Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier

Spend nine days in some of the most beautiful mountains on the North American continent - the Alaska Range. Based out of the Great Gorge on the Ruth Glacier, we have the perfect alpine terrain for training and climbing.

The Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Fly through spectacular glacial valleys in a ski plane to the Ruth Amphitheater.
Become well versed in the skills of expedition climbing in the best classroom possible: the mountains of the Alaska Range.
Enjoy our exceptional 3 to 1 climber-to-guide ratio during the course, benefiting from the experience, expertise, and tutelage of RMI's renowned guides.
Take part in an RMI adventure and see why we continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.

RMI's Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier takes place in the Great Gorge on the Ruth Glacier. From our base camp, there is a myriad of peaks available for learning expedition climbing skills, and numerous moderate and enjoyable climbs are possible depending on conditions. Our expedition course has been designed to prepare you for guided ascents of Denali and Aconcagua and to enable you to lead your own adventures on other peaks back home. Ice climbing, glacier travel and navigation, expedition techniques and preparation, and crevasse rescue are some of the skills introduced and practiced during the course. In addition, camp construction, sled hauling, and fixed-line travel are Denali-specific skills you will master.

Our climbing objective during the trip is the summit of 9,545' Mt. Dickey via the West Face route.

RMI offers a climber-to-guide ratio of 3:1 on our Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier. Our experienced guides offer extensive personal instruction throughout the course, from the teaching of fundamental climbing knots to instruction and guidance during the climbs. RMI Expeditions is committed to a safe, fun, and educational program, and these goals are best achieved with a low climber to guide ratio. While less expensive instructional programs in Alaska exist, none offer the instruction, quality, and experience of RMI.

Successful completion of the Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier, in combination with climbing experience on Rainier or other glaciated peaks, will make you eligible for any of our expeditions on Denali and provides you with good experience for other glaciated peaks around the world.

Approaching Mt. Dickey via 747 pass

THE RMI DIFFERENCE

RMI Expeditions was established in 1969 and is one of America's oldest and most-trusted guide services. We are the largest guide service on Mt. Rainier and Denali and a leader in guiding climbs and treks around the globe. Our experienced guides are some of the best in the world, more than 35 of whom have reached the summit of Mt. Everest, some multiple times. Our years of leading mountain adventures give us the experience and knowledge necessary to create the best possible trips. We work hard to live up to our reputation as an industry leader.

With over 40 years of experience of guiding on Denali alone, RMI's legacy of instruction, safety, and success in the Alaska Range is unmatched. Our Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier is designed from years of experience guiding climbers on North America's highest mountain with the goal of providing participants with all of the necessary skills to go on to safely, confidently, and successfully scale Denali and the world's other greatest peaks.

A single otter glides through the Great Gorge.

SAFETY

Safety has always been RMI's top priority, and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides focus on leading a fun and successful program without compromising safety. Our climber-to-guide ratio is 3:1 and provides an unusual degree of personal service from RMI's guides and increases our margin of oversight and safety on the mountain.

Our program is fully equipped with comprehensive medical kits and communication equipment. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety, keeping close dialogue with participants throughout the program. When problems arise on the mountain, away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience RMI's guides have makes them some of the most sought after guides in the profession.

As you prepare for your upcoming adventure, please feel free to contact our office and speak directly to one of our experienced guides regarding equipment, conditioning, the route, or any other questions you may have about our programs. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (888) 89-CLIMB or info@rmiguides.com.

Authorized Concessioner

RMI Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Denali National Park and Preserve.

Climate Change

Offsetters All of our climbs in Denali National Park and Preserve are 100% carbon neutral. We have partnered with Offsetters, Canada's leading carbon management solutions provider, to purchase offsets for our greenhouse gas emissions. Their projects are verified and validated by third parties to ensure that the emission reductions are real, additional, and permanent, so we know that our contribution is making a real difference.

By supporting this project, we prevent the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions that were generated by our operations from being emitted somewhere else. These offsets allow us to achieve our goal of sustainability and further promote responsible environmental practices.

Upcoming Climbs
- Please call our offices at 1-888-892-5462 to inquire about availability.
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Price

$5000

Deposit

$1250

Duration

11 days

Difficulty

Level 3

Type

Skills

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Table of Contents

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DAY 1

TRAVEL • 348' | 106M

1:30 p.m.: Meet the guides at Anchorage International Airport (Domestic Terminal), carousel 1 in Alaska Airlines baggage claim.

