Course Overview
The course was excellent. The guides made a significant effort to compare everything we did to an actual Denali expedition. That really put me at ease and helped me understand expectations for a future Denali trip.
Our Denali Preparation Course is specifically designed for those who want to embrace the challenges of climbing Denali and/or develop winter mountaineering skills in extreme conditions. It offers unique training to prepare for the challenge of The Great One. We are fortunate to have the best training area in the lower 48 states to simulate the challenging conditions found on Denali. Mount Rainier, originally named “təqʷuʔməʔ” (Taquoma), provides similar conditions as those found in the Alaska Range during the late winter and early spring months.
This course is best suited for those with some mountaineering experience (i.e. those who have climbed glaciated peaks prior to the course). Those without prior experience are encouraged to consider one of our summer season courses, such as our 9-Day or 10-Day, where conditions are more conducive to teaching foundational skills while also have the chance to make a summit attempt.
Throughout this extremely rigorous Denali Prep course, we encounter challenges closely matching those found on Denali and other 20,000 ft. peaks. Our goal is to develop highly aware, knowledgeable, and competent expedition climbers. Hands-on experience in all aspects of expedition climbing will be covered, including pulling sleds, building wind walls, whiteout navigation, and using fixed lines.
As an added bonus, this course offers the opportunity to develop the skills and experience required for challenging peaks like Denali, with guidance and oversight from the same experts who will lead you on the climb.
Note: This is not a summit climb of Rainier. Winter and early spring conditions generally present high avalanche danger and/or severe weather which do not allow us to move high on the mountain. The focus is on skill development rather than the summit as a goal. In rare cases, if the weather and snow stability allow, the group may attempt to summit.
Authorized Concessioner
Alpine Ascents International is an authorized concessioner of Mount Rainier National Park
Develop cold weather survival skills.
As conditions permit we look to cover all technical snow climbing skills necessary for winter mountaineering and climbing Denali.
Discuss climbing at high altitudes and proper acclimatization processes.
This course has been successfully used as a training ground for skilled adventurers, rangers, law enforcement, fire fighters, military, stunt people and many others who require climbing skills as part of their career.
The guides were highly competent and knowledgeable. They were upbeat, patient, and generous in the sharing of information. I am very impressed with Alpine Ascents, their course, and their personnel.
