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Mt. Rainier - Mountaineering School

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  • Show Trip Info

    Price
    $345 *
    Duration
    1 days
    Difficulty
    Level 1
    Type
    Skills

    *We require that all climbers and guides have received the primary COVID-19 vaccination series (1 or 2 doses depending on manufacturer) to join our programs.

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Mt. Rainier - Mountaineering School

Mt. Rainier - Mountaineering School

dollar sign Price

$345*

Meter Difficulty

Level 1

Clock Duration

1 days

Climber on cliff Type

Skills

Learn how to travel efficiently and safely in the mountains in this introduction to alpine mountaineering techniques.

Jump To…

The Mountaineering Day School introduces climbers to the basic, foundational techniques of mountaineering.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Efficient climb and travel techniques including pressure breathing and the rest-step
  • Effective crampon use
  • Ice axe arrest
  • Rope Travel
  • Self-care strategies in the mountains

Rainier
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Throughout the day-long course, we use Mt. Rainier's lower slopes to learn and practice various techniques and skills necessary for climbing in glaciated terrain. Experienced and talented guides facilitate the instruction of key skills in mountaineering.

This program is ideal of novice climbers seeking to gain confidence in the mountains. Our Mountaineering Day School, taken in coordination with our Crevasse Rescue School, prepares aspiring climbers to safely and smartly attempt a glaciated climb.

THE RMI DIFFERENCE

The Mountain Guides at RMI have a reputation as top guides in the United States. RMI Guides participated in some of America's first ventures into the far reaches of the Himalaya. Years of expedition guiding and climbing around the world have built a core of consummate professional guides.

Our guides are celebrated teachers and trainers, known for their leadership as well as their character. They possess the compassion, enthusiasm and ability to empower others and inspire them forward. Such qualities may only be found in people at the top of their profession. Despite their vast experience, RMI Guides still remember their own first steps into the mountains, and enjoy helping other climbers reach new heights.

Our exceptional focus to detail, our unparalleled level of climber attention, and our genuine excitement for these adventures make our programs truly memorable.

SAFETY

RMI strives to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides focuses on leading fun and successful programs without compromising safety. Each program includes careful pre-trip planning, daily weather forecasts, avalanche forecasts, and diligent attention to detail. All RMI Guides are highly trained in remote medicine and rescue skills and carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and radio communication equipment throughout the program. Regardless of the objective or the destination, safety remains RMI’s top priority.


NPS Authorized ConcessionerAuthorized 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.

Climate Change

OffsettersAll of our climbs in Mt. Rainier National Park are 100% carbon neutral. We have partnered with Offsetters, Canada's leading carbon management solutions provider, to purchase offsets for our greenhouse gas emissions. Their projects are verified and validated by third parties to ensure that the emission reductions are real, additional, and permanent, so we know that our contribution is making a real difference.

By supporting this project, we prevent the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions that were generated by our operations from being emitted somewhere else. These offsets allow us to achieve our goal of sustainability and further promote responsible environmental practices.

Contact Us

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 [email protected].


Climber Reviews

Filter By
06/04/2022
Transportation was good, instruction and skill level/expertise of the guides was excellent, really tried their best to work with people of varying skill levels.
Manoj E.

05/31/2021
The guides were both great! They made the course fun and easy to follow along with the information. They explained the reason for all of the skills and tip/tricks. They were happy to answer any and all of our questions about mountaineering
Melissa W.

05/18/2021
Dustin and Steve are excellent instructors/guides. Their skill demonstrations and explanations as to why (cause and effect) were extremely helpful. Great positive leadership style.
Dereesa R.

06/16/2019
Everything was great but the quality of experience and education provided by the guides was tremendous.
Curtis B.

06/13/2019
The guides!!! They were excellent and I would llove to do a summit attempt with them. Also, the rental gear was top notch and well maintained!!
Tom W.

05/28/2019
Ice axe arrests were crazy fun, I loved practicing efficient travel in the snow, and the team was great.
Christine L.

05/27/2019
I enjoyed how organized the trip was and of course the material covered along with the hands-on time was fantastic!
Michael R.

05/20/2019
Well coordinated trip with clear objectives and guidelines
Kerlan W.

06/10/2018
The confidence I gained in this skill set. I now feel capable of adventuring further than I have before.
Lisa F.

06/06/2017
The instructors were amazing and I learned very valuable skills!
Christiana O.

