Jan/Feb 2026 - Rainier partners

[artemvovk]

Hello,

I'm tryna figure out a plan to get up Rainier this winter (preferably January but who knows what weather and snow decide). 

I hang around CO mostly, but I have gotten out to Washington for trail work and climbs a few times. I have done Mt Baker a couple of times, but haven't had much time between work/etc to get out to more PNW peaks (I have done Mt Clarke and a few others during WTA hitches, but that was in the summer);

I have avalanche/crevasse training (have all the necessary gear), plenty of ice climbing (WI4+) experience, have skied plenty of routes (up to and around D13) in Colorado, have summited 300+ mountains in Colorado; climbing in PNW is different, but not unfamiliar to me.
I just don't have people/partners that would get out on the glaciers with me - hence I am here. 
I'm looking at either Emmons route or the Gibraltar ledges - again, depending on the conditions/time/etc. 

Let me know if you need more specifics/questions/lists/etc, and/or if there's other places that would be better for finding partners.

[Lake_]

Hey Artem, 

I live in Vancouver BC and would be down. Sounds like I don't have as much experience but I'm not a total gumby either. I'll send you a message with more info

[Albert_Pynstardt]

January is a terrible month to attempt Rainier. One of the worst. February or March are a better bet. Also, unless you fancy an extra 25 mile approach/deproach, cross Emmons off your list and stick to routes out of Paradise.

[artemvovk]

Thank you. The worst and way too long is exactly what I am aiming for.