Mt. Rainier Ski Crevasse Rescue School

1 Day

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Skill Development

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$445

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Pay in Full

Deposit

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Beginner

Overview

Ski & Snowboard

A one-day crevasse rescue course taught in the context of ski and snowboard travel on glaciers.

Applied

Focused on adapting standard rescue systems to ski mountaineering equipment and movement.

Confidence-Building

Designed to help skiers and riders respond effectively to crevasse incidents in glaciated terrain.

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School is a one-day instructional program designed for ski mountaineers and snowboarders traveling on glaciated terrain. While the core rescue principles are the same as those taught in RMI’s Crevasse Rescue School, this course focuses on how those systems are applied when traveling on skis or a snowboard.

Participants learn to build and execute complete crevasse rescue systems using ski- and snowboard-specific equipment. Instruction covers rope travel considerations unique to ski mountaineering, anchor construction using skis or boards, and hauling systems adapted for winter travel. Emphasis is placed on understanding how standard rescue techniques change when movement, equipment, and terrain differ from foot travel.

The course is highly hands-on, with repeated practice and full rescue scenarios that allow participants to apply systems in realistic situations. Low instructor-to-participant ratios support individualized coaching and multiple repetitions, helping skiers and riders build confidence in their ability to respond effectively during an emergency.

Why RMI

Setting the Standard Since 1969

Teaching crevasse rescue in a ski mountaineering context requires a precise understanding of how rescue systems change when skis, snowboards, and winter travel are part of the equation. RMI’s long history guiding and teaching on Mount Rainier informs how this course is structured: practical, discipline-specific, and focused on systems that work in real ski terrain.

RMI guides regularly operate in glaciated environments on skis and understand the unique challenges that come with ski mountaineering rope systems, anchor construction using skis or boards, and managing rescues while wearing winter footwear and carrying ski gear. That experience shapes instruction that goes beyond generic technique, helping participants understand how standard rescue principles adapt to ski travel.

Risk management and clarity are central to how this course is taught. Guides emphasize crevasse site safety, anchor integrity, communication, and decision-making alongside mechanical systems. Instruction is paced to allow for repetition and problem-solving, giving participants time to build confidence and efficiency rather than simply memorizing steps.

The result is focused, hands-on instruction designed for skiers and riders who want rescue systems they can realistically execute in an emergency. Whether used as a refresher or as essential preparation for glaciated ski objectives, RMI’s Ski Crevasse Rescue School reflects decades of experience teaching climbers how to operate responsibly in complex mountain terrain.

Expedition Highlights

Snow-covered mountain under night sky with star trails and climbers' headlamps lighting the slope.
National Park Service emblem with tree, mountain, bison, and text 'Authorized Concessioner' below.

Authorized Concessioner

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. is authorized to provide guided mountaineering services, mountaineering day school, alpine training, and guided winter activities within Mount Rainier National Park.

Address comments to:
Superintendent | Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Snow-covered mountain peaks under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Logo with 2025 inside a circle of grey and blue dots and text offsetters carbon neutral climbs and expeditions.

Carbon Neutral Climbs

All our climbs in Mt. Rainier & Denali National Parks 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.

Itinerary

Overview

Practice crevasse rescue techniques tailored specifically to ski mountaineering and glaciated ski travel. This itinerary blends technical instruction with realistic scenarios, reinforcing efficient systems that translate directly to backcountry and expedition skiing.

Point of Origin

Ashford, WA

Total Program Duration

1 Day

Skill Level

Beginner

Training Area

Paradise Zone

Highest Point

~6,600' / 2,012 m

Program Days

1

Longest Day

8 - 10 Hours

Skills & Takeaways

What You’ll Walk Away With

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School adapts essential glacier rescue systems to the realities of ski travel in alpine terrain. Instruction focuses on efficient, repeatable techniques that account for skis, touring equipment, and snowpack conditions commonly encountered on glaciated ski objectives.

By the end of the course, climbers will have practical experience with:

  • Tying and applying core knots used in ski-based glacier travel and rescue systems
  • Building and evaluating snow anchors suitable for rescue scenarios while on skis
  • Equalizing anchors and managing load distribution during crevasse rescues
  • Executing C and Z pulley systems in ski touring contexts
  • Using Prusiks, mechanical ascenders, and belay devices while wearing ski equipment
  • Managing team-based rescue scenarios and common complications specific to ski travel
  • Understanding the rescue systems expected for participation in glaciated ski mountaineering objectives

Day 1

SKI CREVASSE SCHOOL

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Rainier BaseCamp. Please arrive dressed for touring and packed with your Ski Crevasse Rescue School gear.

*Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford opens at 7:00 a.m. Climbers may register with RMI, pick up rental equipment, and purchase last-minute items from Whittaker Mountaineering during this time.

We begin the morning with a welcome and introduction of team members and guides. We spend an hour in the morning discussing knots and preparing our gear for the day of training. Guides will offer final packing and clothing suggestions before we depart Ashford in the shuttle.

We skin up from Paradise to our training area on the lower slopes of Mt. Rainier, between 6,000' and 6,600', practising transitions and efficient uphill travel on the way. The day focuses on the rescue systems a ski or splitboard team actually uses: building and equalizing snow anchors with skis, boards and pickets, belays, Prusik slings, mechanical ascenders, and the "C" and "Z" pulley systems run in ski boots with skis both on and off. We work through the rope travel considerations unique to ski mountaineering, including team spacing, transitions on a roped team, and how a fall differs on skis.

Following the day of training, we ski back down to Paradise and drive to Rainier BaseCamp.

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Qualifications

Fitness

Participants should be comfortable spending a full day moving and working on snow.

Experience

Prior experience with ski touring or splitboarding is required, along with comfort using crampons, an ice axe, and basic rope travel systems.

Altitude

Training takes place on the lower slopes of Mount Rainier, where altitude is moderate and appropriate for a one-day instructional course.

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School is designed for skiers and snowboarders who already travel in winter mountain environments and are beginning to operate in glaciated terrain. This is not an introductory ski or mountaineering course. Participants should arrive comfortable managing their equipment, transitioning efficiently, and moving confidently on snow.

Climbers should already be familiar with basic mountaineering tools and systems, including rope travel, crampons, and ice axe use. The course builds on those foundations by adapting crevasse rescue systems specifically to ski and snowboard travel. Instruction assumes participants can focus on learning rescue systems without needing to learn fundamental movement skills at the same time.

Participants should be comfortable skiing or riding blue off-piste terrain and managing transitions in variable snow conditions. Arriving prepared allows the day to focus on hands-on rescue practice, repetition, and problem-solving rather than basic travel skills.

Recommended Climbing Resumé

Your climbing resumé should include:

Prior ski touring or splitboarding experience

Comfort skiing or riding blue off-piste terrain

Familiarity with rope travel on snow

Confident crampon use and ice axe arrest

Ability to manage ski or snowboard transitions independently

Comfort spending a full day training in winter mountain conditions

Items marked with an Asterix (*) are considered mandatory prerequisites for this program.

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 MilesRound Trip

20 - 25 lbs

Fitness And Training Resources

Our guides have decades of experience training for alpine objectives, and we've done our best to put together relevant resources to help you with your expedition preparation.

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Your Role as a Climber

Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Before any program begins, RMI works directly with prospective climbers to confirm that everyone joining a team is genuinely prepared for the demands ahead. Depending on the program, this may involve conversations with our office staff, a review of your climbing history, or feedback from guides and other climbers who know your abilities. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that every person on the rope belongs there. We ask that each climber hold themselves to the same standard:

  • Meet Program Prerequisites: Arrive with the climbing experience, qualifications, and gear outlined for your program.
  • Arrive Prepared: Come in top physical and mental condition. Strong preparation directly affects your performance, your teammates' experience, and the team's overall safety.
  • Be Informed: Review all pre-departure materials and communicate any questions to the RMI office before your start date.
  • Medical Clearance: Provide any required medical documentation and inform the RMI office of any changes to your health before departure.
  • Team Consideration: Act considerately toward all team members and respect the customs and values of the areas you travel through.
  • Environmental Respect: Follow Leave No Trace practices throughout the program.
  • Communicate Honestly: Accurately represent your fitness, health, skills, and equipment to your guide staff, and keep them informed of any changes during the program.
  • Stay Accountable: Attend all briefings and gear checks, follow guide instructions, and take personal responsibility for your equipment, hygiene, and readiness for changing conditions.
  • Self-Assess Continuously: Evaluate your fitness and readiness honestly against the demands of the program. Your willingness to do so contributes directly to the safety of the entire team.

