Intro to Snow Climbing

GALLERY

DETAILS

Climbing our region's majestic skyline peaks requires a special set of skills to ensure safety. This course teaches students how to ascend snow covered routes that do not pass through crevassed terrain or require technical roped climbing. Learn how to use alpine climbing boots, crampons, and an ice axe to ascend alpine slopes up to 35 degrees. This course prepares students for climbs such as Mt. Adams via the South Spur and Mt. Shasta via the Clear Creek Route. Graduates of this course or students who are interested in learning the skills necessary to ascend glaciated peaks might consider taking our Mountaineering Skills Course or participating in a guided climb of Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan.

Skills Covered in Intro to Snow Climbing Course:

Selecting clothing and equipment for a snow climb
How to walk in balance with an ice ax
Traversing a slope
Kicking steps
Self arrest techniques
Plunge stepping
Glissading
Assessing snow conditions
Crampon use

Duration

1-Day

Gear check

Required

Passport

Not required

Minimum Age

13 years old

Activity

Mountaineering and general outdoor safety skills

Accommodation

None

PRICE BASIS

PRICE INCLUDES

Guide services
Day trip to learn and practice skills on a snow slope

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Transportation
Lunches/snacks
Gratuities for Guides

FAQs

What is the best way to get to the trip start location?

We can either meet at a P&R in Seattle area or meet at the trail head at a designated time. There are options available for transport from Seattle area if needed by anyone.

What equipment is required?

A complete packing list will be provided at the classroom session. You will be required to have the following, most of which we can rent to you for additional fees:

Waterproof jacket & pants
Wool or synthetic (no cotton) clothing layers
Waterproof boots (mountaineering boots recommended)
Gaiters
Ice ax
Helmet
Food and water
Glacier glasses
A backpack

Read our reviews

View All Reviews

Testimonials

I took intro to Mountaineering course by Sandeep. It was great trip. I learnt some mountaineering/backpacking skills. The hike up and the campsite had amazing views. On Friday, Sandeep did a informative mountaineering presentation and checked the gear. He let us borrow some missing gear like iceaxe, sleeping bag, puffy jackets, helmet, rope, etc. On the mountain he taught us safe glissading, self arrest, knots, side walking, walking with rope, safety and other important skills. Overall I had heck of a weekend, got to meet cool people and got a mountaineering bug which is already itching me to hike up camp muir and Mt. Adams
Amar Tamersi
I did the intro to Mountaineering course and got so much more out of it than I expected. I figured that we would just learn some basic skills and techniques, but our instructor Sandeep really went the extra mile. Beyond the lessons of ice ax arrests and general snow climbing, I learned a ton about mountaineering culture and ethics which really helped me feel comfortable climbing alongside the professionals. By the end I felt very confident in my new ability and couldn't wait to get out again. Seriously, I could not wait. The next weekend I rented gear from Miyar Adventures and was able to climb Mt. Adams on my own! I can't wait for more adventures!
Richard Buzzard
I have never done any activity on snow and I am a newbie hiker...It is unbelievable that I actually got to climb Rainier, starting from where I was. I give all the credit to Sandeep. He makes beginners like me get comfortable and build up on the skills and make their dreams become achievable...If you ever want to climb any mountain, I strongly recommend Miyar Adventures, without any doubt.
Prema Grandhi
Excellent experience with Miyar and Sandeep when climbing Rainier this year. I was not even sure if I can do it. Sandeep helped me through out the training and kept me motivated. If not for Miyar and Sandeep I don't think I would have summited Rainier.
Abhishek Chaturvedi