Mt. Whitney winter ascent via the Mountaineer’s Route, 4 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 Whitney is not easy by any stretch of the imagination even tougher in the winter time. 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 Whitney via the mountaineer’s route:

1. Be able to maintain 185 to 215 meters per hr (600-700 feet per hr) climbing pace AND be

able to maintain this pace for 1-hour increments in the snow.

2. Carry a 18-24 kilogram (45-50 pound) pack

3.Be able to move efficiently off of maintained trails on, snow, scree and rock. Using large step ups and

step-downs, and some movements requiring the whole body while carrying a pack.

4. A guest who can do 235 meters per hr / 750 feet per hr with a loaded pack (11-14 kilos/ 25-30

lbs) on a stair stepper should have the fitness to climb Mt. Whitney.

5.Plus, Weekend hikes 12-16 kilometers (8-10 miles) with a loaded pack (11-14 kilos/ 25-30 lbs)

over the hilliest terrain a guest has access to is also an excellent training tool.

6. Time to basecamp on Whitney is 4-8 hours and time to the summit from basecamp is 6-8 hours depending on the winter condition on Mt Whitney.

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, avalanche equipment - beacon, probe, shovel. 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, avalanche equipment for rent

Question 4

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

No

Question 5

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

Answer

Our guides will be providing hot water for hot drinks, instant cereal, freeze-dried dinners, and for filling water bottles for drinking. SWS Mountain Guides provides Tents while on Mount Whitney.

Question 6

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Answer

We reserve the right to reschedule seminars and courses due to severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable events that could make the climb unsafe to continue. For tours 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, you will receive Weather Credit or Weather Partial Credit. Our decision will be at the discretion of the leader and the Director(s) of SWS.

Question 7

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

Answer

Yes, we recommend trip cancellation insurance available through our website.

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 for a Winter Ascent of Mt Whitney is late February to April.

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 winter climb of Mt Whitney with your departure date with 3 to 6 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.