The standards we set exist to protect everyone on the team. RMI holds all climbers accountable to them, and we take seriously our responsibility to build teams of people who are ready to be in the mountains together. RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from a program or send them to a lower altitude if our guide staff determines, in their sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared or capable of participating, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. In such cases, no refunds or credits will be issued, and the participant will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including evacuation, transportation, lodging, and meals.

Equipment

What You'll Need

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School takes place in winter conditions on snow and involves repeated hands-on practice of rescue systems. Participants should be prepared for a full day of movement, standing, and system building while wearing ski or snowboard equipment.

This equipment list reflects what is required to practice crevasse rescue effectively in a ski mountaineering context. All required gear must be brought and available, even if not in constant use throughout the day. Arriving properly equipped allows participants to focus on learning, repetition, and system efficiency rather than managing missing or incompatible equipment.

Guide pick™

Each RMI program includes a required personal equipment list built around the specific terrain, conditions, and objectives of the climb. Every item serves a purpose and supports safety, efficiency, and comfort in the mountains.

Guide Picks™ are examples that meet our performance standards and illustrate the type of gear we recommend. Each year, our partners at Whittaker Mountaineering survey our staff of 70+ guides to get a consensus on the best gear for the job. You do not need to purchase the exact item shown, but any alternative must offer comparable function and durability.

All listed items are required for the gear check. Final adjustments may be recommended by your guide based on conditions and team needs once the expedition begins.

Gear Up

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.

Equipment List

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Pack & Travel

Sleeping Bag & Pad

Technical Gear

Head

Hands

Upper Body

Lower Body

Feet

First Aid & Medications

Personal Items

Travel Clothes

Travel Documents

Pre-Trip Checklist

Provided Equipment

Pack & Travel

30+ Liter Backpack

A mid-sized pack for carrying personal gear, layers, food, and water during the climb. Can also serve as carry-on luggage and for sightseeing.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Hybrid Ice Axe With Hammer

A 50 - 55 cm hybrid ice axe with hammer for steep terrain.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Climbing Harness

A comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop-seat, or adjustable leg loops are recommended for managing layers and bathroom breaks in the mountains.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Triple-action Locking Carabiner

Used for clipping into the climbing rope.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Locking Carabiner(s)

Used for clipping into anchors, etc.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Non-locking Carabiner(s)

Used for pack ditch loop, etc.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

General Mountaineering Crampons

10- or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates for general mountaineering and glacier travel. Automatic, semi-automatic, or strap-on attachment depending on boot compatibility. Ensure crampons are compatible with your specific boots before your program.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Avalanche Transceiver With Fresh Batteries

A three-antenna avalanche transceiver with fresh batteries for travel in avalanche terrain. Bring extra batteries appropriate to the program duration.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Avalanche Shovel

A collapsible snow shovel with a sturdy blade for snow assessment, shelter building, and avalanche rescue.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Traction Pulley Device

A Progress Capture device designed for Crevasse Rescue, Hauling and Self- Rescue. While not mandatory this device increases efficiency while hauling and while setting up our rope systems.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Mechanical Ascender

For traveling on fixed lines. Most people prefer an ascender designed for their weak hand, leaving their strong hand free to hold their ice axe. For example, a right-handed person would use a left-handed ascender.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Skis With At Bindings, Telemark Skis, Or Splitboard

All skis and boards need to have brakes or retention straps.  We strongly recommend having a tech binding on your skis. Not a 50/50 binding. 

Guide Pick™
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Technical Gear

Ski or Splitboard Skins

Adhesive or strap-on coverings that attach to the base of skis or a splitboard to provide traction during uphill travel. Essential for efficient ascents in ski mountaineering programs.

Guide Pick™
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Technical Gear

Ski Poles

We recommend adjustable poles.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

Sewn Prusik Loop / Hollow Block

Premade sewn loops or hollow blocks used for friction hitches in climbing and rescue situations.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

6mm Accessory Cord

Lightweight accessory cord for prusiks, cordelettes, and general mountaineering applications. Purchase at least 15 feet and pre-cut to lengths specified in your program's detailed gear list PDF.

Guide Pick™
Technical Gear

7mm Accessory Cord

Accessory cord for cordelettes and anchor building, or as an alternative, one 240 cm dyneema sling.