Shuttle transportation to Talkeetna is included in the program. The shuttle leaves at 2:00 p.m. and takes three hours to arrive in Talkeetna. The group will stop at a grocery store in Wasilla, for the opportunity to purchase any fresh food you'd like to bring on the mountain. The team will arrive in Talkeetna at approximately 5:00 p.m. Overnight in Talkeetna.

DAY 2

PRE-TRIP PREPARATION AND TRAINING • 4,500' | 1,371M

7:00 a.m.: Team Breakfast Meeting

There are a number of important items to accomplish in Talkeetna. After our breakfast meeting we begin our training at the K2 Aviation hangar. The team will go through extensive personal equipment checks. Final recommendations and suggestions concerning gear will be made at that time. The team will plan meals and ready group food and equipment for the glacier flight. There will be an introduction to safety practices, including use of helmets, harnesses, and avalanche transceivers. Instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations will be made as well. After all is made ready we begin shuttling members into the Ruth Glacier, weather permitting. This spectacular scenic flight requires approximately 45 minutes, one way. Once at the airstrip, we continue our expedition skills training by learning camp site selection, and how to build a mountain camp and kitchen.

The following seminar itinerary is approximate and depends on such considerations as weather, route conditions and strength of the party. Nine man-days of food and fuel are carried on the mountain. There are emergency food rations at Base Camp, in case weather prevents the group from flying off.

DAY 3

MOVE TO BASE CAMP • 4,500' | 1,371M

We pack our camp, load our sleds, and move from the airstrip down the Ruth Glacier to establish our base camp at the base of Mt. Dickey. We'll use the afternoon for further technical skills training.

DAY 4

TRAINING AND SKILLS DAY • 4,500' | 1,371M

At Base Camp we begin building the foundational skills that allow travel and access to more varied terrain. Skills covered on this day include: knots, harness, carabiner and avalanche transceiver use, proper use of the ice axe for balance and self and team arrest, cramponing on moderate terrain, and the basics of roped glacier travel. Evening discussions will take place throughout the seminar and cover a variety of mountaineering topics such as: mountain medicine and wellness, weather, route finding and navigation, expeditionary climbing techniques, alpine climbing techniques, self-care and the art of climbing efficiently.

DAY 5

MOVE TO HIGH CAMP AT 747 PASS • 6,370' | 1,942M

We will pack up the gear that we need for a few days of climbing, and move to our high camp at 747 Pass, in preparation to climb Mt. Dickey. We will cache unnecessary equipment at Base Camp. The route to 747 Pass follows the ascending glacial valley to the south of Mt. Dickey, reaching 747 Pass. We will make camp and prepare for the summit climb of the West Face tomorrow.

DAY 6

MT. DICKEY SUMMIT (9,545') • 6,370' | 1,942M

Summit day on Mt. Dickey! We depart 747 Pass, wrapping around to gain the West Ridge and ascend the broad West Face to the summit. Incredible views of the Alaska Range treat us all of the way to the summit, with the summit opening up expansive views of the Ruth Glacier and Great Gorge 5,000' below. We descend back to our camp at 747 Pass to spend the night.

Day 7

RETURN TO BASE CAMP • 4,500' | 1,371M

We pack up our camp, descending from 747 Pass back to our Base Camp in the Great Gorge. The descent takes a few hours, and once at camp, we will spend some time setting camp up again and settling in before doing some light training for the afternoon.

DAY 8

CREVASSE RESCUE TRAINING • 4,500' | 1,371M

During our crevasse rescue practice we learn self rescue, how to extricate ourselves from a crevasse if we have fallen in, and companion rescue, how we extricate a team member. These are essential skills for an ascent of a large expeditionary peak like Denali.

DAY 9

TECNICAL SKILLS TRAINING • 4,500' | 1,371M

We spend the morning learning how to construct a variety of snow and ice anchors for use in belaying, rappelling, and crevasse rescue. In the afternoon our focus will be on expedition skills such as fixed rope travel, sled rigging, and a discussion of crevasse rescue. We will consider a variety of crevasse rescue scenarios. In the afternoon, we pack all of our gear and leave our base camp home from the last few days to return to the airstrip and await the planes that will return us to Talkeetna in the morning.

DAY 10

FLY OFF • 348' | 106M

Weather permitting, we await the buzz of the engines of the trusty bush planes arriving to take us back to town. Once back in Talkeetna, we will dry and organize our gear and then enjoy a celebratory dinner.

