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Novice is where every RMI climber can start — no prior mountaineering background required. These programs teach the fundamentals of moving in the mountains: footwork, rope handling, and mountain judgment, in a controlled setting built for first-timers.
The foundation — building mountain skills with no climbing background required.
RMI's Novice programs include the Mountaineering School, Crevasse Rescue School, and Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Course on Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, plus the Tanzania Safari for travelers who want the mountains without the climb. Every program is taught by professional guides, at a pace built for climbers with fitness but no technical background. Browse the programs below to find the right starting point.
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New to RMI's difficulty ratings? Read the full Program Difficulty Guidelines to see exactly what pack weight, terrain, and prior experience each level requires.
Skill Development
A four-day field-based course combining the full Leave No Trace Level 2 curriculum with RMI's specialized expertise in alpine and glacier environments.
Skill Development
A private, custom-arranged mountaineering school on Mount Rainier — your group, one guide, one day.
Mountaineering
A five-day winter training seminar on Mount Rainier focused on expedition systems and preparation for Mount McKinley.
Skiing
Foundational backcountry touring systems, group travel techniques, and applied decision-making.
Trekking
An 8-day Tanzania safari through Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Parks — four days of game drives among Africa's great wildlife, with nights at secluded safari lodges.
Skill Development
A one-day instructional course focused on crevasse rescue systems and safe travel on glaciated terrain.
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Skill Development
A one-day introductory course focused on foundational mountaineering skills and efficient travel in alpine terrain.
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Want a private lesson or a group course built around your schedule? RMI can build a custom Novice-level program for individuals, families, or groups.
Novice is the entry point for climbers with no prior mountaineering or glacier travel experience. These programs teach foundational skills — crampon use, ice axe technique, and basic glacier travel — from the ground up.
No. Novice programs are specifically designed for complete beginners. Good general fitness and a willingness to learn are what matter most.
The fundamentals of glacier travel: crampon and ice axe technique, roped travel, basic self-arrest, and how to move safely and efficiently on snow and ice.
Most climbers use a Novice program to prepare for a Beginner-level summit climb, like Mount Rainier's standard routes.
Less demanding than higher-level programs, but they still involve full days outdoors, often at elevation. A baseline level of fitness is still required.
General hiking fitness helps, but Novice programs specifically teach mountaineering-specific skills — crampons, rope work, self-arrest — that hiking doesn't cover.
Planning guides from RMI's guide team on getting started in the mountains — building fundamentals, choosing your first program, and what to expect.
"The combination of stable snow, bottomless powder, and flawless visibility made the whole pitch feel improbably composed"
Boost your endurance and stamina with interval workouts designed specifically for mountaineering preparation. Boost your skills—start here.
A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Your Own Progressive, Goal-Oriented Program
How Periodic Tests Can Validate Your Progress and Refine Your Plan
