Mt. Rainier Glacier Skills Seminar

Standing at 14,410 feet tall, Mt. Rainier is the highest peak in Washington and is the most glaciated peak in the Lower 48.

The Glacier Skills Seminar is one of IMG's comprehensive training programs. It is designed as an in-depth skills and training seminar for climbers looking to develop a greater depth of climbing skills. This program provides excellent hands-on expedition style training to prepare climbers for any of the big, high-altitude, glaciated, technical peaks such as those found in Alaska, South America, the Himalayas and elsewhere. This Seminar provides a program on Mount Rainier in expedition fashion, working its way up from camp to camp teaching you the fundamentals of expedition climbing, eventually putting the team in position to summit.

This program includes training and skills sessions in:

• Cramponing
• Ice axe and ice tool use
• Ice climbing
• Belaying and rappelling
• Short roping and short pitching
• Ice and snow anchors and anchor systems
• Self and team crevasse rescue
• Route finding and navigation
• Glacier travel
• Fixed line ascension

The seminar is specifically scheduled for mid-summer to capitalize on firmer snow conditions and more exposed crevasses for glacier training. A summit attempt of Rainier is included at the end of the seminar.

Prerequisites and Training

There are no specific climbing prerequisites for this program. All that is required is an eagerness to learn, a significant base of cardiovascular physical fitness, and previous experience carrying an overnight pack. You will be expected to carry this weight over the course of many hours each day. For training suggestions please review the information provided on our Training for Rainier page. This is a novice climb for those interested in learning elements of travel on big, glaciated mountains. Technical training is conducted during the pre-climb orientation and continually throughout the climb.

 

Safety is our number one priority. We make no guarantees with respect to the program objectives. Many circumstances, including weather and abilities of yourself or other climbers may inhibit you from reaching the summit. Our goal is to give each of our customers the best experience we possibly can, regardless of the weather, route conditions, or time of year.