DAY 11

TRAVEL

A morning shuttle will transfer us to the ANC airport for our flights home.

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Travel Consultant

RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide comprehensive travel support. We have been working with Erin for many years. As an independent agent of the Travel Society, she has booked countless miles for adventure travelers across the globe and is extremely knowledgeable about the travel needs of our programs. Please call (208) 788-2870 or send an email to etravel@cox.net.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is required for this trip. Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.

Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be confusing. For this reason, we have partnered with Ripcord Insurance because their policies are designed for adventure travel with coverages for remote activities with no altitude restrictions.

The most comprehensive coverage available is Cancel For Any Reason. This policy must be purchased within 14 days of making the first payment towards your program. While this coverage is more expensive, it allows you to cancel for any reason no less than 48 hours before your departure date and still receive a refund of up to 75% of your costs.

When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:

Read the fine print. Travel Insurance will refund you when canceling for a covered reason for any non-refundable cancellation fees. However, there are exclusions, so make sure you understand the "covered reasons."
Make sure you purchase coverage for Cancel For Any Reason within 14 days of making the first payment towards your program.
Confirm that your activity is a covered “activity.” Not all travel insurance policies will offer coverage for activities such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or trekking adventures. Policies can also exclude coverage for activities due to the gear used (crampons, ice axe), for activities that go above certain elevations or for activities in a particular region of the world. If there are exclusions, you may need to add an "Adventure" or "Sports" package to cover your activity.
Verify that your state of residence is allowed with the policy that you are purchasing. Not all insurance companies offer policies in all 50 states.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is travel insurance designed for adventurers, including the best evacuation and rescue services available.

Benefits are tailored for adventurers and include:

Rescue and evacuation from the point of illness or emergency to your home hospital of choice.
Trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, sporting goods, baggage loss, emergency dental, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and more.
Completely integrated one-stop program with a single contact for emergency services to travel assistance and insurance claims.
24/7 access to paramedics, nurses, and military veterans.
Security extraction in case of unexpected dangerous and chaotic events.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) options and pre-existing condition waiver within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries, and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word. Whether it’s reimbursing you for a canceled trip, paying your travel medical bills, or evacuating you home in an emergency, Ripcord takes the worry out of your travel.

Getting to Talkeetna

FLIGHTS TO ALASKA

Climbers need to arrive at Anchorage International Airport (ANC) by 1:00 pm on Day 1 of the program. The group will meet at 1:30 p.m., Alaska Airlines domestic baggage claim, carousel #1.

If your flight cannot arrive in Anchorage before 1:00 p.m., it will be necessary to arrive a day earlier and go to the airport to meet the team.

We have found it works well to book a one-way flight to Anchorage, AK, for the beginning of your trip, then scheduling your return flight once the team returns to Talkeetna. Another option is to book a flight with a flexible return date. This works better than an open-ended ticket or missing an early return date.

SHUTTLE TO TALKEETNA

We will arrange a transfer from Anchorage to Talkeetna at 2:00 p.m. the day your program begins. Please arrive in Anchorage no later than 1:00 p.m. Talkeetna is a three-hour drive from Anchorage. If you are traveling to Talkeetna on your own, please let RMI know in advance that you will not require transportation.

Anchorage Accommodations Near the Airport

If you are arriving in Anchorage the day before your program begins, below are some hotel options close to the Anchorage Airport:

Weather

Denali's weather forecast is updated through the National Weather Service

Tipping

Our guides work hard to ensure your well-being and success on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. Amounts are at your discretion and should be based on your level of enjoyment. Tips for excellent service normally average 10 – 15% of the cost of the program. If you would rather not bring the guide gratuity with you on the trip, you can send a check or call the RMI office to pay with a credit card upon your return.

Resources

Mountaineering is replete with literary accounts of high adventure in Alaska. For aspiring Denali climbers, certain historical narratives, as well as how-to guide books, can prove both entertaining and educational, significantly adding to one's enjoyment of the expedition.

The list below represents some personal favorites from over three decades of guiding in Alaska. I particularly enjoy the story of the first winter ascent: Minus 148 degrees!

Whether you are challenging the West Buttress or learning crevasse rescue on the Ruth Glacier, these titles will greatly enhance your experience and appreciation of Alaska!

