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER

    Synthetic or wool.

  • • Men's Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Bottoms
    • Women's Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Bottoms

• • 
    CLIMBING PANT

    Soft-shell climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them in combination with the base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Moraine Pant
    • Men's Outdoor Research Cirque Pant
    • Women's Arc'teryx Gamma AR Pant
    • Women's Outdoor Research Cirque Pant

• • 
    RAIN PANT (HARD SHELL)

    A waterproof pant with 3/4 side zippers (sometimes called 7/8 or full side zips) are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons.

  • • Men's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Pant
    • Women's Bight Gear Neoshell Nuker Pant
    • Men's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pant
    • Women's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pant

• • 
    HIKING SHORTS

    Good for lower elevations and warm, sunny days.

  • • Men's Marmot Arch Rock Short

• Feet

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

    Insulated double boots are the preferred choice. They provide the best insulation as well as a more rigid sole for kicking steps and holding crampons. Leather mountaineering boots that have completely rigid soles are also adequate, but they will need to be insulated and may still result in cold feet on summit days. Bring one pair of chemical foot warmers if you are using the leather mountaineering boots.

  • • La Sportiva G2 SM
    • Double Boot: Koflach Arctis Expe
    • Leather/Hybrid Boot: La Sportiva Baruntse

• • 
    HIKING BOOTS

    A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain.

  • • Men's Merrell Moab 2
    • Women's Merrell Moab 2
    • Men's Scarpa R-Evolution GTX
    • Women's Scarpa R-Evolution GTX

• • 
    LIGHTWEIGHT HIKING SHOES

    Great for travel, day hikes, and camp.

  • • Men's La Sportiva Wildcat
    • Women's La Sportiva Wildcat

• • 
    GAITERS

    We recommend a knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing.

  • • Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles
    • Outdoor Research Verglas

• • 
    3 pair SOCKS

    Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.

  • • Men's Smartwool PhD Pro Mountaineer
    • Men's Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock
    • Women's Smartwool PhD Outdoor Heavy Crew Sock

• Miscellaneous Items

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    SUNSCREEN

    We recommend small tubes of SPF 15 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.

• • 
    LIP BALM

    We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

  • • Joshua Tree Lip Balm

• • MEALS

    See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

  • • Whittaker Mountaineering Meal Packages

• • 
    4 - 6 CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
  • • Grabber Hand Warmer

• • 
    2 WATER BOTTLES

    Hard-sided, screw-top, one-liter water bottles with wide mouths are required. Plastics made with high post-consumer recycled content and BPA-Free are recommended.

  • • Nalgene

• • 
    2 - 3 GARBAGE BAGS (LARGE)

    We recommend lining your backpack with garbage bags to keep items in your backpack completely dry.

  • • Natural Value 30-Gallon Garbage Bag

• • 
    EAR PLUGS
  • • 3M Soft Foam Ear Plugs

• • LUGGAGE LOCKS

    For your duffel bags. Must be TSA approved.

• • 
    STUFF SACKS
  • • Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry Sack

• • CAMERA

• Travel Clothes

• Guide Pick™

• • 2 CASUAL PANTS

• • 4 SHIRTS

    For hotel dinners and while traveling.

• Toilet Articles

• Guide Pick™

• • TOOTHBRUSH

• • 
    TOOTHPASTE

• • 
    BABY WIPES
  • • Wet Ones

• • 
    HAND SANITIZER(S)

    Personal size (2 oz.) bottle.

• • 
    TOILET PAPER

    We recommend packable, biodegradable, personal size rolls.

• • 
    PEE BOTTLE & PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN) - OPTIONAL
  • • Women's GoGirl

• Personal First Aid Kit

• Guide Pick™

• • BAND-AIDS

• • ASPRIN / IBUPROFEN / TYLENOL

• • BLISTER TREATMENT
  • • Dr. Scholl's Blister Cushions and Moleskin
    • Spenco 2nd Skin

• • ANTACIDS

• • IMODIUM (ANTI-DIARRHEA)

• • PEPTO-BISMOL (STOMACH RELIEF)

• • SMALL ROLL OF ADHESIVE TAPE

• Personal Medications

• Guide Pick™

• • We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications make sense to have for remote international travel and/or high altitude climbing. We suggest the following:

• • ANTIBIOTICS

    Broad spectrum antibiotics for Traveler's Diarrhea, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, etc.
    Ciprofloxacin (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Azithromycin (250mg tablets).

