What are you specifically looking for in regards to mountaineering? How to read snow conditions and navigate terrain? Technical knowledge like rope work and knots?

I would take a Wilderness First Aid / Wilderness First Responder class along with an Avalanche certification class. Maybe pick up a book and start reading.

Classes are a great start. Make some friends and get out there.

Loco-Deer-SlayerWhat are you specifically looking for in regards to mountaineering? How to read snow conditions and navigate terrain? Technical knowledge like rope work and knots?

I would take a Wilderness First Aid / Wilderness First Responder class along with an Avalanche certification class. Maybe pick up a book and start reading.

Classes are a great start. Make some friends and get out there.

I'm looking for a good place to get my feet wet in most skills. From what I'm reading is these 10 day courses I've found cover a lot of the basics while giving hands on experience by climbing a mountain, for instance Rainier.

Your first aid and avy class suggestion sounds like a good stepping off point. I'm going to pick up the mountaineering freedom of the hills book as well.

Buy me a plane ticket and cover my expenses and I will give you a very comprehensive overview of all necessary skills. We will start with basic wilderness skills, rock climbing skills, alpine skills, winter camping skills, ice climbing, snow & ice conditions, and really cover everything you need to know to conduct yourself in the mountains. I will provide all equipment other than your own mountaineering boots and crampons.

This will come out cheaper than one of those courses, and will be a much more wholesome experience as it will be 1-on-1 and not weighed down by the guide service's requirements.

iFlipBuy me a plane ticket and cover my expenses and I will give you a very comprehensive overview of all necessary skills. We will start with basic wilderness skills, rock climbing skills, alpine skills, winter camping skills, ice climbing, snow & ice conditions, and really cover everything you need to know to conduct yourself in the mountains. I will provide all equipment other than your own mountaineering boots and crampons.

This will come out cheaper than one of those courses, and will be a much more wholesome experience as it will be 1-on-1 and not weighed down by the guide service's requirements.

Yeah but those guides typically have at least AMGA certification if not IFMGA.

CabbyArrantYeah but those guides typically have at least AMGA certification if not IFMGA.

Agreed, those guides are usually pretty good. However, most of the courses are full of overweight, out of shape people and thus move very slowly and are not wholly interesting. I do not have the certifications because I chose to pursue a career where I can actually afford to eat, unlike guides. I have a very comprehensive climbing resume, with big walls, the ability to lead hard ice and hard trad, expeditions around the world, etc. This winter I am headed to an 18,000+ ft international peak to attempt a technical ice route in winter conditions.

I am well versed in all that OP is looking for and my offer is sincere.

iFlipBuy me a plane ticket and cover my expenses and I will give you a very comprehensive overview of all necessary skills. We will start with basic wilderness skills, rock climbing skills, alpine skills, winter camping skills, ice climbing, snow & ice conditions, and really cover everything you need to know to conduct yourself in the mountains. I will provide all equipment other than your own mountaineering boots and crampons.

This will come out cheaper than one of those courses, and will be a much more wholesome experience as it will be 1-on-1 and not weighed down by the guide service's requirements.

I'm all about saving money so you intrigue me, iFlip.

How/where did you learn mountaineering?

JAHpowI'm all about saving money so you intrigue me, iFlip.

How/where did you learn mountaineering?

I've always lived a very outdoors-oriented life. I started at a young age with long hiking and canoeing trips around the US and into Canada. I then gravitated toward climbing and fell in with a group of like-minded people. After I graduated college (undergrad) I thru-hiked the AT. For several years I lived the dirtbag climbing lifestyle, moving as the seasons dictated to follow the best climbing weather. There is a core group of climbers who live this cycle. I lived in Yosemite for a very extended time, as well as Joshua Tree, Squamish, etc. For several years I climbed 100+ days per year between rock and ice.

When I took up ice climbing I was lucky enough to fall under the tutelage of an exceptionally strong ice climber. I learned how to read the ice, snow conditions, and all of the hundred other things that go into ice climbing. I've been leading hard ice for quite a few years now and am very comfortable on it.

