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The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course is a four-day certification program that teaches outdoor professionals how to teach Leave No Trace and extends that foundation into alpine terrain where the standard curriculum ends. RMI is one of the few guide services in the country to offer this certification, and the only one to deliver it within Mount Rainier National Park, with alpine-specific field modules built on decades of high-use glacier management. The course moves through the full Leave No Trace curriculum while developing the instructional confidence and technical knowledge to bring it back to any environment you work in.
The first two days use RMI's Mountain Haus classroom and the BaseCamp camping area as an integrated teaching environment. Participants rotate through core curriculum modules, lead student-taught sessions, and develop personal lesson plans alongside working guides and educators. Days three and four move into the Golden Gate zone of Mount Rainier National Park, where alpine terrain becomes the classroom. Field modules address glacier waste systems, snow travel ethics, anchor and fixed gear considerations, and the specific ecology of high-use mountain environments - applied content that reflects what RMI has learned from managing guided travel on Rainier, McKinley, and beyond.
Participants leave with a completed Leave No Trace Action Plan tailored to their organization, practical experience leading teaching sessions in both frontcountry and alpine settings, and the certification to train others as Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors. For guides, land managers, university staff, and outdoor program leaders, this course provides credentials and content that transfer directly to real-world instruction.
Highlights
- Earn a globally recognized Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Certification in four days.
- Alpine-specific modules cover glacier waste management, snow camping ethics, and fixed gear practices - content not available through standard Leave No Trace providers.
- Two classroom days at RMI's Mountain Haus and two field days inside Mount Rainier National Park provide both structured instruction and genuine alpine context.
- Designed for outdoor educators, land managers, guides, and recreation professionals seeking certification with a technical edge.
- Small group format at a 5:1 ratio keeps instruction focused and practical throughout.
Why RMI
RMI helped write the book on Leave No Trace in the alpine zone - literally. In the early 2000s, recognizing a gap in established principles for high-elevation and glaciated environments, RMI's Peter Whittaker completed a Leave No Trace Master Course and convened a symposium bringing together concessionaires, climbing clubs, and National Park Service rangers to establish formal guidelines for alpine Leave No Trace practice. That work resulted in the official Leave No Trace Alpine Zone protocols now used worldwide. RMI was subsequently recognized as the first guide service to earn the Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter and Guide designation. This course exists because of that history.
Operating inside Mount Rainier National Park for decades under strict NPS oversight, RMI manages high-use glaciated terrain as part of its daily guiding work - not as a classroom exercise. All RMI guides carry Leave No Trace Level 1 certifications, and every McKinley expedition includes at least one guide with Level 2 certification. RMI conducts annual environmental patrols on Rainier, is the only guide service on the mountain to do so, and has operated carbon-neutral McKinley expeditions since 2002. The alpine modules in this course reflect that operational depth, not what a standard curriculum infers from frontcountry principles.
Risk management and participant security are built into RMI's approach to all field programs, including this one. Field days inside the park are led by certified guides with current wilderness medicine training, and course logistics are planned with appropriate margins for weather and terrain variability. To learn more about RMI's guiding history and environmental stewardship, visit our About page.
Authorized Concessioner
RMI Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Mount Rainier National Park.
Address comments to:
Superintendent | Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
These services are operated in an area under jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior. No discrimination by segregation or other means in the furnishing of services or privileges on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, sex, age, disabling condition, or national origin is permitted in the use of this facility. Violation of this prohibition are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
CARBON NEUTRAL CLIMBS & Climate Change
All our climbs in Mt. Rainier National Park are 100% carbon neutral. We have acquired offsets for greenhouse gas emissions through our partnership with Ostrom Climate, Canada's top carbon management solutions provider. Their carbon offset projects undergo rigorous verification by third parties to validate that emission reductions are genuine and permanent, ensuring that our contribution is making a tangible impact.
