One of the major benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest, unlike the rest of the continental US, is our proximity to a vast number of glaciated peaks. Accessibility varies from driving to the base of Mt. Hood to arduous multi-day treks in the North Cascades. Technical challenges also vary drastically, from the moderate snow slopes of St. Helens, to the sustained steep icefall of the Adams Glacier Route on Mt. Adams. The commonality is that without the appropriate skills and techniques it is easy to get into major trouble in this unfamiliar terrain. Our instructor/guides have years of experience in climbing and training in these peak.
Rare Earth Adventures offers three alpine climbing training modules. Completing all three modules provides the skill set appropriate for climbing, travelling, and camping on high alpine peaks. The modules are sequential and build upon the skills learned in the prior module(s). Instruction is based on the best current mountaineering practices, with an emphasis on hands-on practice. We can conduct these classes anytime there is sufficient snow to allow us to practice our skills.
All group and personal technical equipment is provided, as is transportation from the Portland, Oregon or Seattle, WA area, and instruction from professional climbing guides.
ALPINE MOUNTAINEERING– This is a class both for beginning climbers, and an excellent annual review for the more experienced climber. Topics covered include: clothing, equipment, snow travel, ice ax skills, self arrest, snow anchors and belaying, rappelling, and roped snow travel.
GLACIER TRAVEL AND CREVASSE RESCUE– This class builds on the Alpine Mountaineering skill set. Topics covered include: glaciers and their characteristics, rigging-up climbers and sleds for roped team travel on glaciers, risk reduction techniques while travelling on glaciers, pulley rescue systems, self-rescue techniques, and crevasse rescue management.
EXPEDITION MOUNTAINEERING– This class provides the opportunity to put the skills learned in the Alpine Mountaineering and Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue modules into practice under actual climb conditions. We typically go to Mt. St. Helens with the intent of climbing to the summit rim, if conditions are appropriate. Additional topics covered include: cold weather expedition clothing and equipment, campsite preparation, camping and cooking in extreme conditions, and navigation.
ALPINE WEEKEND– This is a combination of Alpine Mountaineering and Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue with an overnight snow camp. Many clients have taken this class prior to a big climb such as Rainier or Denali, either as a crash course or a comprehensive review.
For more information, please view the module web pages. Questions – please send an e-mail or call 866-936-0910.