07/14/2016
I liked how everything was demonstrated first before we learned a new skill. Instructions were communicated and demonstrated really well.
Sarah P.

06/07/2016
I enjoyed the team and the group. I found the training to be most beneficial and I am glad that I was able to take the course as I am new to alpine climbing.
Jeffrey L.

05/31/2016
The ability for our guides to answer unexpected questions
Ian G.

05/24/2016
This was a great orientation for me as an absolute novice to know the very basics-of what to pack/how to pack, preferred equipment, etc. Just taking that guess work out of what I'll need in the future was worth it. My dream has always been to climb Mt. Rainier, and I wanted to 'get a feel for RMI". Boy was I impressed, and SOLD! You folks are very professional, courteous, FUN, patient. I would feel 100% confident going on an RMI expedition-that I would be getting the best in safety and adventure.
Julie P.

09/03/2015
Our guide!
Sarah S.

08/24/2015
Great learning, great fun, y'all are the gold standard and you proved why.
Reed L.

08/24/2015
The small group (4 plus 1 guide), the hands-on practice, all the tips for being a more effective hiker.
Mathias R.

08/23/2015
This is a difficult question to answer. I Enjoyed Every Aspect of The Trip! Everyone was always positive and went above and beyond. Top Notch Service! The Climb on Rainier was Fantastic! I can't wait to come back next year and attempt to Summit.
Pete K.

08/21/2015
I loved being able to experience mountaineering for the first time. I was treated with respect (despite my inexperience) and I am so glad I've got a few new tricks to try!
Katy N.

08/06/2015
We had a really fun group of people during this lesson, which made the day a blast. Christina was an excellent instructor, and we all really bonded throughout the day. This was also my first time being close to Mt. Rainier, and it definitely blew my mind to be a part of that environment. From a skillset standpoint, I loved learning about traveling with crampons, ropes, and self-arrest with an ice ax. I'm completely hooked.
MacKenzie R.

06/06/2015
Use of avi beacon
Janet V.

05/29/2015
I enjoyed the entire trip... the guides were funny, personable, yet strong leaders with significant care for our safety, our enjoyment of mountaineering, and their commitment to maintaining a "leave no trace" regard for the environment. The itinerary was well planned and enjoyable.
Mark E.

05/23/2015
Hearing Mike and Chase's experiences and background. They constantly provided us with 'why' you do something that way they explained. They both responded fully to each of our questions. They also provided useful feedback as we were practicing.
Greg K.

02/22/2015
Instructors were completely engaged, seemed to love what they do and enjoyed people. Never felt like they were bored, arrogant or distracted.
Cheryl R.

09/11/2014
Gaining the necessary knowledge to climb safely in a out door environment. The hands on experience is first rate. Your team did a wonderful job.
Patrick T.

08/10/2014
Learning skills in a beautiful place on a nice day with great people.
Bryan C.

08/06/2014
Learning how to walk on snow, a crucial thing I never thought about before.
Dakotah F.

07/15/2014
The class taught me exactly what I wanted to learn. The guide student ratio was very good and Andrew took time for my husband to help with skill learning when he needed more one on one instructions. He was very patient when the more mature students needed a little longer to catch on. In the end, everyone passed and I feel more knowledgable about how to keep safe in the back country when dealing with snow fields.Andrew also took time to look at my hiking boots and gave me good advise re what would work well on our upcoming Grand Teton Adventure.
Sigrun S.

07/14/2014
I really enjoyed the rental process that morning. I can't recall the name of the guys that helped us, but they were very pleasant to work with. I also really enjoyed our instructors/guides that day. Mike and Andrew were a great match and really played off of each other when teaching us different skills. They were a good mix of knowledge and personality. It made for a fun day. We had a couple of older folks in our group that were struggling to keep up/follow along and I thought they also handled that very professionally.
Allison N.

07/06/2014
Finally I got some formal instruction after years and years of climbing. I picked up on a few things I can improve on. Many aspects of the program I already was very familiar with though.
Paul K.

06/09/2014
The mountain and the weather (blue-bird). Self arresting was fun.
Dan C.

06/03/2014
I must say that having two women instructors and other women in the group made my 15 year old daughter very comfortable participating and I could see her looking up to the instructors as inspirational role models after hearing their achievements, she picked up new things very quickly as a result. Very impressive!!
Jason L.

05/31/2014
Everything
JP G.

05/30/2014
Everything. The class was worth every penny and I learned lots of valuable information.
Amy B.