For Mt. Rainier, our primary carbon emissions stem from several sources: the electricity for our office, warehouse, and employee housing, all shuttle operations, commuting miles for office staff, stove fuel used on the seminars, and propane used at Camp Muir for cooking and melting water. These activities generate an estimated 15 tons of carbon annually. We participate in a "Green Power" program for all our electricity needs, which means our electricity comes from the wind farms in eastern Washington, which significantly reduces our emissions. Electricity is one of the biggest sources of emissions, and without the Green Power program, we estimate the annual amount of carbon emissions to be closer to 70 tons.
By supporting this project, we effectively prevent the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from our operations from being emitted elsewhere. These offsets are instrumental in fulfilling our sustainability objectives and advancing responsible environmental practices.
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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 [email protected].
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance for this trip.
Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.
Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be challenging. When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:
- Read the fine print. Travel Insurance offers reimbursement when you must cancel your trip for an eligible reason for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs that you insure. However, there are exclusions, so make sure you understand the "eligible reasons."
- Confirm that your activity is an eligible "activity." Not all travel insurance policies will offer coverage for activities such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or trekking adventures. Policies can also exclude coverage for activities due to the gear used (crampons, ice axe), activities that go above specific elevations, or activities in a particular region of the world. If there are exclusions, you may need to add an "Adventure" or "Sports" package to help cover your activity.
- Verify that your state of residence is allowed with the policy that you are purchasing. Not all insurance companies offer policies in all 50 states.
- Contact your travel protection company directly for any questions you have regarding benefits or coverage.
TRAVELEX
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact Travelex Insurance (800) 228-9792 and reference location number 47-0370.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York). RETWEB
harbor
Harbor Travel Insurance covers the following critical benefits:
- Evacuation to a nearest appropriate hospital once hospitalized.
- Trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, sporting goods, baggage loss, emergency dental, 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.
Harbor 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.
Getting There
Rainier BaseCamp is located in Ashford, WA, and is the home of RMI Expeditions, Whittaker Mountaineering, Whittaker's Bunkhouse, and BaseCamp Bar and Grill. Ashford is located 75 miles from the Sea-Tac Airport.
Note: Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Most climbers traveling to Ashford will want to rent a car from the airport. This is the most convenient and reliable way to get here.
Ride Share: If you are interested in sharing a ride, please go to your RMI Account, then to "Discussion Board" and "Ride Share" to post your information.
Seattle Airport Car Service
Phone: 206-375-4000
Email: [email protected]
ENTRY INTO MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
All our Mt. Rainier programs begin at Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford. All Mt. Rainier climbs, seminars and schools include transportation for our climbers from Rainier BaseCamp to Paradise or to the White River Entrance.
Ashford Area Accommodations
| The Hideaway Tiny House | n/a |
| The Overlook | n/a |
| Whittaker's Motel and Historic Bunkhouse | (360) 569-2439 |
| Nisqually Lodge | (360) 569-8804 |
| Alexander's Lodge | (360) 569-2300 |
| Wellspring Spa & Cabins | (360) 569-2514 |
| Guest Services Inc: (Paradise Inn and National Park Inn) | (360) 569-2275 |
| Mt. Rainier Visitor Association | (360) 569-0910 |
| Camping | n/a |
| You may also go to VisitRainier.com to search for accommodations in the Ashford area. | |
Weather
For updated Mt. Rainier weather forecasts, click here.
Please click on the links below to see the Mt. Rainier webcams:
- Paradise view towards Mount Rainier
- Paradise view - East
- Paradise view - West
- Paradise view towards the Tatoosh Range
- Longmire view
- Air Quality Camera
Tipping
Our guides put considerable effort into ensuring your safety and success on the mountain. If you had a positive experience, leaving a gratuity is a wonderful gesture to show your appreciation. The amount is up to you and should reflect how much you enjoyed the service. Typically, tips for excellent service range from 10% to 15% of the program cost. Guides can accept gratuities in cash, Venmo, or by check. If you prefer, you can also pay tips using a credit card through the RMI Office.
Facts
Mt Rainier became the nation's fifth National Park in 1899, some twenty-nine years after it was first climbed. Mt. Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres and is 97% wilderness and 3% National Historic Landmark District. At 14,410', Mt. Rainier is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range. It is a dormant volcano that last erupted approximately 150 years ago.
