A three day schedule on Shasta is a more enjoyable approach to climbing this Cascade peak, as well it gives us other route options as conditions change. We will employ the classic expedition style as we make our way up the mountain. Each day will include snow school where we learn and practice appropriate mountain skills. We will select a route that is in optimal condition and allows for safe and enjoyable climbing. The route will either be The West Face or Clear Creek depending on conditions.
Dates:
May 16-18, 24-26, 30-June 1
June 6-8, 10-12, 20-22, 24-26
July 4-6, 8-10, 18-20, 22-24
Fee: $550
Avalanche Gulch is the only route that we offer a 2 day summit climb on. This schedule is our most challenging itinerary as Shasta is a big peak to tackle in a short time.
On the first day, we hike to Horse Camp, where we spend the evening and are given instruction in basic fundamentals of mountaineering. The next day an alpine start begins our journey to the summit. With this season's low snow pack, the Avalanche Gulch route will be best in May and early June.
Dates:
May 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31-June 1
June 7-8, 11-12, 14-15, 21-22
Or by special arrangement
Fee: $450
This summit climb is a 4 day adventure focusing on fun and skill development. The schedule best maximizes the opportunity to reach the summit and allows plenty of time for rest and recovery. This is a great introduction to mountaineering and an enjoyable itinerary to thoroughly experience Mt. Shasta. Day one we spend at Horsce Camp. Day two we move to our high camp at 10,000'. Day three is the summit climb and return to high camp. Day four we wake rested and refreshed and head back to the trailhead and civilization. This is best suited to new climbers who want a moderate approach to the sport of mountaineering.
Dates:
June 13-16, 27-30
July 4-7, 17-20
Fee: $695
Another of Shasta's classics, this uncrowded route is an excellent climb for new mountaineers looking for a variation to the standard climb. Our base camp in Hidden Valley (9,400') is in a spectacular location framed by Shasta and Shastina. This route is best May-July and provides an excellent alternative to the more popular Avalanche Gulch.
Dates:
May 9-11 (FULL), 24-26
June 13-15, 27-29
July 4-6, 11-13, 25-27
Fee: $550
Shasta's northeast side is a vast and scenic high alpine wilderness. The climbing route follows long snowfields between the Hotlum and Bolam glaciers, crossing crevasses along the way. The north side is slightly more challenging than the south and west sides of Shasta. Climbers should be in good condition and comfortable with steep and icy terrain. This route is best later in the season, from June through early September.
Dates:
June 27-29
July 4-6, 18-20, 25-27
August 8-10, 22-24, 30-September 1
September 5-7
Or by special arrangement
Fee: $550
One of Shasta's classic and most aesthetic lines, Casaval Ridge is visible from over 100 miles away and splits Shasta's south face. Dramatic rock gendarmes and exposed climbing make for an exciting route. Prior climbing experience required. This route is an early season climb best with plenty of snow. The 2008 season has left the ridge in poor condition for a summit climb, due to dangerous conditions we will not be guiding Casaval Ridge for the remainder of the 2008 season.
Basic mountaineering gives an introduction to climbing on moderate angle snow, and to the use of ice axe, crampons, and self belay systems. This knowledge is useful to mountain hikers who frequently cross snowfields and high passes, and are requisite to the beginning mountaineer. If you want to take a step beyond backpacking into the realm of mountaineering, this is the course for you.
Basic Mountaineering Dates:
April 12, 26
May 3, 10, 24, 31
June 7, 14
July 5, 19
Or by special arrangement
Fee: $125
Our series of Glacier Seminars begins with the fundamentals of mountaineering and include more than a summit climb. Ice axe and crampon use, route selection, roped travel, anchors and belays are all covered in depth and hands on during this 4 day seminar. The final challenge is a summit climb on the Hotlum-Bolam Ridge, Shasta's northeast aspect which provides incredible scenary while crossing expansive glaciers. Designed for the aspiring mountaineer who wants to establish a solid foundation of mountain skills capped with an alpine start en route to Shasta’s summit!