- Joe Horiskey

Bass, D., Wells, F., Ridgeway, R. Seven Summits 1986

Beckey, Fred Mount McKinley: Icy Crown of North America 1993

Bezruhka, Stephen Altitude Illness - Prevention & Treatment 2001

Cole, Terence The Sourdough Expedition: Stories of the Pioneer Alaskans Who Climbed Mount McKinley in l910 1985

Davidson, Art Minus 148: The Winter Ascent of Mount McKinley 1986

Houston, Charles Going Higher: The Story of Man and Altitude 1987

Mason, Gen Minus Three 1970

Michener, James A. Alaska 1988

Moore, Terris Mount McKinley: The Pioneer Climbs 1981

Roberts, David The Mountain of My Fear 1968

Randall, Francis Denali Diary: Letters from McKinley 1987

Seattle Mountaineers The Freedom of the Hills 2017

Selters, Andy Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue 2009 (second printing)

Sherwonit, Bill To The Top of Denali 2013 (third edition)

Sherwonit, Bill Denali, A Literary Anthology 2000

Stuck, Hudson The Ascent of Denali 1914

Washburn, B., Roberts, D. Mount McKinley - The Conquest of Denali 1991

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Qualifications

This trip is open to all individuals in excellent physical condition and with previous climbing experience of a glaciated summit (Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Shasta, or similar). Prior knowledge and experience with rope travel, the use of crampons, and ice axe arrest is required. This is a great next step toward Denali participation.

Qualifying Programs

Recommended climbing experiences prior to the Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier include:

Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier - Five Day Climb

Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb

Mt. Baker - Easton Glacier

Mt. Baker Coleman-Deming

Mt. Shuksan - Sulphide Glacier

Cotopaxi and Illinizas - Ecuador

Orizaba and Ixtaccihuatl - Mexico

Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life
And Then Go
Climb A Mountain

Create A Fitness And Training Program

Go To Fitness Resources

Physical Fitness Training

Mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. Even for the healthiest and fittest individuals, climbing mountains qualifies as an extremely challenging endeavor.

Start immediately. Start a rigorous fitness and training program now with the goal of arriving in top physical condition and confident in your skills.
Be intentional. Focus on gaining the necessary strength, stamina, and skills to meet the physical and technical demands of the climb.
Be sport-specific. The best fitness and training program mimics the physical and technical demands of your climbing objective. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the climbing.

For the Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier, you are preparing for:

Hiking and trekking with a 40-50 lb. load

Using core strength and flexibility to navigate uneven terrain

Nothing ensures a personally successful adventure like your level of fitness and training. Bottom line: Plan on being in the best shape of your life and ready for a very challenging adventure!

Please refer to our Resources for Mountaineering Fitness and Training for detailed fitness and training information.

Acclimatization

No acclimatization is necessary for this program.

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What You’ll Need

A list of required personal equipment accompanies every RMI program, and the thought process behind each item is much greater than simply “preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.” The list for your program takes into account factors such as seasonality, route conditions, weather, elevation, and more. As such, this list is framed within the broadest of contexts and is dynamic by its very nature. Therefore, certain variables (additions and/or subtractions) are inherent within such an all-encompassing list. We make every effort to recommend only top of the line clothing and technical gear, and it is never our intention for you to buy or rent unnecessary gear.

The Guide Pick is an example of the listed item, giving you an idea of the material and specifications of the item. This exact item does not need to be purchased or used; however, any item you choose must have similar characteristics and performance abilities to the Guide Pick.

RMI Guides concur on the potential necessity of every item. Thus every item on the list is required at gear check. However, guides may also have suggestions derived from their experience, some of which will vary from a given list. The guides’ recommendation whether to bring along or leave behind certain item(s) comes during the gear check when the team first meets. Occasionally this recommendation comes at the expense of having previously purchased an item. If a guide presents the option of leaving behind certain item(s) on the list of required equipment, it is for a good reason. Their recommendation may be related to the weather, route conditions, freezing level, perceived strength of the party, or desired pack weight.

Ultimately, there will never be a consensus for a “perfect” equipment list for an ascent. It does not exist because of the multitude of variables faced by climbers throughout the climb. Please follow this equipment list carefully so that you will arrive for the gear check with all the required items. Keep in mind the list is not black and white, fine-tuning will occur once you meet with your guide. Have a great climb!

Most of the required equipment is available for purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering when they use code RMI2021 at checkout. This offer excludes sale items, rentals, meal packages, and Feathered Friends.

Shop Your Equipment List

Equipment List

Pack & Travel
Guide Pick™

- DUFFEL BAG
  120+ liter bag made of tough material with rugged zippers. This can be used as your checked bag on your flight to Alaska and to store excess gear in Talkeetna.

