Join an IFMGA-certified mountain guide for this incredibly fun, scenic and informative 3-day mountaineering course. Learn the basics of this incredible sport right on the slopes of Mt Shasta and finish off the course with an ascent of the mountain via Avalanche Gulch.
TRIP TYPE
Private and Group
MOUNTAIN RANGES
Cascade Range
DURATION
3 Days
OFFER PERIOD
Jun - Aug
FITNESS LEVEL
Fit
SKILL LEVEL
First Time
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
3.0
Based on 1 reviews
Situated at the southern end of the Cascade Range in northern California, Mt Shasta is the perfect destination for an introduction to mountaineering!
Over the course of our three days together, we will climb up to the summit of the 14,179 foot high volcano and go over essential mountaineering skills and techniques as we go.
The fun begins on day one when we meet up in the town of Mt Shasta and carpool out to the trailhead. From here, we will hike up to our base camp at the bottom of Avalanche Gulch through, passing through some stunning alpine scenery.
The rest of the first day as well as all of the second one will be spent going over how to properly use ice axes and crampons, ice axe self-arrest techniques, route finding, mountain awareness, setting up camps and other safety skills.
The third day will easily be the highlight of the trip. Getting an alpine start, at about 1 to 2 am, we will climb over the glacier and up to the top of the mountain.
The feeling of summiting the second highest peak in the range as well as the fifth highest in California is incredible, as are the views that come with it.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this informative and inspiring 3-day mountaineering course that finishes off by climbing of Mt Shasta!
If you like the look of this trip, but are looking to try out something a bit different, then we think you will also enjoy our 2-day introduction to backcountry skiing on Mt Shasta!
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Permit and entrance fees
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Camping equipment tents
Professional instruction/guide, breakfast(s), dinner(s), ice axe, helmet, harness, group-climbing equipment
including ropes and safety equipment, group camping equipment including tents and stoves, permits, and permit fees
including Mt. Shasta summit fees. Mountaineering Boots, Snowshoes (early season), and Crampons are NOT included, but
are available for rent from SWS Mountain Guides
Secure your spot with just 25% payment
48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking
More info
Please contact us for a complete list of what is included.
Meeting point
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.70
(22)
Mountain Guide
Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.
Languages
English
Certificates
IFMGA | AMGA
Oz
3.00
Overall, the fair evaluation for the SWS Mountain Guides and the guide assigned to me is 3 stars. Reasons: 1. The guide did not seem to remember or respect the fact that I was new to mountaineering and that the name of program is called “introduction to mountaineering...”. For example, the guide set his own time for walking and resting without any concern to my physical ability for that timing. The guide walked ahead many times and didn’t even notice when I fell a few times. I understand the guide is not the insurer of safety or a hand holder, but a complete abrasive approach to the service is not right, especially when it’s a paid service. Perhaps, the guide is not a right choice for introduction tours. 2. There was a miscommunication with timing of the summit day. I thought we would start summiting around 5am the next day; however, I was told less than 15 hours before that we would start hiking at 1am the next day from base camp. We arrived at base camp early afternoon, and I’m wired up, hot, and not prepared to fall asleep between 5pm-12am, thus, I didn’t sleep at all. I attempted the summit hike but around 12k feet the sleep deprivation was killing me and I was catching myself falling asleep and my body trying to lay down while waking. The guide didn’t seem to concerned about this. Lack of empathy. Eventually, I had to insist we turn around because I didn’t want to go beyond 30 hours of no sleep and still have to descend from the summit. 3. The guide did help set up the tent and food. The guide did explain layers of clothes on and off and why. The guide did help instruct how to pack and why. 4. Overall, I feel this guide is best suited for advanced climbers not introduction courses as he seems to be more of a “ill walk ahead of you” not “ill walk with you” type of guide.
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