05/28/2014
The guides and training process.
Michael S.

05/26/2014
Our guide's knowledge and attention to detail.
Alex G.

09/22/2013
I just really liked all of it even though my effort was abbreviated, the mountains are always great.
Walter E.

08/09/2013
It was day school so really the pragmatic instruction tips from Josh were the highlight. You can read it, you can hear it, but it's not till you actually do it and get realtime feedback that you understand it.
Keir W.

07/23/2013
EVERYTHING!!
Valerie C.

06/17/2013
I have been mountaineering for years now. But I still walked away with learning a lot. Each guide approaches the mountain different. Always opportunity to learn how to work more efficiently on the mountain.
Monique H.

06/14/2013
Being on the mountain and learning some of the key skills for effective climbing. I enjoyed learning to self arrest!
Alex L.

06/11/2013
It was truly an extraordinary experience to be on the mountain in the snow and sun with the right gear and a worthwhile objective. Every minute of the training class was exciting and fun. The instructors and my classmates were great. I wish it could have lasted longer. I'll be back for more!Besides the class itself, I enjoyed staying at Whittaker's Bunkhouse.
Gregg T.

06/10/2013
The people! The folks of RMI. Positive, upbeat and very helpful!
Ken A.

06/09/2013
I enjoyed the portion where we learned how to self arrest. That was good practice and very helpful.
Tristan R.

06/02/2013
Learning from the guides, learning techniques, learning what poor physical condition I am in :)
Robert D.

06/01/2013
Uncrowded time on Mount Rainier with great guides. Got some stunning photos.
Andrew M.

05/23/2013
Watching the guide simplicity in action - there is no wasted effort; how the manage/handle their gear, etc. For a beginner it presents an example of not only what you need to do, but the broader perspectives you need to bring to your preparation for and time on a mountain.
Michael S.

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Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition. There are no technical climbing prerequisites to join this program.

 

Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life And Then Go Climb A Mountain

Create A Fitness And Training Program

 

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 Mountaineering Day School, you are preparing for:

  • Hiking with a 20-25 lb load
  • 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!

Below are approximate outlines of the program's physical demands that will be helpful in planning your training schedule and goals:

Total Hiking Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 1
2 - 2 ½ Hours
Round Trip
Gain = 1,000'
Loss = 1,000'
4 Miles
Round Trip
20 - 25 lbs

Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.

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What You’ll Need

A list of required personal equipment accompanies every RMI program, and the thought process behind each item is much greater than simply “preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.” The list for your program takes into account factors such as: seasonality, route conditions, weather, elevation and more. As such, this list is framed within the broadest of contexts and is dynamic by its very nature. Therefore, certain variables (additions and/or subtractions) are inherent within such an all-encompassing list. We make every effort to recommend only top of the line clothing and technical gear and it is never our intention for you to buy or rent unnecessary gear.

The Guide Pick is an example of the listed item, giving you an idea of the material and specifications of the item. This exact item does not need to be purchased or used; however, any item you choose must have similar characteristics and performance abilities to the Guide Pick.

RMI Guides concur on the potential necessity of every item, thus every item on the list is required at gear check. However, guides may also have suggestions derived from their experience, some of which will vary from a given list. The guides’ recommendation whether to bring along or leave behind certain item(s) comes during the gear check, when the team first meets. Occasionally this recommendation comes at the expense of having previously purchased an item. If a guide presents the option of leaving behind certain item(s) on the list of required equipment, it is for a reason. Their recommendation may be related to the weather, route conditions, freezing level, perceived strength of the party, or desired pack weight.

Ultimately, there will never be a consensus for a “perfect” equipment list for an ascent. It does not exist because of the multitude of variables faced by climbers throughout the climb. Please follow this equipment list closely so that you will arrive for the gear check with all the required items. Keep in mind the list is not black and white, fine tuning will occur once you meet with your guide. Have a great climb!


  • Whittaker Mountaineering 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 when they use code RMI2023 at checkout. This offer excludes sale items, rentals, meal packages, and Feathered Friends.

Shop Your Equipment List // Rent new equipment for your climb

Equipment List

Pack & Travel

Image of 30+ LITER BACKPACK
30+ LITER BACKPACK

Your backpack should be large enough to carry all of your personal gear, food and water. 

Guide Pick™

Technical Gear

Image of ICE AXE
ICE AXE

The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

Guide Pick™

Image of CLIMBING HARNESS
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. If you rent a harness, a triple-action carabiner is included.