- SLED DUFFEL BAG
  A lightweight 100+ liter duffel to transport gear in your sled. This bag does not need to be waterproof. This can also be used as your second checked bag on your flight to Alaska.
- - Outdoor Products Mammoth Deluxe Duffel
  - AmazonBasics Duffel L

- 85+ LITER BACKPACK
  Your pack must be large enough for your layers, climbing gear, and food, as well as a portion of your tent and your share of group equipment. The pack volume you choose depends on your experience and the quality of your gear; if you opt for a smaller pack, practice packing and make sure you can fit all of your gear with room to spare. You will not need a separate summit pack.

Sleeping Bag & Pad
Guide Pick™

- SLEEPING BAG
  We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If climbing in April, May, June, or September, or if you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.
- - Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°
  - Women's Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15°

- COMPRESSION STUFF SACK FOR SLEEPING BAG
- - Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack
  - Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Compression Sack

- INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD
  A full-length inflatable pad.
- - Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite
  - Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm

- CLOSED FOAM SLEEPING PAD
  A full-length closed cell foam pad, used in combination with the inflatable sleeping pad.
- - Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol

Technical Gear
Guide Pick™

- ICE AXE
  The length of your axe depends on your height. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm axe; and taller, use a 75 cm axe. If you hold the axe so that it hangs comfortably at your side, the spike of the axe should still be a few inches above the ground.

- CLIMBING HARNESS
  We recommend a comfortable, adjustable alpine climbing harness. Removable, drop seat, or adjustable leg loops are convenient for managing your clothing layers over the course of the climb and facilitate going to the bathroom.
- - Black Diamond Couloir
  - Petzl Altitude

- 1 TRIPLE-ACTION LOCKING CARABINER
  Used for clipping into the climbing rope.
- - Petzl William Triact Lock

- 2 LOCKING CARABINER(S)
  Used for clipping into anchors, etc.
- - Black Diamond RockLock Screwgate
  - Black Diamond Mini Pearbiner

- 6 NON-LOCKING CARABINER(S)
  Used for pack ditch loop, etc.
- - Black Diamond Oval Wire
  - Petzl Ange L

- CRAMPONS
  12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates designed for general mountaineering use.
- - Black Diamond Serac

- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER WITH FRESH BATTERIES
  Digital and analogue trancievers are both suitable. Bring extra batteries appropriate to the duration of the climb.
- - Backcountry Access Tracker2 Avalanche Transceiver
  - Black Diamond Recon BT Avalanche Transceiver

- TREKKING POLES
  We recommend lightweight and collapsible poles with snow baskets.

- MECHANICAL ASCENDER (OPTIONAL)
  For practicing fixed line travel. You guides will also provide one to practice with. Most people prefer an ascender designed for their weak hand, leaving their strong hand free to hold their ice axe. For example, a right-handed person would use a left-handed ascender.
- - Petzl Ascension
  - Grivel A & D Ascender and Descender

- 35 ' ACCESSORY CORD
  6 mm cordelette in one continuous length.
- - Mammut Accessory Cord

- 4 BUNGEE CORDS
  Approximately 12-20” each.
- - Coghlan's Stretch Cords - 20"

- 20' NYLON CORD
  Paracord or thin (3-4mm) accessory cord for lashing your duffel onto your sled.
- - Coghlan's Paracord 50' - Black

- SNOWSHOES
  Select a short to medium length model of snowshoe- 22" is an ideal size. Team members are more often 'drafting' as opposed to actually breaking trail, so it is not necessary to have a longer pair. You will log miles of roped glacier travel while wearing snowshoes, so spend some time walking in them prior to the trip. We highly recommend models with a heel lift, which makes uphill travel significantly easier.

Head
Guide Pick™

- HELMET
  A UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme) or CE (European Committee for Standardization) certified climbing helmet.

- WARM HAT
  Wool or synthetic. It should provide warmth but also be thin enough to fit underneath a climbing helmet.
- - Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome

- BALL CAP OR SUN HAT

- BUFF
  A Buff provides versitile head and neck protection. A neck gaiter is also acceptable.

- 2 PROTECTIVE FACE MASK(S)
  Cloth or surgical face mask for use in situations where 6 feet of distance from others cannot be maintained.

- HEADLAMP NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
  You may bring a headlamp if your trip takes place during the first two weeks of May.