Guided mountaineering activity has taken place since the late 1800s, and The Mountain is still considered a prime training ground for climbing in Alaska, South America, and the Himalayas. With more than 20 active glaciers encompassing some 36 square miles of ice, Rainier boasts the largest ice cover of any peak in the lower 48 United States. Its weather can be deceptively gentle or as fierce as encountered on any high mountain anywhere in the world. There is a wealth of information on the Mt. Rainier National Park website. We encourage you to enhance your enjoyment of the climb with some fun facts about the Park and the history of climbing there.
Resources
General Information on Mt. Rainier National Park (MRNP) - www.nps.gov/mora
The Mountaineers Book - www.mountaineersbooks.org
Gateway Communities & Activities outside Mt. Rainier National Park - www.visitrainier.com
Recommended Reading
The Challenge of Rainier, by Dee Molenaar
Mt. Rainier - A Climbing Guide, by Mike Gauthier
Mt. Rainier: The Story Behind the Scenery, by Ray Snow
National Geographic Trails Illustrated MRNP topo map
Qualifications
Fitness
You should be able to carry a 35 to 40 lb pack on alpine trails for four to six hours without difficulty.
Experience
No climbing experience is required, but prior backpacking experience is strongly recommended and will allow you to focus on instruction rather than logistics.
Altitude
Field days inside Mount Rainier National Park reach high alpine elevations; participants should be comfortable with sustained physical activity above 5,000 feet.
About This Course
This course is designed for working professionals in outdoor education, guiding, land management, recreation programming, and related fields. Participants do not need a mountaineering background, but they should come prepared to move confidently in an alpine environment for extended periods with a pack. The field days inside Mount Rainier National Park involve real terrain and weather variability, and the quality of instruction depends on participants being physically present and focused rather than managing discomfort.
Classroom days are structured but active. Participants are expected to prepare and deliver teaching sessions, engage with curriculum modules as both student and instructor, and leave with a working Leave No Trace Action Plan specific to their organization. This is a professional development program, not a passive certification course. You should arrive ready to contribute, practice, and be evaluated on your ability to teach.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older to enroll.
Recommended Experience
- Prior backpacking experience, multi-day preferred
- Comfort carrying a loaded pack on uneven trail terrain for half-day efforts
- Experience working or teaching in an outdoor or field-based professional setting
- Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles (Level 1 or equivalent not required but helpful)
Skills and Experience Gained
Participants complete this course as certified Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructors with practical teaching experience in both frontcountry and alpine environments and a completed Leave No Trace Action Plan for their organization.
Equipment List
GUIDE PICK
Guide Pick™ is a collaboration between RMI Expeditions and Whittaker Mountaineering. At the end of each season, Whittaker Mountaineering surveys RMI's guides to determine the best mountaineering gear and apparel. They compile the results, reach a consensus, and award the best in each category with a Guide Pick™ label.
This exact item does not need to be purchased or used; however, any item you choose must have characteristics and performance abilities similar to those of the Guide Pick.
Pack & Travel
You'll use this backpack to carry your personal gear needed on the trail (warm jacket, hard shells, water, camera, etc.) not including any of the gear that will be carried by our mountain staff (sleeping bag, extra clothes, etc). This can also be used as a carry-on and while traveling or sightseeing.
Sleeping Bag & Pad
We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0°. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If climbing in April, May, June, or September, or if you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag. Sleeping pads are provided at Camp Muir.
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Full-length inflatable or closed cell pad.
Technical Gear
We recommend lightweight and collapsible poles with snow baskets.
Head
A hat without a button on top will fit better and be more comfortable under a helmet.
A Buff provides versatile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.
Start with fresh batteries and bring extra set(s) of batteries appropriate to the duration of the trip.
Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.
Regular sunglasses will suffice on this program; glacier glasses are not required.
Hands
Light weight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.
Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.
Upper Body
Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Light weight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.
A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.
An uninsulated, waterproof shell jacket with hood.
We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.
Lower Body
Non-cotton briefs or boxers.
Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.
A light weight, synthetic pair of pants is a good option for the approach trek when hiking at lower altitudes and in warm conditions. These pants have no insulation, are typically made of thin nylon, and commonly feature zippers to convert between pants and shorts.
