Mt. Shasta winter ascent via the Casaval Ridge (3 days)

Question 1

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Answer

Climbing Mt Shasta at 14,179 ft. is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It requires both physical and mental toughness. Listed below are the minimum physical requirements we would expect for all of our clients before they show up to climb Mt Shasta via the Casaval Ridge route:

1. Be able to maintain 600 ft -700 ft feet per hr / 185 to 215 meters per hr climbing pace AND be able to maintain this pace for 1-hour increments.

2. Carry a 40 lbs - 55 lbs pack / 18 kg- 23 kg pack

3. Be able to move efficiently off of maintained trails on steep hard snow, soft snow, rock scramble and talus. Using large step ups and step-downs, and movements requiring the whole body while carrying a pack.

4. A client who can do 750 feet per hr with a loaded pack (235 meters per hr) with 25-30 lb / 11-14 kg pack on a stair climber, stepper or stair running should have the fitness to climb Mt Shasta

5. Plus, Weekend training hikes 8-10 miles /12-16 kilometers with a loaded pack 25-30 lbs /11-14 kilos over the hilly terrain a client has access too is also recommend prior to your climb.

Note: Time to basecamp on Mt Shasta is 4-8 hours and time to the summit from high camp is 6-8 hours.

Question 2

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

Answer

We recommend 3-4 months before the climb if you have not been climbing or hiking extensively prior to your climb date.

Question 3

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

Answer

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, internal frame backpack, and mountaineering boots, and crampons All are available for rent: Sleeping bags & Pad ($42.00 for 2-3 days), Backpacks ($42.00 for 2-3 days) and Boots ($45.00 for 2-3 days) Crampons ($25.00 for 2-3 days) We also have Gaitors, Down Jackets, Hard Shell Jackets, & trekking poles for rent

Question 4

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

Answer

Not available on this climb

Question 5

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Answer

Accommodations are tents which are provided, our guides will be providing hot water for hot drinks, instant cereal, freeze dried dinners and for filling water bottles for drinking.

Question 6

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Answer

SWS Mountain Guides aka Sierra Wilderness Seminars Inc. reserves the right to reschedule seminars and courses due to severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances which make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Weather Credit or Weather Partial Credit will be given for courses or climbs during or within 24 hrs of the course start dates if severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Our decision will be at the discretion of the climb leader and the Director(s) of SWS Mountain Guides.

Question 7

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

Answer

Yes, Intermediate to Advanced. Participants should be in excellent physical condition. Our backpacks will weigh anywhere from 40 to 55 pounds. Previous mountaineering experience is required (knowledge of knots, belays, crampon and ice ax use). Completion of our Basic and Advanced Winter Mountaineering Course qualifies as sufficient training experience.

Question 8

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

Answer

1:3 guide to client ratio

Question 9

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

Answer

Best time to climb Casaval Ridge is March through May

Question 10

Can I join a group?

Answer

Yes, you may join a group; please see the regular schedule departure listed. You may also request a custom climb of Mt Shasta with your departure date with 3 to 8 climbers. The price is the same as our group rate. For less than three climbers, the cost for a private / custom climb is two climbers: $575.00 per person per day / 1 climber $700 per day plus Explore-Share fees.