Guide Pick™

Image of TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER
1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER

Used for clipping into the climbing rope. Harness rentals include this carabiner.

Guide Pick™

Image of CRAMPONS
CRAMPONS

10-point or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates designed for general mountaineering use.

Guide Pick™

Image of AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES
AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES

Bring extra batteries appropriate to the duration of the climb.

Guide Pick™

Head

Image of HELMET
HELMET

A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet.

Guide Pick™

Image of WARM HAT
WARM HAT

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

Guide Pick™


Image of BUFF
BUFF

A Buff provides versitile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.

Guide Pick™

PROTECTIVE FACE MASK(S)

Cloth or surgical face mask for use in situations where 6 feet of distance from others cannot be maintained.


Image of GLACIER GLASSES
GLACIER GLASSES

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.

Guide Pick™

Hands

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

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


Image of LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVES
LIGHT WEIGHT GLOVES

Light weight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.

Guide Pick™

Image of MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES
MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES

Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.

Guide Pick™

Upper Body

Image of LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY
LIGHT WEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY

Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Light weight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.

Guide Pick™

Image of LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
LIGHT WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER

One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.

Guide Pick™


Image of SPORTS BRA
SPORTS BRA

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

Guide Pick™

Lower Body


Image of SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS
SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS

Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

Guide Pick™

Image of RAIN PANTS (HARD SHELL)
RAIN PANTS (HARD SHELL)

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.

Guide Pick™

Image of LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS  (OPTIONAL)
LIGHT WEIGHT TREKKING PANTS OR SHORTS (OPTIONAL)

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.

Guide Pick™

Feet

SINGLE OR DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

Boots are one of the most important pieces of mountaineering gear, and bringing the right pair is critical to your safety and success on Mt. Rainier. You will need one pair of boots for this climb, and the type of boot you wear will be dictated by freezing level. If the freezing level is below 10,000 feet, your guide will require the use of double boots. If the freezing level is above 10,000 feet, you may use either single or double boots. We consistently see freezing levels below 10,000 feet in April, May, June, and September, though periods of cold weather are not uncommon in July and August.

If this is your first time climbing, we highly recommend renting boots from our partner company Whittaker Mountaineering. Mountaineering boots do not break in like normal footwear so there is not much advantage in buying them unless you want to see how they feel on your feet before the climb or plan on doing more mountaineering in the future. If you rent, you can switch between single and double boots the day of your climb.


Image of RAINIER AND 5000 METER SINGLE BOOT TEXT

SINGLE BOOTS: Insulated, full-shank, and crampon-compatible leather or synthetic boots designed for mountaineering. Single boots tend to be lighter and more comfortable than double boots at the expense of warmth.

Guide Pick™

Image of GAITERS
GAITERS

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. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.

Guide Pick™

Image of PAIRS OF SOCKS
PAIRS OF 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.

Guide Pick™

First Aid & Medications

Image of SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

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, basic pain reliever, and personal medications.

Guide Pick™

Personal Items

Image of MEALS & SNACKS
MEALS & SNACKS

You are responsible for providing your own meals and snack food in town and while on Mt. Rainier. See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

Guide Pick™

Image of WATER BOTTLES
1 - 2 WATER BOTTLES

One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).

Guide Pick™

Image of GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG
GALLON ZIP-LOCK BAG

This will be your personal trash bag.

Guide Pick™

Image of LARGE GARBAGE BAGS
1 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS

Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a a waterproof pack liner.


Image of TRAVEL SIZE HAND SANITIZER
TRAVEL SIZE HAND SANITIZER
Guide Pick™

Image of SUNSCREEN
SUNSCREEN

We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.

Guide Pick™

Image of LIP BALM
LIP BALM

We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

Guide Pick™

Image of CAMERA (OPTIONAL)
CAMERA (OPTIONAL)

Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.


Travel Clothes

Image of TRAVEL CLOTHES
TRAVEL CLOTHES

We recommend bringing a selection of comfortable clothing to wear while traveling as well as pre- and post-trip.


Pre-Trip Checklist

Purchase travel insurance.


Arrange lodging in Ashford.


Reserve rental equipment.


Arrange transportation to Ashford.


Be in the best shape of your life!



Provided Equipment

RMI provides the following equipment for your program: climbing ropes and blue bags (for solid waste disposal). Every guide will carry a first aid kit and two-way radios.

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