A pair of jeans or cotton pants. Great for wearing around camp or teahouses.
Feet
A pair of lightweight boots for approaches and hiking on rugged terrain. We recommend a waterproof, mid-top boot for better stability and ankle support.
Great for traveling and wearing around town or camp. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.
Large enough to fit over your trekking boots to guard against mud and snow.
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.
First Aid & Medications
Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, cough drops, basic painkillers, an antacid, an anti-diarrheal, and personal medications.
Personal Items
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See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.
We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
For use in tea houses that provide showers during trek.
Daily wash water provided. Towel is used to dry face and hands.
For showers on the trek.
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
Watch with an altimeter, barometer, and compass. Many smart watches will also have this functionality.
A small Rite in the Rain or similar journal for LNT Master course work and notes.
For taking notes
Travel Clothes
We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Purchase travel insurance.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Reserve rental equipment.
Arrange transportation to Ashford.
Provided Equipment
RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, 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.
Food
The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course is based out of RMI's Mountain Haus and the forest camp at Rainier BaseCamp for three nights, which means your food situation is more flexible than a traditional backcountry program. You are responsible for all of your own meals throughout the course, but you have real options for how you handle them.
Dining At BaseCamp
Whittaker's Bunkhouse and the Rainier BaseCamp Bar and Grill are both on-site and available for breakfast, dinner, or both if you prefer to keep things simple. For participants who do not want to plan and pack meals, this is an easy and comfortable option.
Cooking at camp
Bringing your own meals to prepare at the campsite is the more economical option -- and for a Leave No Trace instructor course, it is also the more fitting one. Planning low-waste meals, managing a camp kitchen, and packing out what you bring in are all direct applications of the curriculum you will be teaching. Participants who cook at the campsite should plan for three dinners and three breakfasts at camp, plus field lunches for the two days inside Mount Rainier National Park.
Field Day Lunches
On Days 3 and 4, the group travels into the Golden Gate zone of Mount Rainier National Park for full alpine field days. Pack a lunch you can eat on the trail without preparation -- sandwiches, wraps, bars, trail mix, and similar foods work well. Keep packaging minimal and plan to carry everything out. This is Leave No Trace in practice.
A Note on Meal Planning as a Teaching Tool
How you plan and manage your food during this course is an opportunity to model the principles you are here to teach. Minimal packaging, thoughtful waste management, and low-impact camp kitchen practices are all worth being intentional about. Your guides will be.
Payments
Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $450 per person is required to secure your reservation.
- Deposits can be paid using MasterCard*, Visa*, American Express*, e-check/ACH, U.S. bank check, or wire transfer**.
Balance Payments: The remaining balance is due 120 days before your program's start date.
- Balance payments can be made via MasterCard*, Visa*, American Express*, e-check/ACH, U.S. bank check, or wire transfer**.
- You will receive a payment reminder approximately three weeks before your payment is due. If your balance is not paid 120 days before the program starts, your reservation will be canceled, and all fees will be forfeited.A payment reminder is emailed approximately three weeks before your payment due date. If your balance payment is not received 120 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees will be forfeited.
- Full payment is required when registering within 120 days of the program start date.
*Note: A 3% surcharge applies to all credit/debit card transactions.
**Wire transfers must include all fees charged by your bank. The amount received by our bank must match the deposit amount.
Cancellation
The $450 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing. Once received, the following policy applies:
- Cancellations made 120 or more days before the program start date will forfeit the $450 deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 120 days before the program start date will not receive refunds or credits.
We do not offer refunds. Please remember this before registering for this program. Due to the time-sensitive nature of this program, no exceptions will be made to the cancellation policy.
Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. Please see our Travel Tab for details.
Change of Date
Date changes are subject to availability and can only be applied to the current climbing season. Changes must be requested at least 90 days before the departure date and will incur a $200 fee per person. No date changes are allowed within 90 days of departure.
Risk Management
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering, but they cannot eliminate them. Objective hazards include rockfall, icefall, avalanches, slides or falls by individuals and rope teams on steeper slopes, weather-related problems including cold, heat, high winds, and other unnamed dangers that can occur while climbing.
