intro to
mountaineering

Golden State Guiding is excited to announce our Intro to Mountaineering Program dates for the 2025 Spring season! Join us for an IMP program in the beautiful Eastern Sierra as we dive into essential mountaineering topics such as snow travel, equipment, self arrest techniques, rope systems, snow anchors, crevasse rescue systems, glacier travel, snow shelters, terrain awareness, navigation and more.

Our Intro to Mountaineering Program’s will run over 2 days in the Mammoth Lakes region and will not include overnight camping, participants will be responsible for their own lodging during the course. Golden State Guiding will provide a harness, helmet, ice axe and crampons to all participants in need of this equipment. Additional gear students will be responsible for includes mountaineering boots and snow travel equipment such as snowshoes (conditions dependent). Any guest in need of the additional equipment listed above and that registers for an IMP program is eligible for a 20% discount on rental equipment at Mammoth Mountaineering.

Scroll below to learn more about our Intro to Mountaineering Program and to register today! If the prescheduled dates don’t work for you, we’re happy to facilitate a private program for any individual or group. We can even accommodate a multi day, overnight program for those interested. See below for our private program rates and options.

INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING REGISTRATION
INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING PRIVATE BOOKINGS
Scenic mountaineering training on classic Eastern Sierra peaks
Guided alpine mountaineering experience in the Eastern Sierra
Introductory mountaineering course in the Eastern Sierra high country
Guided mountaineering course in the Eastern Sierra with professional instructors
Professional mountaineering instruction in the Eastern Sierra mountains
Small group mountaineering training in the Eastern Sierra
Advanced mountaineering instruction in the alpine terrain of the Eastern Sierra
Mountaineering course focused on snow, ice, and rock travel in the Eastern Sierra
Professional mountain guides teaching mountaineering skills in the Eastern Sierra
Small group alpine mountaineering course in the Eastern Sierra
Guided high-altitude mountaineering instruction in the Eastern Sierra
Mountaineering program covering rope systems and glacier travel in the Eastern Sierra
Certified instructors leading mountaineering courses in the Eastern Sierra
Backcountry mountaineering training in the Eastern Sierra mountains
Guided summit and alpine skills course in the Eastern Sierra
Mountaineering instruction for all levels in the Eastern Sierra
Professional alpine climbing and mountaineering course in the Eastern Sierra
Technical mountaineering training in the rugged terrain of the Eastern Sierra
Guided mountaineering experience on snow and ice in the Eastern Sierra
Small group mountaineering class in the Eastern Sierra backcountry
Mountaineering course focused on safe travel in alpine terrain of the Eastern Sierra
Certified mountain guides teaching advanced mountaineering skills in the Eastern Sierra

INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING COURSE INFO

LOCATION: Eastern Sierra // Mammoth Lakes, CA

PRIVATE OUTING LENGTH: 2 DAYS (NO OVERNIGHT)

  • We will only be offering private courses for the 2026 mountaineering season. Please click here to inquire and to set up your own personal Intro to Mountaineering Program today.

  • Click here for our Intro to Mountaineering Curriculum

  • SINGLE DAY(S) NO OVERNIGHT

    One Person $515

    Two People $445

    Three People (+) Contact for custom pricing

    MULTI DAY(S) WITH OVERNIGHT

    One Person per day $525

    Two People per day $475

    Three People (+) per day - Contact for custom pricing

  • Ice Axe

    Crampons

    Helmet

    Harness

    Harness

  • General Equipment List

    All guests will be required to bring their own gloves and the appropriate outerwear for both days in the field. If you are in need of any of this gear we highly recommend our friends at Mammoth Mountaineering for the puffy’s, shells, and gloves, and Ridge Merino for your base layer needs.***

INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING REGISTRATION
INTRO TO MOUNTIANEERING PRIVATE BOOKINGS

BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING COURSES!

INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING

MAMMOTH LAKES, California

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This two-day program is for people who want to learn foundational snow-travel, climbing, rope, rescue, navigation, and mountain-safety skills in the Eastern Sierra.

  • Previous mountaineering experience is not generally required, but participants should meet the fitness and outdoor prerequisites listed on this page and be prepared for two active days on snow.

  • Topics may include snow travel, mountaineering equipment, self-arrest, rope systems, snow anchors, crevasse rescue, glacier-travel concepts, snow shelters, terrain awareness, and navigation.

  • No. The standard two-day Mammoth Lakes program does not include overnight camping, and participants arrange their own lodging. Private multiday and overnight options may be available.

  • Golden State Guiding can provide a harness, helmet, ice axe, and crampons for participants who need them. Participants are responsible for required boots and condition-dependent snow-travel equipment.

  • Intro to Mountaineering is based in the Mammoth Lakes and Eastern Sierra region and runs for two days. Exact training sites depend on snow, weather, access, and course objectives.