• • ACETAZOLAMIDE

    For prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness.
    Acetazolamide (125mg tablets).

• • DEXAMETHAZONE

    For treatment of altitude illness.
    Dexamethasone (4mg tablets).

• Utensils

• Guide Pick™

• • 
    POCKETKNIFE
  • • Petzl Spatha Knife

• Optional Items

• Guide Pick™

• • READING MATERIAL / JOURNAL

• • iPOD

• Travel Documents

• Guide Pick™

• • PASSPORT

    Valid for six months beyond your return date.

• • COPY OF PASSPORT

    The first two pages of your passport.

• • COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY

• • EXTRA PASSPORT PHOTOS

• Pre-Trip Checklist

• Guide Pick™

• • Purchase travel insurance.

• • Purchase airplane tickets.

• • Reserve rental equipment.

• • Be in the Best Shape of Your Life!

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Provided Equipment

RMI provides the following equipment for your program: huts, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, climbing ropes, climbing anchors,  avalanche probes, 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.

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Payments

Deposit Payments: A deposit payment of $1,500 per person secures your reservation. Deposit payments $2,500 or less may be made via MasterCard, Visa, e-check, check, or wire transfer. Deposit payments over $2,500 must be made via e-check, check, or wire transfer.

Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 120 days prior to the start of your program. We will send a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment due date. If your balance payment is not received within 120 days prior to the start of your program, your reservation will be cancelled and all fees forfeited. Trips departing within 120 days must be paid in full at the time of reservation. Please note that balance payments may be made via e-check, check, or wire transfer only.

Cancellation

The $1,500 per person deposit is non-refundable. Written notification is required for all cancellations.

Once RMI receives written notification of cancellation, the following apply:

• If you cancel 120 or more days before the start of your program, program fees will be refunded less the non-refundable $1,500 per person deposit.
• If you cancel less than 120 days before the start of your program, no refunds will be issued.

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.

Cancellation Insurance

We require that everyone purchase travel insurance. Please see our Travel Page for details.

Land Cost

INCLUDED

• RMI Leadership
• Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, based on double occupancy*
• All group transportation in country as indicated in the itinerary
• All group cooking, trekking, camping, and climbing equipment

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare
• Travel insurance, medical evacuation insurance and security evacuation insurance
• Passport and visa fees
• Excess baggage fees and departure taxes
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Bottled water and personal drinks
• Support Staff Tip Pool (we suggest $100 per person)
• Customary guide gratuities
• Additional room charges including laundry service and other personal expenses
• Hotel accommodations not indicated in the itinerary

• Transfer from the hotel to the airport for outbound flight
• Medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs (by any means)

* Accommodations are based on double occupancy.  A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those occupying single accommodations by choice or circumstance.

Risk Management

Managing risk 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.

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.

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.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions

In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines:

• 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.

Under-aged participants on Private Climb or Group Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.

Both the parent or legal guardian and the Participant must sign all forms. A minor climber must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian throughout the entirety of the program. If either climber must descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together.

Summit Attempt

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.

General Policies

RMI's program schedule 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, or other environmental factors, currency fluctuations, changes in outfitting costs, government instability, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to 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, or other environmental factors, government instability, unpredictable social, political or military conditions in countries that we travel. In such a case, you will receive a full refund of program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments that have been paid to our outfitters prior to the cancellation of the trip. When a trip is cancelled, RMI cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the program (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).

The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality service provided to the Participant by others in connection with the trip, including but not limited to the services provided by airlines, hotels, and motor vehicle operators, and that RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program.

RMI recommends and strongly advises that the Participant have or purchase personal life, medical, accident, travel, baggage, trip cancellation, and other insurance that may pertain to participation in the program. The Participant understands that RMI provides no such insurance coverage in connection with the trip.