Experience the thrill that mountaineering brings as you train with our professional climbing guides. Varied routes on Mt Hood, Oregon (11,240') and Mt Adams, Washington (12,276') present challenges for novice to advanced climbers alike. We are available to book an event anytime throughout the climbing season. We can specifically tailor the training and the climb to suit your needs. This could include an extra night or two in tents high on the mountain while learning a variety of related skills not normally taught in our basic school and climb. All technical equipment for the following training is available for rent or purchase.


Climb Schools: (December – August)
Standard Mountaineering (Basic Snow School): 1 day
Content of training:
Pre-trip planning.
Climbing equipment overview.
Proper use of crampons.
Negotiating and traveling over moderate snow-covered slopes.
Proper rope-work and management.
Ice axe training - self arrest techniques.
Basic belay methods.
Prerequisite - None.
Intermediate Mountaineering Level I: 1 day
Content of training:
Review from Standard training.
Personal ascending system.
Rigging for glacier travel.
Negotiating and traversing moderate to steep snow and ice covered slopes.
Advanced ice axe and footwork techniques.
Snow and ice anchors – Natural and artificial.
Knots: bowline, figure eight, hitches and bends.
Advanced belay techniques.
Introduction to mechanical advantage systems for rescue.
Prerequisite - Successful Completion of Standard Mountaineering or equivalent.
Intermediate Mountaineering Level II: 1 day
Setting up for crevasse rescue practice (anchors and system review).
Crevasse Rescue – Self-rescue with ascending system, assisted rescue, edge problems.
Crevasse Rescue with Mechanical Advantage - 3:1 ("Z" system); 6:1; piggy-back systems; self-minding systems; load release hitches.
Prerequisite - Successful Completion of Intermediate Mountaineering Level 1 or equivalent.
Advanced Mountaineering (Ice Climbing) Level I: 1 day
This technical ice-climbing course is an exciting mountaineering specialty that is specifically designed for those desiring to learn the basics of climbing mountain ice. Plan to climb or traverse near-vertical ice and overhanging ice walls. Special, technical ice-climbing equipment will be discussed, demonstrated, and utilized during the training. The training usually takes place on the northeast side of Mt Hood.
Content of training:
Review from Intermediate Training.
Snow and Ice Anchors - Natural and artificial; single and multiple.
Belaying techniques - Top and bottom.
French Technique - Footwork and ice axe techniques to negotiate low to high angle ice.
Prerequisite - Successful Completion of Intermediate Mountaineering Level II or equivalent.
Advanced Mountaineering (Ice Climbing) Level II: 1 day
Technical Ice Climbing - Front pointing, ice tool placement and resting techniques.
Lead Climbing - Placing and cleaning protection.
Route selection.
Prerequisite - Successful Completion of Advanced Mountaineering Level I or equivalent.
Comprehensive Mountaineering Training: 5 Days/4 Nights
This event usually takes place on the northeast side of Mt. Hood, and is designed to teach and refine the standard to advanced mountaineering skills. Participants begin each day with an overview of the day’s events, as well as a short hike to the field "classroom" on the mountain. Evenings consist of dinner, reviewing the day’s activities, an overview of the next day’s events, and informal discussions while enjoying the company of fellow climbers.
Content of training:
The same as the Standard-Advanced Mountaineering Courses.
Prerequisite - None.
NOTE: All meals and transportation to the field site may be provided upon request at an additional cost. You must book this in advance.