Guide Pick™
Head

Ski Mountaineering Helmet

A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet or a ski mountaineering helmet rated from both rock fall and skiing falls. Standard ski helmets are not acceptable. They are not rated for rockfall and are too warm to be worn during ascents.

Guide Pick™
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Head

Beanie

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

Guide Pick™
Head

Ball Cap Or Sun Hat

A hat without a button on top will fit better and be more comfortable under a helmet.

Guide Pick™
Head

Buff or Neck Gaiter

A versatile neck gaiter or buff for head and neck protection in variable conditions.

Guide Pick™
Head

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

Lightweight Gloves

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

Guide Pick™
Hands

Medium Weight Gloves

Insulated gloves for active climbing and moderate cold conditions. Should allow adequate dexterity for handling gear while providing warmth.

Guide Pick™
Upper Body

Upper Body Layering

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, softshell, down, and synthetic options.

Guide Pick™
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Upper Body

Lightweight Baselayer or Sun Hoody

A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt in synthetic or merino wool for sun protection and moisture management during active climbing.

Guide Pick™
Upper Body

Lightweight Insulating Layer

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

Guide Pick™
Upper Body

Hardshell Jacket

A waterproof jacket with a hood for protection against wind, rain, and snow. Should fit comfortably over all insulating layers.

Guide Pick™
Upper Body

Sports Bra

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

Guide Pick™
Lower Body

Lower Body Layering

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.

Guide Pick™
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Lower Body

Pairs Of Underwear

Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

Guide Pick™
Lower Body

Ski Pants

A lightweight, well ventilated soft-shell or hard-shell ski or climbing pant that fits over the cuff of your ski boots.

Guide Pick™
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Lower Body

Hardshell Pants

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™
Feet

Ski or Splitboard Boots

Whether used for Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboard, your boots should be of a design that allows climbing crampons, and is sturdy enough for variable snow conditions. Please call our office to speak with a guide about ski and snowboard boot recommendations.

Guide Pick™
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Feet

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

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

Meals & Snacks

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

Guide Pick™
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Personal Items

Water Bottles

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

Guide Pick™
Personal Items

Gallon Zip-lock Bag

This will be your personal trash bag.

Guide Pick™
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Personal Items

Large Garbage Bags

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

Guide Pick™
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Personal Items

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™
Personal Items

Travel Size Hand Sanitizer

A compact hand sanitizer for use when soap and water aren't available during approach and camp periods. Bring a bottle small enough to fit in a pack pocket.

Guide Pick™
Personal Items

Lip Balm

We recommend SPF 15 or higher.

Guide Pick™
Personal Items

Camera

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

Guide Pick™
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Travel Clothes

Travel Clothes

We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.  

Guide Pick™
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Pre-Trip Checklist

Insurance

Purchase travel insurance.

Guide Pick™
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Pre-Trip Checklist

Transportation & Lodging

Arrange transportation and lodging - see more on the Travel tab.

Guide Pick™
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Pre-Trip Checklist

Equipment

Reserve rental equipment.

Guide Pick™
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Pre-Trip Checklist

Fitness

Be in the best shape of your life!

Guide Pick™
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Provided Equipment

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.

Guide Pick™
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fuel for the mountain

On the Ski Crevasse Rescue School, you will need one mountain lunch.

ABOUT YOUR MOUNTAIN MEALS

OVERVIEW

Nutrition while training and nutrition while climbing are two very different things. You may follow a specific nutrition regimen while you are training to aid your desired outcomes, but once you are on the mountain, calories are what count the most. You are trying to maximize energy and performance over a single long day.

Our food priorities in the mountains are:

  • a high-calorie intake
  • a variety of flavor profiles (sweet, salty, sour, etc.)
  • durability/packability
  • enjoyment

Caloric requirements will vary widely from person to person based on physical size and metabolism. It is important for you to know what your body requires. Bring food you enjoy. If you don't love a food at home, you certainly won't like it on the mountain!

This is a single-day program, so there is no camp and no cooking. Everything you bring should be ready to eat straight out of your pack — don't bring any items that require preparation, hot water, or simmering. Plan to carry all the water you need for the day.