Dates:
June 26-29
July 10-13, 24-27
August 7-10, 29-September 1
September 11-14
Fee: $695
This seminar is an in-depth and comprehensive course covering crevasse rescue techniques, glacier rigging, route finding, team travel, expedition skills, and alpine climbing. Glacier II will take place on the Hotlum Glacier; one of Shasta’s most scenic, with specific hands-on training included. This course is perfect for those climbers who desire more skills or are aspiring toward bigger mountain climbs. A summit bid via the dramatic Hotlum Glacier completes this five day seminar.
Prerequisites: Completion of Glacier I or equivalent
This five day seminar is the final exam for climbers on Shasta. We will put all of our skills to the test and challenge the Hotlum Direct Ice Gullies. A thorough discussion of appropriate gear and an alpine style approach will inspire even the most experienced climbers! Our focus will be on developing steep alpine/ ice climbing skills. We will move up the Hotlum Glacier and establish an advanced camp at 12,000’ to prepare for the final ascent. Up to six pitches of classic and steep ice complete the course.
Each season, several of our guides led successful trips to North America’s highest peak. If your goals include climbing in the great ranges of the planet, this course is for you. Let our experienced guides teach you the techniques of big mountain, expedition climbing. All the skills necessary to be safe and comfortable in the mountains will be covered to prepare you for the trip of a lifetime!
A three day schedule on Shasta is a more enjoyable approach to climbing this Cascade peak, as well it gives us other route options as conditions change. We will employ the classic expedition style as we make our way up the mountain. Each day will include snow school where we learn and practice appropriate mountain skills. We will select a route that is in optimal condition and allows for safe and enjoyable climbing. The route will either be The West Face or Clear Creek depending on conditions.
Avalanche Gulch is the only route that we offer a 2 day summit climb on. This schedule is our most challenging itinerary as Shasta is a big peak to tackle in a short time.
Another of Shasta's classics, this uncrowded route is an excellent climb for new mountaineers looking for a variation to the standard climb. Our base camp in Hidden Valley (9,400') is in a spectacular location framed by Shasta and Shastina. This route is best May-July and provides an excellent alternative to the more popular Avalanche Gulch.
Shasta's northeast side is a vast and scenic high alpine wilderness. The climbing route follows long snowfields between the Hotlum and Bolam glaciers, crossing crevasses along the way. The north side is slightly more challenging than the south and west sides of Shasta. Climbers should be in good condition and comfortable with steep and icy terrain. This route is best later in the season, from June through early September.
Basic mountaineering gives an introduction to climbing on moderate angle snow, and to the use of ice axe, crampons, and self belay systems. This knowledge is useful to mountain hikers who frequently cross snowfields and high passes, and are requisite to the beginning mountaineer. If you want to take a step beyond backpacking into the realm of mountaineering, this is the course for you.
Our series of Glacier Seminars begins with the fundamentals of mountaineering and include more than a summit climb. Ice axe and crampon use, route selection, roped travel, anchors and belays are all covered in depth and hands on during this 4 day seminar. The final challenge is a summit climb on the Hotlum-Bolam Ridge, Shasta's northeast aspect which provides incredible scenary while crossing expansive glaciers. Designed for the aspiring mountaineer who wants to establish a solid foundation of mountain skills capped with an alpine start en route to Shasta’s summit!
This seminar is an in-depth and comprehensive course covering crevasse rescue techniques, glacier rigging, route finding, team travel, expedition skills, and alpine climbing. Glacier II will take place on the Hotlum Glacier; one of Shasta’s most scenic, with specific hands-on training included. This course is perfect for those climbers who desire more skills or are aspiring toward bigger mountain climbs. A summit bid via the dramatic Hotlum Glacier completes this five day seminar.
This five day seminar is the final exam for climbers on Shasta. We will put all of our skills to the test and challenge the Hotlum Direct Ice Gullies. A thorough discussion of appropriate gear and an alpine style approach will inspire even the most experienced climbers! Our focus will be on developing steep alpine/ ice climbing skills. We will move up the Hotlum Glacier and establish an advanced camp at 12,000’ to prepare for the final ascent. Up to six pitches of classic and steep ice complete the course.