I've spent a fair amount of time in the big mountains, on glaciers, etc. This winter's goal has 1,000 feet of vertical ice on it, at extremely high altitude. Should be quite interesting, especially with all the travel and expedition logistics.

I own more climbing gear than could be considered reasonable (somewhere around $10,000 worth), including a $1,200 portaledge. As noted, I'm extremely proficient in all alpine and climbing pursuits, from week-long El Capitan routes to mixed ice/rock objectives in the big mountains. A really ideal place to learn would be the PNW, due to its proximity to the bigger volcanoes (Rainier, Shasta, Hood, etc), plenty of rock climbing locations, and the excellent alpine training ground that is the Tetons.

meh... get a certified guide. or step into a natural progression.

Where in the west are you going? If you are anywhere in Colorado, there are endless options to choose from. PM me if you are heading to CO, and I can recumbent some people.

iFlipAgreed, those guides are usually pretty good. However, most of the courses are full of overweight, out of shape people and thus move very slowly and are not wholly interesting. I do not have the certifications because I chose to pursue a career where I can actually afford to eat, unlike guides. I have a very comprehensive climbing resume, with big walls, the ability to lead hard ice and hard trad, expeditions around the world, etc. This winter I am headed to an 18,000+ ft international peak to attempt a technical ice route in winter conditions.

I am well versed in all that OP is looking for and my offer is sincere.

What international expeditions have you done?

--Nick17--Where in the west are you going? If you are anywhere in Colorado, there are endless options to choose from. PM me if you are heading to CO, and I can recumbent some people.

I have a friend who lives in Denver and who loves to climb. I would like to knock out a bunch of 14ers next summer with him. Actually I have this crazy idea to try and climb all 58 14ers in as many days. I'm not even sure if that's doable but I dream.

Right now I'm planning on ending up in Bozeman.

JAHpowI've been wanting for the past few years to get into mountaineering. Being in college, and Minnesota, I haven't had the opportunities at all. However, I'm graduating after this school year and am planning on going out west.

So my question is, who here has taken a mountaineering course? What was your experience? Was it helpful? Is there a different/better route into mountaineering? Recommended course outfitter?

I've been searching the Internet and have found RMI, Alpine Ascents and Mountain Madness for a few outfitters.

Also, I searchbarred and found some good book reads but nothing on specific courses.

Thanks for any help!

let me guess, you watched that shit movie Everest and now you think that you are some big fucking mountaineer?

kiss my ass

THEHARLEMSHAKElet me guess, you watched that shit movie Everest and now you think that you are some big fucking mountaineer?

kiss my ass

My desire stems from when I was like 6 and my family took a road trip through Colorado and Arizona. Then again when I took another trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons when I was 12 or 13. I've always wanted to climb mountains and now that I'm nearing college graduation I'm beginning to plan.

JAHpowMy desire stems from when I was like 6 and my family took a road trip through Colorado and Arizona. Then again when I took another trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons when I was 12 or 13. I've always wanted to climb mountains and now that I'm nearing college graduation I'm beginning to plan.

im not hating or anything, but i hate these fucking cock suckers who watched that fucking bullshit Everest movie that just came out

if you want to know the real story watch this documentary, it actually has a the people from the teams talk about the experience (the ones that survived)

its called "Storm Over Everest"

also, author Jon Krakauer, a guy that was on the mountain in 1992 and summited with rob halls team said that the movie is total horse shit

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/author-jon-krakauer-on-everest-its-total-bull-1201603087/

THEHARLEMSHAKEim not hating or anything, but i hate these fucking cock suckers who watched that fucking bullshit Everest movie that just came out

if you want to know the real story watch this documentary, it actually has a the people from the teams talk about the experience (the ones that survived)

its called "Storm Over Everest"

also, author Jon Krakauer, a guy that was on the mountain in 1992 and summited with rob halls team said that the movie is total horse shit

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/author-jon-krakauer-on-everest-its-total-bull-1201603087/

I read Krakauer's book in 2012 when my mom's boss was climbing Everest and The Climb right after.

THEHARLEMSHAKElet me guess, you watched that shit movie Everest and now you think that you are some big fucking mountaineer?

kiss my ass

I can respect if people in a flat shit hole (ie MN) that want to get in to climbing - it can be difficult, and get in to it with some degree of competence.