Things to keep in mind as you plan your food:

  • How much space the food will take in your backpack
  • How well the food will hold up in your pack through the day
  • How much waste the food produces

Consider repacking items into smaller Ziploc bags to minimize the space in your pack. Your food will get crammed into your backpack, jostled around, exposed to extreme temperatures, and even sat on (by you, of course!). What holds up better in these conditions, two slices of bread or a bagel? Repacking also cuts down on waste — and everything you bring onto the mountain, you carry back off it.

MOUNTAIN LUNCHES

Mountain lunches, aka snacks, are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb. We typically take rest breaks every hour or so to adjust our clothing layers, eat, and hydrate. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water at each break. In terms of quantity, aim to bring approximately 1 lb. of climbing food for the day. We suggest using snack or sandwich size Ziploc bags to portion out snack food.

The importance of having foods that you genuinely enjoy cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. We aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!

  • Cold pizza
  • Trail mix
  • Crackers
  • Bagel sandwich
  • Peanut butter pretzels
  • Cookies
  • Chewy candy
  • Tortilla wraps
  • Chocolate covered pretzels
  • Candy bars
  • Veggies and hummus
  • Chips
  • Apple slices
  • Protein bars

PRO TIP: Feel fancy! Charcuterie (cured meat, cheese, and crackers) makes a great mountain lunch!

SAMPLE MOUNTAIN LUNCH MENUS

(One mountain lunch, approximately 1/2 lb.)

These are options of what you might pack for a mountain lunch:

MOUNTAIN LUNCH OPTION #1

  • Bagel sandwich with salami, cheese, & mustard
  • Apple slices
  • Oreos
  • Protein bar

MOUNTAIN LUNCH OPTION #2

  • Cold pizza
  • Sour Patch Kids
  • Hummus & crackers
  • Trail mix
  • Peanut butter pretzels
  • Candy bar
  • Goldfish
  • Chips

MOUNTAIN LUNCH OPTION #3

  • Salami, cheese, crackers, or bagel (sandwich)
  • Sour Patch Kids
  • Protein bar
  • Hummus & crackers
  • Trail mix
  • Chips
  • Peanut butter pretzels
  • Candy bar
  • Goldfish
  • Apple slices

MOUNTAIN LUNCH OPTION #4

  • Salami, cheese, crackers, or bagel (sandwich)
  • Protein bar
  • Energy gel or chews
  • M&Ms
  • Small cookies
  • Peanut butter cups
  • Candy bar
  • Cliff Bar
  • Granola Bar

Travel, culture, & logistics

This page covers the practical details you’ll want to review before your trip, including travel logistics, entry requirements, local considerations, and required policies. Taking time to understand these details ahead of departure helps ensure a smoother experience once you’re on the ground and focused on the climb.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

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].

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: Every air traveler 18 years of age and older needs 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

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 and park entry for our climbers from Rainier BaseCamp to Paradise or to the White River Entrance.

ASHFORD AREA ACCOMMODATIONS

You may also go to VisitRainier.com to search for accommodations in the Ashford Area.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

WEATHER

For updated Mt. Rainier weather forecasts, click here. Please click on the links below to see the Mt. Rainier webcams:

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 an active volcano; its most recent confirmed eruptive activity was in the 1890s.

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

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

Expedition Policies

The following policies are applicable for this expedition.

Included

  • RMI guide instruction from experienced guides focused on crevasse rescue systems for ski and snowboard travel in glaciated terrain
  • All Mt. Rainier National Park fees
  • Transportation from Rainier BaseCamp to the training area
  • Group instructional equipment used during the course

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure.

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Ashford, WA
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance
  • Accommodations before and after the program
  • All meals
  • Personal gear and equipment
  • Customary guide gratuities (10–15% of program cost recommended)
  • Personal expenses

PAYMENTS

Payment in full is due at time of reservation. 

  • Payments can be made via MasterCard*, Visa*, American Express*, e-check/ACH, U.S. bank check, or wire transfer**.

*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

Of your program fee, $75 is non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • All cancellations require written notification. Once the RMI Office receives your written notification of cancellation, the following policy applies:
    • If you cancel 90 or more days before the start of your program, program fees will be refunded less a non-refundable $75 per person fee.
    • If you cancel less than 90 days before the start of your program, no refunds or credits will be issued.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of these programs, and the amount of preparation time required for this program, we strictly adhere to our policy and cannot make exceptions for any reason.