- GLACIER GLASSES
  Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.

- GOGGLES
  Amber or rose-tinted goggles for adverse weather. On windy days, climbers, especially contact lens wearers, may find photochromatic lenses the most versatile in a variety of light conditions.

Hands
Guide Pick™

- Each glove layer is worn separately as conditions change during the climb.

- LIGHTWEIGHT GLOVES
  Lightweight liner or softshell gloves. Lighter colors absorb less sunlight while still offering UV protection.

- MEDIUM WEIGHT GLOVES
  Wind- and water-resistant, insulated mountain gloves.

- HEAVY WEIGHT GLOVES OR MITTENS
  Wind- and water-resistant, insulated gloves or mittens. These also serve as emergency backups if you drop or lose a lighter-weight glove.

Upper Body
Guide Pick™

- We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, soft-shell, down and synthetic options.

- LIGHTWEIGHT BASELAYER OR SUN HOODY
  Long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Lighweight, light-colored, hooded baselayers (sun hoodys) are highly recommended for sun protection.

- LIGHTWEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
  One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal lightweight insulating layer.

- MEDIUM WEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
  A down, synthetic, or softshell hoody makes a great midlayer.

- HEAVYWEIGHT INSULATING LAYER
  A hooded down or synthetic jacket.

- RAIN JACKET (HARD SHELL)
  An uninsulated, waterproof shell jacket with hood.

- INSULATED PARKA WITH HOOD
  Your expedition-style heavy parka should extend below the waist and must have an insulated hood and be able to fit over the rest of your upper body layers. The parka is worn primarily in camp, at rest breaks, and on summit day when it is of crucial importance. We recommend down rather than synthetic fill.

- SPORTS BRA
  We recommend a moisture-wicking, active-wear bra.
- - Women's Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra

Lower Body
Guide Pick™

- We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.

- 1 - 3 PAIR PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR
  Non-cotton briefs or boxers.

- LIGHT TO MEDIUM WEIGHT BASELAYER
  Synthetic or wool.

- SOFTSHELL CLIMBING PANTS
  Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.

- RAIN PANTS (HARD SHELL)
  Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.

- DOWN OR SYNTHETIC INSULATED PANTS (OPTIONAL)
  A pair of lightweight, insulated pants are ideal for extra warmth and comfort at camps, both on the glacier and on the trail.
- - Men's Mountain Hardwear Compressor Pant

Feet
Guide Pick™

- DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS
  Insulated double boots designed for mountaineering. Plastic-shelled models are acceptable, though modern synthetic models are lighter and more comfortable.

- OVERBOOTS (OPTIONAL)
  Expedition overboots add significant warmth, especially at high altitude.
- - Forty Below Purple Haze
  - Forty Below K2 Superlight

- BOOTIES (OPTIONAL)
  Goose down or synthetic fill. Nice option for evenings at camp.
- - Forty Below Camp Bootie

- CASUAL SHOES
  Great for traveling and wearing around town. A pair of tennis shoes or light hikers works well.

- GAITERS
  A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.
- - Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodiles
  - Outdoor Research Verglas

- 4 PAIR PAIRS OF SOCKS
  Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.

Personal Items
Guide Pick™

- MEALS & SNACKS
  See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.

- BOWL
  Packable plastic bowl. Collapsable models can work but must be handled carefully to avoid unintended collapsing. A lid is a great feature.
- - Sea to Summit Delta Bowl
  - Fozzils Solo Pack

- INSULATED MUG
  Insulated outdoor-style mug. We recommed a model with a removable lid, which helps retain heat and prevent spills.
- - GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug

- SPOON OR SPORK
  A spoon or spork made of durable plastic or anodized metal. A long-handled spoon can be nice, especially if eating from a freeze-dried meal pouch.
- - MSR Alpine Long Tool Spoon

- 2 - 3 WATER BOTTLES
  One-liter water bottles with wide mouths made of co-polyester (BPA-free plastic).
- - Nalgene

- 2 - 3 INSULATED WATER BOTTLE COVERS
  These help prevent freezing. It should completely cover the bottle.
- - Outdoor Research Water Bottle Parka
  - Forty Below Bottle Boot

- STUFF SACK(S)
  Bring as needed.
- - Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack

- 3 LARGE GARBAGE BAGS
  Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a a waterproof pack liner.
- - Hefty Trash Compacter Bags

- READING MATERIAL/JOURNAL (OPTIONAL)

- PERSONAL TOILETRIES & BAG
  Include toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wet wipes. Bring a quantity appropriate to the duration of your trip.