A course is a great way to get a taste and start building skills. Most guides are badass climbers in their free time, but still have the ability to convey skills to the inexperienced fairly well. Many great guiding outfits out there.

To get more well rounded, I would recommend looking at mixed courses where you might spend time on glaciated terrain as well as rock and other terrain.

Additionally, you're in Minnesota - try to gain some time rock and or ice climbing. I am sure there are plenty of shorter courses out there that you can cut your teeth on. It is a great way to get a better foundation for elements such as basic safety, ropes, knots, anchors, techniques, etc etc. Also ditto the suggestion on something like a wilderness first aid class.

One thing to note: courses are great, but they are not a full substitute for experience. Whatever you can do before and after to get on anything - from short sport routes to longer alpine shit - the better.

JAHpowI read Krakauer's book in 2012 when my mom's boss was climbing Everest and The Climb right after.

if you read karakauers book Into Thin Air, i am not sure why you would read The Climb?

Krakauer clearly says that anatoli boukreev is a complete piece of shit and did a horrible job guiding the clients up the mountain

I've seen well over 20 documentaries about everest, I've read all the good fucking books, and ya i wanna climb everest some day too

the thing is, climbing is fucking expensive so ur going to want to rent most of ur gear before u actually start getting super involved in it

id recommend taking a beginners course with RMI mountain guides just to get ur feet wet, and to see if u actually like the shit b4 u begin buying gear

enroll in one of RMI's Mt. Rainer training courses (Mt. Rainer is considered a mini version of a Himalayan mountain in the lower 48) and all the great climbers start off with claiming Rainer

i don't work for RMI (even though I'm plugging the shit out of the company)

but ya, rent shit, and take a beginners trainer course on fucking mt. rainer

JAHpowWhat international expeditions have you done?

I have a friend who lives in Denver and who loves to climb. I would like to knock out a bunch of 14ers next summer with him. Actually I have this crazy idea to try and climb all 58 14ers in as many days. I'm not even sure if that's doable but I dream.

Right now I'm planning on ending up in Bozeman.

http://co54.secondmilewater.org

--Nick17--http://co54.secondmilewater.org

why waste ur time on colorado mountains, I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but that pussy shit. u climb one, and they r all they same

go fucking climb denali or sum shit

JAHpowActually I have this crazy idea to try and climb all 58 14ers in as many days. I'm not even sure if that's doable but I dream.

You can do all the 14ers in a month if that's all your doing. Most of them are pretty easy and just hikes. The real fun ones are down south in the San Juans and Sangres, excluding the Aspen/Snowmass area.

The 13ers in CO are much more technical if you are looking for more of a challenge. All the 14ers can be done by an average person who is not afraid of exposure, but the same cannot be said of the 13ers.

u fucking ppl don't know what the fuck ur talking about

there is a fucking difference in pure rock climbing and doing mountaineer expeditions

u guys r acting like they r the same fucking thing

u DO NOT ROCK CLIMB DENALI OR EVEREST

THEHARLEMSHAKEif you read karakauers book Into Thin Air, i am not sure why you would read The Climb?

Because why the hell not? I like to read and was interested in reading another take on the incident.

When are the mods going man up and ban you. You contribute nothing but shit to this site.

All I'm trying to do is get information.

Loco-Deer-SlayerYou can do all the 14ers in a month if that's all your doing. Most of them are pretty easy and just hikes. The real fun ones are down south in the San Juans and Sangres, excluding the Aspen/Snowmass area.

The 13ers in CO are much more technical if you are looking for more of a challenge. All the 14ers can be done by an average person who is not afraid of exposure, but the same cannot be said of the 13ers.

Thanks for the 13ers suggestion. I'm going to look into those. From what I've heard there's quite a bit of crowding on 14ers. I'm assuming it's less for 13ers?

Yeah the mountains near the Front Range are fucked up crowded. I'm going to ski those because of how crowded they are in the summer.

JAHpowBecause why the hell not? I like to read and was interested in reading another take on the incident.

When are the mods going man up and ban you. You contribute nothing but shit to this site.

