I just completed a short stint of guiding on Mt. Rainier for Rainier Mountaineering Inc. (RMI). The first trip I led, along with fellow SWAG guide Gary Falk was a Kautz Glacier Expedtion Skills Seminar. In total, the seminar includes 6 days of instruction and climbing on the less popular, though classic, Kautz Route. The route is characterized by a mix of snow/glacier travel up to 40 degrees, with 2 short ice pitches to keep things interesting. We experienced generally good weather throughout the seminar, climbing above the clouds most of the way. Congratulations to Geron, Amy, Jeff, Chris, Urs, Barry, Mike, and Patrick, who all made the summit in great style.
ND
Snow school near Paradise.
Approaching access to the Nisqually Glacier.
Above the Nisqually approaching camp.
Above the Kautz ice chute.
Group on the summit. 100% success!