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 apply only to the current climbing season. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 60 days prior to your departure date for a $50 fee per person. No date changes allowed less than 60 days before departure.

Risk Management Policy

Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently hazardous. 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 or 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 risks 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

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) does not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate conduct under this policy may include conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a participant or employee. Engaging in such conduct is a violation of this policy.

RMI may consider conduct to violate the policy even if it falls short of unlawful harassment under applicable law. When determining whether conduct violates this policy, we will consider whether a reasonable person could conclude that the conduct created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.

Violation of this policy may result in removal from a program, as well as refusal to provide services indefinitely. We place the utmost value on the safety 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:

  1. Authorization: You authorize RMI to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute the photos.
  2. Ownership: All photos become the property of RMI and will not be returned.
  3. Compensation: You will not be compensated for these uses.
  4. Rights: RMI exclusively owns all rights to the images, videos, and recordings and to any derivative works created from them.
  5. Waiver: You waive the right to inspect or approve printed or electronic copies.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, 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. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.

We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).

Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.

Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same- gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.

The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies. In addition, 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. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School often raises questions about how rescue systems change when skis or a snowboard are part of the equation. The answers below are intended to clarify how this course is structured, what prior experience is assumed, and how crevasse rescue techniques are adapted specifically for ski and snowboard travel in glaciated terrain.

Program Focus and Structure

What is the goal of the Ski Crevasse Rescue School?

The goal of this course is to teach complete crevasse rescue systems in the specific context of ski and snowboard travel. Instruction focuses on adapting standard rescue techniques to winter equipment, movement patterns, and terrain commonly encountered while ski mountaineering on glaciers.

Is this course different from the standard Crevasse Rescue School?

Yes. While the underlying rescue principles are the same, this course is taught specifically for skiers and riders. Systems are built using skis or snowboards as anchors, rope management is adapted for ski travel, and scenarios reflect the realities of winter movement and transitions.

Is this a summit climb of Mount Rainier?

No. This is a one-day, skills-focused instructional course. There is no summit attempt, and success is measured by understanding and practicing crevasse rescue systems rather than reaching a particular objective.

Fitness and Readiness

How fit do I need to be for this course?

Participants should be comfortable spending a full day outdoors in winter conditions, including short approaches, repeated practice, and extended periods standing or working on snow. The course is not physically extreme, but sustained focus and engagement are required.

Do I need to be an advanced skier or rider?

No. Participants should be comfortable skiing or riding blue off-piste terrain and managing transitions independently. The course is focused on rescue systems rather than downhill performance.

Skills and Learning

What rescue systems will I learn?

Participants learn commonly used crevasse rescue systems adapted for ski travel, including anchor construction using skis or boards, hauling systems such as Z-pulleys and C-pulleys, and strategies for managing a rescue scene safely and efficiently.

Will I practice full rescue scenarios?

Yes. The course emphasizes realistic, full-sequence rescue scenarios that allow participants to apply systems from initial response through extraction and team coordination.

Conditions and Decision-Making

What kind of conditions should I expect?

Conditions can vary and may include cold temperatures, wind, snow, and variable visibility. Training takes place in winter mountain environments, and participants should be prepared for changing weather.

How are decisions made if conditions change?

Guides continuously assess weather, snow conditions, and group dynamics. Training locations and scenarios are adapted as needed to maintain a productive and safe learning environment.

Progression and Next Steps

How does this course fit into ski mountaineering progression?

The Ski Crevasse Rescue School is a critical step for skiers and riders beginning to travel on glaciers. It pairs well with mountaineering or ski touring courses and helps build the systems knowledge needed for glaciated ski objectives.

Will this course qualify me for other RMI programs?

This course provides essential rescue training, but additional experience may be required for more advanced programs. It should be viewed as a discipline-specific skills course rather than a standalone qualification.

Safety and Support

What happens if someone is injured or becomes ill?

Guides are trained in remote medicine and carry appropriate medical and communication equipment. Responses depend on the situation and conditions and may include descent or evacuation if necessary.

Reviews

Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings

Climber reviews of the Ski Crevasse Rescue School often emphasize how valuable it is to practice rescue systems in a ski and snowboard–specific context. Participants frequently note the clarity of instruction, the opportunity for repeated hands-on practice, and the confidence gained from learning how standard crevasse rescue techniques adapt to winter travel and ski mountaineering scenarios.

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