You are choosing to engage in an activity in which guided and non-guided climbers 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.
Participant Responsibilities
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team effort. Each participant shares responsibility for the safety and success of the group. Therefore, we ask that each participant:
- Be physically and mentally fit for the program.
- Review and understand all provided program information.
- Notify the RMI Office of any changes to your health or medical information before departure.
- Be properly attired and equipped according to the Equipment List.
- Act considerately towards all team members.
- Minimize environmental impact by following Leave No Trace practices.
- Honestly and accurately describe your fitness, health, skills, abilities, and equipment to the guide staff.
- Communicate any changes in medications or health to the guide staff during the program.
- Follow the advice of your guide staff.
- Continuously assess your fitness, health, skills, and abilities in relation to the program’s demands.
RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from the program or to send them to a lower altitude if the guide staff determines, at their discretion, that the participant is not adequately prepared or capable of participating safely. This decision may be based on physical, technical, or psychological factors, or any other reason that might affect the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. If removed, the participant will not receive refunds or credits and will be responsible for all additional costs associated with early departure, including evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, and meals.
Zero Tolerance Harassment Policy
RMI has a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate behavior under this policy includes any conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for others. Such behavior is considered a violation of this policy.
RMI may consider behavior to be in violation of this policy even if it does not meet the legal definition of harassment. When assessing whether conduct violates this policy, we will evaluate whether a reasonable person would perceive the behavior as creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.
Violations of this policy may lead to removal from a program and denial of services indefinitely. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants and employees. Please report any incidents to RMI management.
Age requirements
All participants must be 18 years old at the time of registration.
Photo Release
RMI’s Photo Release outlines the terms and conditions for using your likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media.
I hereby grant Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) or its affiliates permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications. By granting permission, you allow RMI to utilize these media for lawful purposes.
Here are the key points:
- Authorization: You authorize RMI to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute the photos.
- Ownership: All photos become the property of RMI and will not be returned.
- Compensation: You will not be compensated for these uses.
- Rights: RMI exclusively owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings and to any derivative works created from them.
- Waiver: You waive the right to inspect or approve printed or electronic copies.
- Release: You release Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. and its assigns and licensees from any claims arising from these uses, including defamation, invasion of privacy, rights of publicity, or copyright.
- Hold Harmless: You hold harmless, release, and forever discharge RMI or its affiliates from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.
General Policies
RMI's program schedule and itineraries may change based on various factors such as route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, and other environmental factors. RMI has the full discretion to modify plans in response to these or other factors, including adjustments to program fees, schedule, itinerary, or staffing as necessary to ensure the safety and proper conduct of the program. Once a program begins, the Lead Guide will determine any changes to the itinerary, including the possibility of ending the program early if continuing poses risks to the group's safety, health, or well-being.
RMI reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient participation, weather, route conditions, or other reasons. In such cases, we will try to reschedule the Participant for another program date. If rescheduling is not possible, RMI will refund the Participant for all program fees paid, minus any non-refundable payments made on the Participant's behalf prior to cancellation, such as the Cost Recovery Fee and Entrance Fee paid to the National Park Service. RMI is not responsible for any non-refundable expenses incurred by the Participant in preparation for the program, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, or equipment purchases or rentals.
Once a program has started, no refunds or credits will be given for cancellations due to weather, route conditions, or other factors that could jeopardize the group's health, safety, or well-being. Additionally, if the Participant chooses not to begin or decides to leave the program early, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for any extra costs related to early departure, including evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, and meals.
Program costs are offered as a package, and no refunds or credits will be provided for unused portions. The Participant acknowledges that RMI is not responsible for any travel or hospitality services provided by other companies, including airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation services. RMI is also not liable for any act, error, omission, injury, loss, delay, or danger caused by a travel or hospitality provider. The Participant will be responsible for any costs resulting from travel delays, missed connections, or lost baggage that require additional arrangements to rejoin the program.
