Check In: We assemble at their
facility between 7:00 - 8:00am in Ashford, right next to
where we will be staying. If you need rental equipment
you can acquire it at that time, see below. We
meet with the instructor to get final details on the
days curriculum.
Depart: RMI will shuttle our
group to Paradise and our final practice destination.
The park has parking issues with everyone trying to
visit, therefore training programs are required to
shuttle their students.
RMI Program Description:
"The One Day Climbing School offers the aspiring
mountaineer an overview of various mountaineering
techniques that begin to meet those challenges. It
serves as a great introduction to alpine mountaineering,
or as a refresher if you haven’t been in the hills for a
while. You will find that our guides are excellent
teachers, relaying this information to you in an easy to
understand yet challenging manner.
On this day you will be introduced
to a number of skills, from the simplest techniques of
efficient mountain travel (rest-stepping and pressure
breathing) through cramponing, roped travel, and the
latest in ice axe arrest practices. Our One Day Climbing
School, when taken in coordination with our Crevasse
School, goes a long way toward preparing an aspiring
climber to safely and smartly attempt a glaciated climb."
By working with RMI one-on-one with
our group, we will be able to refine the curriculum to
focus on issues directly related to us. We all have
different levels of experience, many of you have already
gained a great knowledge through years of experience and
other courses and workshops you have taken. I made it
clear, that we want flexibility to allow the instructor
to deviate from the standard course, if needed, and
focus on our needs as a group - ERY.
Cost: $200 per person.
Deadline / Deposit: We have
until March 21st to formally set the date for the
training class. At that time I will forward the 50%
deposit to reserve the class. To keep it simple, I'll
make the deposit and work with everyone on payment. They
are not in favor of multiple payments being received.
Final Payment: By May 31st, we
must pay the remainder of the course fee.
Equipment Required: They have a formal
list of gear which every student must have. To
summarize:
|
Backpack |
Ice Axe |
Crampons |
|
Shell Jacket |
Shell Pants |
Base Layer |
|
Warm Jacket |
Pants |
Boots |
|
Gaiters |
Socks |
Gloves |
|
Warm Hat |
Glacier Glasses |
Water Bottles |
|
Sunscreen |
Lip Balm |
Food |
|
Garbage Bag |
Shorts* |
T-shirt* |
|
Ball Cap* |
|
|
|
* Indicates
Optional Gear (weather depending) |
For a complete description of course
requirements,
please use this link.
My Final Thoughts: Although I
have been on Rainier three times, I will remain humble.
You can always learn more and I am looking forward to
this training to teach and to refresh what I already
know. Last night I practiced setting up a hauling system
using two ascenders and I had to refresh my memory
through the use of a cheat sheet that I carry with me on
"Thee Mountain". I'll supply cheat sheet to everyone
when we go up.
I refer to Mount Rainier as "Thee
Mountain" as I have been so inspired when I was on
it..... and you will too.
If you review the
Courses Recommended
page, we have 7 confirmed class attendees. If I missed
someone, please let me know. Only one person has
definitely said no. Remember, March 21st I must provide
them with a final count and deposit.