All I'm trying to do is get information.

Thanks for the 13ers suggestion. I'm going to look into those. From what I've heard there's quite a bit of crowding on 14ers. I'm assuming it's less for 13ers?

hey pussy, u man the fuck up. u just don't wanna hear the goddamn mother fucking truth

The Climb was just a response to Into Thin Air, all the asshole anatoli boukreev does is blame others and make lame ass excuses for why he was such an asshole to all the clients when he was responsible for guiding them

THEHARLEMSHAKEu fucking ppl don't know what the fuck ur talking about

there is a fucking difference in pure rock climbing and doing mountaineer expeditions

u guys r acting like they r the same fucking thing

u DO NOT ROCK CLIMB DENALI OR EVEREST

I was going to hold off because I can't tell if you're trolling or serious, but since I think it's the later, a couple of things:

Since where are Denali and Everest the only mountains worthy of climbing? Last I checked, there were thousand upon thousands of peaks, and variations therein, that are worth climbing.

Many require many different skills - glacier navigation and other glacial skills are only a small set that may be necessary

I'll humor you with your Denali example:

While something like Cassin Ridge may not require direct rock climbing, are the skills helpful? Undoubtedly. Do essentially all who tackle that test piece spend a fair amount of time doing rock climbing or other rock/mixed alpine routes? Absolutely.

Is it fine to limit oneself to just snow, low angle ice, and trails? Knock yourself out. Go put the "7 summits" on your mantle, but there is far, far, far more out there, and you would need the skills and experience to make it happen.

THEHARLEMSHAKEu fucking ppl don't know what the fuck ur talking about

there is a fucking difference in pure rock climbing and doing mountaineer expeditions

u guys r acting like they r the same fucking thing

u DO NOT ROCK CLIMB DENALI OR EVEREST

You're never going to get anyone to believe a word you say if you write like an 8 year old.

Other tips: don't be that guy. Getting people stoked on any time of outdoor pursuit is good. The more people we have outside (who treat the outdoors nicely) means more people that can preserve the outdoors when people like Shell try to drill in the Arctic. If OP wants to get into mountaineering, fuck yeah! Let's just make sure that OP does it safely and doesn't kill himself or others in the process.

Additionally, you seem to glorify Everest, which if you ask any mountaineer who has gone to multiple big peaks, they will usually say that Everest isn't much of a challenge anymore. It is completely commercialized, to the point where inexperienced Google executives can pay a certain dollar amount to "tackle Everest." Not saying it isn't difficult, but your focus of it leads me to question your mountaineering career, and the validity of advice you dole out.

Troy.You're never going to get anyone to believe a word you say if you write like an 8 year old.

Other tips: don't be that guy. Getting people stoked on any time of outdoor pursuit is good. The more people we have outside (who treat the outdoors nicely) means more people that can preserve the outdoors when people like Shell try to drill in the Arctic. If OP wants to get into mountaineering, fuck yeah! Let's just make sure that OP does it safely and doesn't kill himself or others in the process.

Additionally, you seem to glorify Everest, which if you ask any mountaineer who has gone to multiple big peaks, they will usually say that Everest isn't much of a challenge anymore. It is completely commercialized, to the point where inexperienced Google executives can pay a certain dollar amount to "tackle Everest." Not saying it isn't difficult, but your focus of it leads me to question your mountaineering career, and the validity of advice you dole out.

suck my dick

iFlipBuy me a plane ticket and cover my expenses and I will give you a very comprehensive overview of all necessary skills. We will start with basic wilderness skills, rock climbing skills, alpine skills, winter camping skills, ice climbing, snow & ice conditions, and really cover everything you need to know to conduct yourself in the mountains. I will provide all equipment other than your own mountaineering boots and crampons.

This will come out cheaper than one of those courses, and will be a much more wholesome experience as it will be 1-on-1 and not weighed down by the guide service's requirements.

What do you look like?

What's your favorite color?

What's your sign?

I may be interested.

