Ski Mountaineering Training on Mt. Shasta

Duration: 3 days
Dates: May 25-27, 2024 and May 31-June 2, 2024
(private dates possible per arrangement with Rich Meyer)
Cost: $1,495.00
Ice Axe Guide: Rich Meyer

Mount Shasta, the second highest volcano in the United States and a major peak of the Cascade Range and Pacific Ring of Fire. Climbing Mt. Shasta is considered one of the great mountaineering objectives of the American West. This magnificent mountain rises to 14,179 feet, and its base is more than 17 miles in diameter. Eight superb glaciers, California’s largest, adorn its flanks.

As a major volcanic peak in the southern Cascade Range, Mt. Shasta is an ideal location to learn and develop the key skills to be a proficient mountaineer and alpine climber. Our 3-day course builds a solid foundation of mountain skills while making a summit climb on one of California’s largest glaciers. Our guides are highly skilled climbers and teachers and are eager to share their experience with you.

We will be selecting the routes based on the best-case camp, optimal conditions, and ideal climbing to a successful summit. No previous mountaineering experience is necessary, but prospective climbers should be in excellent physical condition and train diligently for a big challenge.

Throughout the entire weekend we will cover the following topics:

• Steep snow and beginner Ice climbing skills & techniques
• Ice axe & boot crampon skills & techniques
• Uphill skinning & ski crampon skills & techniques
• Basic glacier travel instruction and rope, knots, and harness introduction
• Big mountain downhill skiing skills & techniques

Day 1: Climb to your first camp today with time to review mountaineering basics.

Our trip will begin in the town of Mount Shasta City. You will meet your guides and the rest of the team in the morning to do a gear check, orientation, and we will caravan in your own vehicle to the trailhead. We will start our ascent around 7,000 ft traveling up to about 8,000 ft and will set-up base camp. Once we arrive to camp, we will set up our tents and begin the training course.

Day 2: Ascend to the higher second camp, and practice climbing skills along the way.

We will wake up early, eat breakfast, and start to make our way up to high camp. We expect to hike to 10,000 ft and will set up camp for the evening. As we are ascending, we will continue to work on the skills outline for the course – to ensure safety and success while on the glacier.

Day 3: Summit & Ski

The team will wake up early, in order to reach the summit. The day will start around 3-4 am, to ensure that we will summit and avoid any change in conditions in the afternoon. Once we reach the summit, we will plan the safest route for our ski descent to camp.

When we arrive at camp we will pack up and make our final descent to the trailhead.

That evening, there will be an optional team dinner and drinks to celebrate a successful weekend.

Included:

• Guide services
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Group gear (tents, pots, stoves, fuel, ropes, etc)
• Permits & USFS fees

Not Included:

• Transportation to and from Mount Shasta
• Individual Mountaineering Equipment
• Evacuation Insurance
• Guide Gratuity

Please contact us at questions@iceaxe.tv for detailed itinerary, equipment list and to reserve your spot. 

All Ice Axe guided adventures on Mt. Shasta are done in partnership with Shasta Mountain Guides and the USFS.