FAQ
The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course combines professional certification with applied field instruction in an alpine environment. Prospective participants often have questions about how the program is structured, what prior experience is needed, and how it compares to other Leave No Trace training options. The answers below address how this course operates, how to prepare for both classroom and field days, and what certification looks like at the end.
Logistics and Structure
What is the format of the four days?
Days one and two are based at RMI's Mountain Haus and Rainier BaseCamp, with a mix of classroom curriculum sessions, small group workshops, and field practice in the front-country camping area. Days three and four are field days inside Mount Rainier National Park, where alpine modules are delivered and final teaching presentations take place. Transportation from BaseCamp to the park trailhead is provided.
What is the participant-to-instructor ratio?
The course runs at a 5:1 ratio, keeping instruction focused and feedback direct throughout classroom and field sessions.
Where do participants sleep during the course?
All three nights are spent camping in the forest behind Rainier BaseCamp. Participants should bring a full camping kit appropriate for fall conditions in the Ashford area.
When does the course run?
The Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Course runs in fall, typically September through October, after the peak mountaineering season. This timing allows access to alpine terrain inside the park while keeping group sizes manageable. Two to four programs are offered each season.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. Participants are responsible for their own food throughout the course. Whittaker's Bunkhouse and the Rainier BaseCamp Bar and Grill are available on-site for those who prefer not to cook. Participants who bring their own food should plan for three dinners and three breakfasts at camp, plus field lunches for the two days inside the park. See the Food tab for more detail.
Certification and Curriculum
What certification do I receive after completing this course?
Participants who successfully complete the course earn Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Certification, recognized worldwide and authorizing you to certify others as Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors. Certification is awarded by Leave No Trace through RMI as a certified training provider.
Do I need prior Leave No Trace training to enroll?
No formal prerequisite is required. Familiarity with the Seven Principles is helpful and will allow you to move more quickly through foundational curriculum, but the course is designed to build from the ground up.
What is the alpine-specific content in this course?
The alpine modules extend the Leave No Trace curriculum into terrain and conditions not covered by standard training. They address glacier waste disposal systems, snow and ice camping impact, fixed gear and anchor ethics, group travel in fragile alpine vegetation, and wildlife considerations specific to high-elevation environments. These sessions are delivered during field days inside Mount Rainier National Park.
What do I need to complete during the course?
Participants are expected to lead at least one student-taught session, contribute to group curriculum modules, and complete a personal Leave No Trace Action Plan for their institution or organization. The action plan is shared during the final day and becomes a working document you take home.
Fitness, Experience, and Readiness
Do I need climbing or mountaineering experience?
No. Field days inside the park involve maintained trail travel with a loaded pack -- not technical climbing. Prior backpacking experience is recommended but no climbing skills are required.
How demanding are the field days physically?
Field days involve four to six hours of trail travel carrying a 35 to 40 lb pack in alpine terrain. Participants should arrive in solid hiking condition and comfortable with sustained uphill effort at elevation. Physical discomfort during field days detracts from instructional focus, so preparation matters.
Weather and Conditions
What weather should I expect in September and October?
Fall conditions on and around Mount Rainier can vary significantly. Expect cool to cold temperatures, the possibility of rain or early snow, and rapid changes in visibility at elevation. All required gear must be capable of handling these conditions. Guides monitor conditions continuously and adjust field plans as needed.
What happens if weather prevents a field day inside the park?
Field day plans are built with flexibility for weather variability. If conditions make travel into the park unsafe or unproductive, guides will adjust the schedule using alternative locations or additional sessions at the Back 40 and Mountain Haus. The full curriculum will still be delivered.
Comparison and Fit
How does this course compare to Leave No Trace training from other providers?
Standard Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor Courses through other providers focus on the core curriculum in frontcountry or backpacking environments. RMI's course covers the same certification requirements but adds alpine-specific modules -- glacier systems, snow camping ethics, fixed gear considerations -- that are not part of standard offerings. It is a stronger fit for professionals who work in or near technical mountain environments.
Who is this course designed for?
This course is designed for outdoor educators, guides, land managers, university staff, wilderness program directors, and recreation professionals who need professional Leave No Trace certification and want applied instruction that reflects the environments they work in. It is not an introductory course for general interest participants.