JAHpowI have a friend who lives in Denver and who loves to climb. I would like to knock out a bunch of 14ers next summer with him. Actually I have this crazy idea to try and climb all 58 14ers in as many days. I'm not even sure if that's doable but I dream.

most 14rs you dont "climb" just a lot of hiking, some of them are pretty gnarly but as far as i know theres not really much technical climbing. on a side note, my uncle has climbed every 14er in colorado and one time he saw a dude fall off a spine ridge and die

SFBmost 14rs you dont "climb" just a lot of hiking, some of them are pretty gnarly but as far as i know theres not really much technical climbing. on a side note, my uncle has climbed every 14er in colorado and one time he saw a dude fall off a spine ridge and die

that is exactly what ive been trying to tell these assholes

climbing these fucking colorado mountains are more like "hikes"

and as far as you mother fuckers hating on Everest. the only reason this thread was made was bcuz sum asshole saw that shit movie that just came out

u want to see a real everest documentary watch this

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=storm+over+everest&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002

iFlipBuy me a plane ticket and cover my expenses and I will give you a very comprehensive overview of all necessary skills. We will start with basic wilderness skills, rock climbing skills, alpine skills, winter camping skills, ice climbing, snow & ice conditions, and really cover everything you need to know to conduct yourself in the mountains. I will provide all equipment other than your own mountaineering boots and crampons.

This will come out cheaper than one of those courses, and will be a much more wholesome experience as it will be 1-on-1 and not weighed down by the guide service's requirements.

I like this where do you live???

tittyboiI like this where do you live???

Upstate NY.

iFlipUpstate NY.

Ah I just moved from there to Idaho

Like the OP I grew up hiking/backpacking/etc but want to take it to the next level with more technical climbing. Not looking to climb K2, but I would be super stoked to have the skills and confidence to go up a mountain like Rainer.

THEHARLEMSHAKEthat is exactly what ive been trying to tell these assholes

climbing these fucking colorado mountains are more like "hikes"

and as far as you mother fuckers hating on Everest. the only reason this thread was made was bcuz sum asshole saw that shit movie that just came out

u want to see a real everest documentary watch this

https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=storm+over+everest&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002

You really are a dumb shit. I never said anything about climbing Everest or movies. I simply want information on where to learn skills. I also said I don't have any experience so what's wrong with doing some hiking out in Colorado? And if I want real info on Everest I'll ask my family friend. Cheerio and fuck off

SFBmost 14rs you dont "climb" just a lot of hiking, some of them are pretty gnarly but as far as i know theres not really much technical climbing.

Ellingwood Arete (Crestones) - http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=cnee5&peak=Crestone%20Needle

The Prow (Kit Carson) - http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11024&cpgm=tripmain&ski=Include

Sunlight Spire (Sunlight Peak) - http://www.summitpost.org/sunlight-spire/358365

Loco-Deer-SlayerEllingwood Arete (Crestones) - http://www.14ers.com/routemain.php?route=cnee5&peak=Crestone%20Needle

The Prow (Kit Carson) - http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11024&cpgm=tripmain&ski=Include

Sunlight Spire (Sunlight Peak) - http://www.summitpost.org/sunlight-spire/358365

yeah i said "most" you literally posted 3 examples. learn to fucking listen

JAHpow, you should also check out NOLS. Some epic opportunities

http://www.nols.edu/courses/

For all the things that can be learned from a book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mountaineering-Freedom-Hills-8th-Edition/dp/1594851387

For everything else, you just gotta get out there and do it. The easiest and safest way is to find someone more experienced than you and go with them. If not, pay someone or wing it (obviously, starting with something relatively safe) depending on how you like to roll.

Looks like Nepal is making some requirements to climb Everest

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/28/mount-everest-to-be-declared-off-limits-to-inexperienced-climbers?CMP=share_btn_tw

THEHARLEMSHAKEwhy waste ur time on colorado mountains, I'm not trying to be a dick or anything but that pussy shit. u climb one, and they r all they same

go fucking climb denali or sum shit

I agree, but there are a few that you actually climb, and those are the best ones.

iFlipAgreed, those guides are usually pretty good. However, most of the courses are full of overweight, out of shape people and thus move very slowly and are not wholly interesting. I do not have the certifications because I chose to pursue a career where I can actually afford to eat, unlike guides. I have a very comprehensive climbing resume, with big walls, the ability to lead hard ice and hard trad, expeditions around the world, etc. This winter I am headed to an 18,000+ ft international peak to attempt a technical ice route in winter conditions.

