my desire to visit the everest BC has turned into something more (and what an opportune time for a mt kili expedition to pop up)! i think i've been on a mountaineering craze lately, especially after i met lhakpa rita sherpa at REI not too long ago. are there any alpinists and mountaineers here on bna? what's your story?
i see mt rainier on the freeway everytime i'm driving south on a clear day. i think climbing it would be a great intro to mountaineering - i've read that the climb isn't easy but it's not too hard either. have any of you heard anything about rainier mountaineering inc?
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Freedom lies in being bold.
Posts: 2260 | Location: seattle | Registered: 22 July 2004
I like hiking in the mountains (usually the High Tatras), but I don't think "real" mountain climbing where you need special gear and training and everything would be something for me. It just sounds too complicated, and I think I'm way too clumsy to do something like that. I have climbed the highest mountain in Poland twice though
I don't know anything about that particular company, or the mountaineering piece of Mt. Ranier (so far, it doesn't seem I'm much help... ), but I hiked far enough along that trail until I was a 1/2 mile or so into the snow, so I could see all of the groups of people continuing on. It seems pretty popular, so I don't think it'll be hard to find people who've done it, or to join a group.
As far as the experience thing, I don't know the height of Ranier, but I have a good friend who trekked to the top of Shasta, which was around 14,000 ft (in CA), and she'd never done anything like that before, and she did just fine. I don't know if she and her friends rented the equipment or what, but basically it's just getting the appropriate gear (boots, helmet, ice ax, etc), and of course having one or more experienced people along for the ride too.
Posts: 1549 | Location: ...now in the burbs of MSP, Minnesota | Registered: 14 July 2004
i haven't been able to find any good resources for people that are just starting when it comes to this. i've found great sites that are dealing with specific moutnains (everest, k2, etc) but nothing in general. it's kind of like ok start taking rock climbing classes, then climb a couple easy mountains.. then go for the big ones.. lose a couple fingers and toes.. no biggie, yeah?
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Freedom lies in being bold.
Posts: 2260 | Location: seattle | Registered: 22 July 2004
By the way, if you want some Everest Base Camp Stories, Bear Falugo from Bootsnall just published a few good ones.
Bear Falugo treks to Everest Base Camp in his Tevas. The best part of waking up is Folgers in his cup - and running from the Maoists. Read Isn't Life Swell?
Sprinting to the outdoor bathroom in his boxer shorts, Bear Falugolocal entertains the village of Deurali in Nepal. Read A Toilet With A View
Posts: 1109 | Location: Portland, Oregon, United States | Registered: 03 December 2003
Mt. Rainier is pretty technical. Definitely not for beginners. If you want to get into mountain climbing, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams are very close to Seattle and great beginner treks.
Mt. Olympus has a long (18mile!!) approach, but is totally worth it as well.
Once you've got some of these under your belt, then you should consider Rainier. It's only 3,000ft higher than Hood, but the weather hits fast and hard up there.
Posts: 1233 | Location: The Republic of Cascadia | Registered: 25 March 2005
Xoom I was recently bitten by the climbing bug, to say so in a cliche sort of way. It's been over a year, what mountains have you climbed? I'm trying to find a cheap class that can intro me into Alpine climbing, as I've done some rock climbing already. Know of any good ones near the B'ham area?
Posts: 395 | Location: Bellingham, WA | Registered: 06 September 2005
Mmmm.....Bellingham. Love that place. Loads of mountaineering, loads of mountaineers, and then the sailing, and the sea kayaking. Anyway, you may want to look into local mountaineering clubs in the area. I'd be surprised if there weren't a few. That's probably going to be the cheapest way to get you into the sport, but in some ways you do get what you pay for.
As far as the guide services, both RMI and AAI are very reputable. But, if you do take a course, I'd recommend you stay away from the 2-3 day summit courses offered. They're designed more as a cattle drive to get clients to the top. Although, more expensive the 5-6 days courses will give you the skills you need to take you most anywhere.
At some point, if you start heading off on your own, you will definately want to take an avalanche course as well.
Posts: 913 | Location: London | Registered: 05 December 2005
), but I hiked far enough along that trail until I was a 1/2 mile or so into the snow, so I could see all of the groups of people continuing on. It seems pretty popular, so I don't think it'll be hard to find people who've done it, or to join a group. 
