bromansalaam Posted March 1 Posted March 1 (edited) About me 24m, I've done Pico de Orizaba (19000ft/5800m), Izta, and Mount Elbert CO in the winter. I also rock climb frequently if that makes any difference. I'm planning on doing a trip to do Ranier, Baker & St Helens with the ultimate goal of building up my skills to tackle Denali. At this point, I know I definitely lack some technical knowledge necessary to summit Ranier such as crevasse rescue and navigation. But nonetheless would like to attempt to tackle it. I'm not a total gumby though — I have done a few high elevation peaks w/ crampons, a high level of fitness & am comfortable organizing the proper gear. I was planning on going late August, since that's when I turn 25 and can avoid the under 25 fee for renting a car. But I also heard that can be a dangerous time of season due to rockfall and widening crevasses. Part of me thinks I should just get a guide, but I dislike the handholding and lack of agency that comes with hiring a guide, not to mention the cost. So if you would like to tackle Ranier this season, or have some wisdom to spare to someone of my situation, I would greatly appreciate it! contact loucks12345 [at] gmail Edited March 1 by bromansalaam include email Quote
Albert_Pynstardt Posted March 1 Posted March 1 Rainier’s season has been getting shorter due to glacial wasting and recession. I personally would not attempt the standard routes on Rainier past June; even earlier for many other routes. This season is likely to be particularly short due to the snow drought in the western U.S. Also, I would skip St Helens. 1 Quote
bedellympian Posted 2 hours ago Posted 2 hours ago (edited) I second what Albert said. Do Baker and Rainier at the first available window this year (avy dependent obviously) so probably in April or May this year with the low snow pack. Be flexible with flights and timing, you'll have more luck with partners and maybe they can pick you up at SeaTac! If August is still preferred, consider doing something with a small glacier and some easy rock climbing... Eldorado Peak and vicinity, or Shuksan for example. You can practice glacier skills and some more technical climbing. OR, if you can afford the plane ticket and find a partner, go to Alaska and climb some of the easy glaciated peaks they have there, like White Princess in the Delta Range which can be accessed from the road. They are having a good winter up north so August could still be reasonable. Pretty sure I was in there in late July or early August and it was doable. Edited 2 hours ago by bedellympian Quote
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