- TRAVEL SIZE HAND SANITIZER

- SUNSCREEN
  We recommend small tubes of SPF 30 or higher, which can be carried in pockets for easy access and to prevent freezing.
- - Doc Martin's Sunscreen

- LIP BALM
  We recommend SPF 15 or higher.
- - Joshua Tree Lip Balm

- TRAVEL SIZE MOISTURIZER

- INSECT REPELLENT (OPTIONAL)
  For Talkeetna.
- - Murphy's Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray

- EAR PLUGS

- SLEEPING MASK

- SPARE CONTACT LENSES/ EYEGLASSES (OPTIONAL)
  Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.

- 2 PAIRS CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS
- - Grabber Hand Warmer

- PEE FUNNEL (FOR WOMEN)
  Practice using this before coming on the climb!
- - Women's GoGirl

- PEE BOTTLE (OPTIONAL)
  One clearly-marked wide-mouth or collapsible bottle for overnight use.

- CAMERA (OPTIONAL)
  Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.

- POWER BANK (OPTIONAL)
  A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
- - Goal Zero Flip 10 Power Bank

First Aid & Medications
Guide Pick™

- SMALL PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
  Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, cough drops, basic painkillers, an antacid, an anti-diarrheal, and personal medications.
- - Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight 0.5

- We recommend you speak with your physician about which medications make sense to have for remote international travel and/or high altitude climbing. At minimum, we require the following:

- ANTIBIOTICS
  Broad spectrum antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, and Azithromycin (250mg tablets).

- ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX)
  125mg tablets for prevention or treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness.

Travel Clothes
Guide Pick™

- TRAVEL CLOTHES
  We recommend bringing a selection of comfortable clothing to wear while traveling as well as pre- and post-trip.

- SUNGLASSES

Pre-Trip Checklist
Guide Pick™

- Purchase travel insurance.

- Purchase airplane tickets.

- Reserve rental equipment.

- Be in the best shape of your life!

Provided Equipment

RMI provides the following equipment for your program: tents, stoves, group cooking equipment, fuel, shovels, climbing ropes, climbing anchors, and avalanche probes.

Every guide on your climb will carry rescue equipment and a first aid kit. Each climb has two-way radios and a satellite phone for emergency contact.

Each member will have a sled for use during the program. Sleds aid in transporting loads between camps on the lower mountain.

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Meals

On the Expedition Skills Seminar - Ruth Glacier, you will need 9 mountain lunches. All of your mountain lunch items should weigh 7+ lb.

Breakfast and dinner meals on the mountain are included in your program cost. You are responsible for all meals while we are off the mountain.

MOUNTAIN LUNCHES

Mountain lunches are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb - lunch begins just after breakfast and ends just before dinner! Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water.

The importance of having foods that are genuinely enjoyed cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. To combat the loss of appetite at altitude, we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty.

Recommended mountain lunch items: bagels, tortillas, crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), hummus, Pringles, corn nuts, smoked almonds, roasted cashews, GORP mix (peanuts, M&M's, sunflowers seeds, raisins, etc.), smoked salmon, fresh veggies (carrots), salami, pepperoni, cheese (pepper jack, Swiss, cheddar), jerky, candy (sweet and sour varieties), chocolate bars, hard candies, energy bars (Cliff, Luna), dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, pear), and drink mixes (Gatorade/Kool-Aid).

Perishable food items may be purchased at a grocery store en-route to Talkeetna; you should have the bulk of lunch items already purchased and packed.

BREAKFAST

Breakfasts consist of fresh food (bagels, cream cheese), bacon and eggs, instant oatmeal, instant grits, cold cereal (granola), breakfast bars, and hot drinks.

DINNER

Nine days of group food are carried on the mountain, which can be stretched in the event of bad weather. Additionally, a cache of emergency food is left at Kahiltna Base Camp.

The dinner menu is a combination of fresh food (vegetables, tortillas, cheese), retort entrees (fully cooked meals packaged in sealed containers and heated in hot water), freeze-dried entrees (Mountain House or Richmoor Natural High), and packaged main course items (ramen, Lipton Rice or Noodles, macaroni and cheese). Various hot drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, and cider) and dessert are also provided.

Every attempt is made to assure a variety and adequate quantity.

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Payments

Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit payment of $1,250 per person secures your reservation.

