Intermediate Mountaineering Course

Our In-depth mountaineering course will take your baseline knowledge and turn you into a fully capable mountaineer. This course is for those who want to climb peaks like Mt. Whitney and Mt. Rainier on their own.

During the course you will learn single pitch and multi pitch rock climbing techniques, snow climbing techniques, anchor building, placing and removing rock gear, navigation, knots, crevasse rescue and much more.

Our five-day Intermediate Mountaineering Course is a foundational course for those looking to climb the mountains of the world. We utilize Bear Creek Spire and Crystal crag to give you the skills to have your own adventures, from steep multi pitch rock climbs to the glaciers of Washington.

During this course, our students receive one on one climbing and risk management training in the eastern Sierra. During this course we will attempt to summit both Crystal Crag and Bear Creek Spire. These peaks are some of the most beautiful and classic in the country. During this course we will focus on Single and Multi Pitch rock climbing skills, Crampon and Ice axe use, Steep snow climbing techniques, Anchor building, Backcountry camping, Navigation, Crevasse Rescue and much more! 

This course is designed for the beginner or intermediate climber who wishes to develop strong fundamental skills in all aspects of snow, rock and glacier climbing. Day one is spent in the front country working on rock climbing skills. Day two we attempt to summit Crystal Crag outside of Mammoth. Day 3 we hike into our basecamp at the base of Bear Creek Spire, that afternoon we work through snow climbing skills. Day four we attempt the Northeast ridge of Bear Creek Spire. Day 5 we work on Crevasse Rescue and Rope team travel! After this course you will be that much closer to standing on the summits of your dreams.

Overview

Location & Dates

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Ratio

2:1 climber to guide ratio

Pricing

$1995.00

No previous mountaineering experience required

Previous backpacking experience required

Previous gym climbing experience recommended

Must be in good physical condition

Must be able to walk 5 miles per day with a 40 lb backpack

Skill Level

Required Equipment

  • Belaying and Rope Management

  • Single and Multi Pitch rock climbing techniques

  • Managing forth and low fifth class alpine terrain

  • Cramponing

  • Ice axe usage and self arrest

  • Snow and Rock Anchor Building

  • Steep Snow Climbing

  • Navigation

  • Evaluating Hazards such as rock and ice fall

  • Rope Team Travel

  • Climbing Knots

  • Crevasse Rescue

  • Avalanche Awareness

Course Objectives

Day 1: Meet in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Head to the crag for a day of single pitch rock climbing and skill building.

Day 2: Climb Crystal Crag, a classic multi pitch route on a beautiful mountain overlooking Mammoth Lakes. This is followed by a Navigation Clinic.

Day 3: Meet in Tom’s Place for a gear check and hike into our basecamp at Dade Lake below Bear Creek Spire. We will be spending the next two nights here. In the afternoon we will be going over snow climbing, ice axe, and crampon techniques.

Day 4: Wake up early and climb the Northeast Ridge of Bear Creek Spire. This is one of the best climbs of its grade in the entire Sierra Nevada. 

Day 5: Wake up and enjoy a great breakfast while staring at the peak you just climbed. Today we will be doing Crevasse rescue training. After our training we will pack camp and head back to the trailhead. 

Itinerary

Cancellation Policy

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.