I am well versed in all that OP is looking for and my offer is sincere.

please understand that I am in no way trying to diminish your climbing experience as I am sure it is extensive. I speak about the AMGA and IFMGA certifications though because they are a benchmark qualifaction of guides throughout the world. They are equittable to a college degree in guiding. Their job is to recognoze and mitigate risk for their clients and allow their clients to learn and move safely through the mountains and as much as you say you are a qualified guide what do you actually know? What are your specific certifications? What about your expeirience makes you feel that you are more qualified to teach and lead another person when there are others who do the same thing day in and day out.

CabbyArrantplease understand that I am in no way trying to diminish your climbing experience as I am sure it is extensive. I speak about the AMGA and IFMGA certifications though because they are a benchmark qualifaction of guides throughout the world. They are equittable to a college degree in guiding. Their job is to recognoze and mitigate risk for their clients and allow their clients to learn and move safely through the mountains and as much as you say you are a qualified guide what do you actually know? What are your specific certifications? What about your expeirience makes you feel that you are more qualified to teach and lead another person when there are others who do the same thing day in and day out.

I am absolutely not more qualified than a guide, when it comes to actual qualifications. I have not paid AMGA thousands of dollars and devoted weeks of my time to go through their courses and certification programs, as I have no interest in guiding. I have climbed with many guides (as partners, not as a paying client), and have had friends go through the certification process. I can safely say that my skills (not climbing skills, but general climbing-knowledge skills) are at least equal to that of the majority of guides. I'm well versed in rescues, all technical rope-work (escaping the belay, setting up systems for those who have little experience, etc), and do have advanced first aid training (WFA, not WFR). I've taken out dozens upon dozens of people who have never climbed before, and have mentored a few of them who had sufficient interest into multi-pitch trad leaders.

I'm quite competent in all aspects of climbing, and as has been noted above I climbed pretty much full-time for several years. I intend to aid-solo a multi-day route soon, which is perhaps the last notch to be added to my climbing belt. I've aid-soloed shorter objectives, but a wall is very alluring.

Also, my offer to OP should not be confused with a general offer to all of NS. I am in no way willing to take out anyone who PMs me. The liability is far too great, and I would never expose myself to that. From generally "knowing" the OP here on NS I know that he is not a random 14 year old kid, seems like a reasonable person, etc.

So to answer your question, the sum of my experience makes me feel that I am at least as qualified as a full-time guide to cover the basics with a beginner.

You guys are funny.

OP, just move where you want to climb and make friends.

--Nick17--I agree, but there are a few that you actually climb, and those are the best ones.

That dude's trolling, but just to set the record straight: climbing the 14ers in the summer by the easiest route is always pretty tame. But in winter, many of the same climbs make good training for greater ranges. Additionally, there are incredibly challenging routes up peaks where the std. ascent is easy (e.g. Longs).

And the distinction of a "14er" is a lot like ski trail ratings (e.g. "blue vs black")... it matters when you're a beginner, but anyone who's spent time in the mountains couldn't care less- it's just a peak, and what matters is whether it's cool or not. Not an arbitrary distinction based on height in imperial units.

Loco-Deer-SlayerJAHpow, you should also check out NOLS. Some epic opportunities

http://www.nols.edu/courses/

Yeah I've heard of NOLS. My college does some sort of study abroad thing with them I believe. Definitely an option I'm going to look further into.

reBlockeFor all the things that can be learned from a book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mountaineering-Freedom-Hills-8th-Edition/dp/1594851387

Yep that's the book I was going to pick up.

iFlipSo to answer your question, the sum of my experience makes me feel that I am at least as qualified as a full-time guide to cover the basics with a beginner.

iFlip, we might have to work something out for the future. I've found some places that offer ice climbing classes in the winter so I'm going to try to get some basics down over this school year.

BoaxYou guys are funny.

OP, just move where you want to climb and make friends.

Ha this is really the best solution.