Deposit payments of $1,250 or less may be made via MasterCard, Visa, e-check, check from a U.S. bank, or wire transfer.

Balance Payments: The balance payment is due 90 days before the start of your program.

Balance payments may only be made via e-check, check from a U.S. bank or wire transfer.*
- *Wire transfers must cover all fees charged by your bank. The amount of the incoming wire to our bank must equal the balance payment amount.
A payment reminder is emailed approximately three weeks before your payment due date. If your balance payment is not received 90 days before the start of your program, your reservation will be canceled, and all program fees forfeited.
Payment in full is required when registering for a program within 90 days of the departure date.

Cancellation

The $1,250 per person deposit is non-refundable.

All cancellations require written notification. Once the RMI Office receives your written notification of cancellation, the following apply:
- If you cancel 90 or more days before the start of your program, the $1,250 per person deposit will not be refunded.
- If you cancel less than 90 days before the start of your program, no refunds will be issued.

Due to the time-sensitive nature of these programs, and the amount of preparation time required for this program, it is unlikely that a vacant space will be filled close to the departure date. For this reason, we will strictly adhere to our policy and cannot make exceptions for any reason.

Cancellation Insurance

We require that everyone purchase travel insurance. Please see our Travel Tab for details.

Land Cost

INCLUDED

RMI Leadership
Ground transportation between Anchorage and Talkeetna
Hotel accommodations in Talkeetna for one night at the start of the trip and one night at the end of the trip*
Denali National Park Entrance Fee
Breakfast and dinner while on the mountain
Group equipment (tents, ropes, stoves, fuel, sleds, etc.)
Bush pilot service between Talkeetna and Kahiltna Base Camp as stated in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Hotel accommodations in Talkeetna not included above
Travel Insurance
Meals while not on the mountain
Mountain lunches during the climb
Customary guide gratuities
Bush pilot fees if returning from the mountain early

* Accommodations are based on double occupancy.

Risk Management

Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently a hazardous sport. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering such as avalanches, ice fall, rockfall, inclement weather, and high winds, but they cannot eliminate them.

You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risk and hazards of mountaineering, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.

PARTICIPANT Responsibilities

Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Each Participant is required to share in the responsibility of the safety and success of the team. For this reason, we ask that each Participant:

Possess the climbing prerequisites required for this program.
Possess the necessary physical and mental fitness required for this program.
Be responsible for knowing all pre-departure information.
Provide a signed Physician’s Certificate stating that the Participant is medically qualified to join this program.
Update the RMI Office if there are any changes to your health or medical information before departure.
Be properly attired and equipped as outlined in the Equipment List.
Act in a considerate manner toward all team members and show respect for local customs, values, and traditions in the areas we travel.
Show respect for the environment and follow appropriate Leave No Trace practices.
Describe yourself, honestly and accurately, in terms of fitness, health, skills, abilities, and your equipment to your guide staff.
Communicate with your guide staff on the mountain if there are any changes in your medications or health.
Adhere to the advice of your guide staff.
Continue to self-assess throughout the program, measuring your fitness, health, skills, and abilities against the demands required of the program.

RMI reserves the right to dismiss the Participant from a program or to send the Participant to a lower altitude at any time if the RMI Guide Staff determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared for or capable of participating in the program or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health or well-being of the Participant or the entire group. If this decision is made, the Participant will not receive any refunds or credits and will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to, evacuation, transportation, hotels, meals, etc.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines & Restrictions

In the interest of the safety and well-being of all participants, RMI adheres to the following age-appropriate guidelines:

Ages 15 & under: No participants age 15 & under
Ages 16 & 17: Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the program
Ages 18 & above: No restrictions

An individual’s birthday must precede the departure date of the program. For example, a 15-year-old who turns 16 on July 1 may participate on a program beginning July 2.

Under-aged participants on Private Climb or Group Climb programs are assessed on an individual basis.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor climber throughout the entirety of the program. If either climber must descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together.

A parent or legal guardian must sign for any Participant that is under 18 years of age. On behalf of any minor participant, the parent or legal guardian understands and accepts all the terms of the Program Policies.

Summit Attempt

RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.

Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.

General Policies

RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.

We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue you a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments that have been paid on your behalf to secure any of the land costs, operational expenses, or services required for this program, including but not limited to hotel accommodations, transportation and transfers, tours, group food, permits, local outfitter services, and insurance premiums prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).

Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for programs that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or to discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.

Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same-gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.

The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies and that RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.

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