mount shasta
mountaineering
LOCATIONS: Mount Shasta, California
COURSE LENGTH: 2 Days & 3 Days
*Trips are fully customizable to your abilities, goals, and preferred Mount Shasta routes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Rising to 14,179’, Mount Shasta is California’s 5th tallest peak and one of the premier mountaineering objectives in the state. From classic routes like Avalanche Gulch and the West Face to the exposed alpine terrain of Casaval Ridge, Mount Shasta offers an unforgettable challenge for aspiring mountaineers looking to build skills and push themselves in the mountains. Our professionally trained AMGA guides lead both 2-day and 3-day mountaineering programs, whether you’re looking for a traditional summit experience or a lighter, faster alpine-style ascent. Review the trip options, required gear, and eligibility criteria below to find the program that best fits your goals and experience level.
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Standing tall and proud at a height of 14,179’ feet, Mount Shasta is the 5th tallest peak in California, and one of twelve coveted 14er’s with a prominence over 300’ feet. Residing at the southern tip of the volcanic Cascade Range, Mount Shasta is in a league all on her own and plays host to some of the finest mountaineering objectives our state has to offer including classic routes such as Avalanche Gulch (one of the 50 classic ski descents), the West Face and Casaval Ridge. Mount Shasta will challenge your physical and mental capabilities and is the perfect objective for aspiring mountaineers looking to up their game and learn from our professionally trained, AMGA Mount Shasta Guides.
We offer 2 and 3 day mountaineering programs as listed below to accommodate everyone’s abilities and desires. Whether you’re looking for a summit bid via our classic 3 Day Mountaineering Program or looking to go alpine style via our 2 Day Light and Fast Mountaineering Program, we’ve got something for everyone. Click the buttons below to learn more about our 2 and 3 day options as well as the equipment needed for your climb and what’s included in the cost of your trip. Also, please make sure to read our Essential Eligibility Criteria form to ensure you’re up for this once in a lifetime challenge! We’re looking forward to a great trip with you on one of California’s most iconic mountains! -
PROGRAM INFORMATION
If you’re looking to sample Mount Shasta’s terrain with some memorable leg-burner runs then our 2 Day Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Program is for you. We can customize this 2 day option for the group by attempting a summit bid of Shasta, or we can simply go earn some incredible turns and do a couple of laps in Avalanche Gulch. Cost for our 2 Day Ski and Splitboarding Mountaineering Program includes an ice axe, helmet, and harness, an abbreviated Intro to Mountaineering Course which includes self arrest and snow travel techniques, review of how to travel in a rope team, snow anchors, belay systems, and a prescheduled meeting with your professionally trained AMGA Guide(s) to review the itinerary, weather, food supplies, and equipment before the trip. No technical climbing experience is needed to register for our 2 day ski and splitboard program but guests must be in good to excellent physical shape and must be a competent resort rider that possess the ability to ski or splitboard blue/black to black diamond runs. Guests must also be comfortable with ski/split touring on slopes greater than 25 degrees and also be familiar with using ski/splitboard crampons. Depending on the groups experience we guide in 4:1 and 3:1 ratios on Avalanche Gulch and the West Face. Click on the (+)’s below to view our prescheduled dates and a list of equipment included and resources for rental gear. If you’re ready to book your guided skiing or splitboarding adventure of Mt. Shasta then click the button below to register for our 2 Day Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Program!
EQUIPMENT INCLUDED
Harness, Helmet, Ice AxeAvalanche Equipment (dependent on conditions)
***We highly recommend The Fifth Season in the Town of Shasta for all other rental needs***
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PROGRAM INFORMATION
We have 2 options to choose from for our 3 Day Ski and Splitboard Programs which includes the classic Avalanche Gulch or the more primitive West Face. If it’s your first time on the mountain, Avalanche Gulch is a must and plays host to one of the fifty classic ski descents in North America! Cost for our 3 Day Ski and Splitboarding Mountaineering Program includes an ice axe, helmet, and harness, an abbreviated Intro to Mountaineering Course which includes self arrest and snow travel techniques, review of how to travel in a rope team, snow anchors, belay systems, and a prescheduled meeting with your professionally trained AMGA Guide(s) to review the itinerary, weather, food supplies, and equipment before the trip. No technical climbing experience is needed to register for our 3 day ski and splitboard program but guests must be in good to excellent physical shape and must be a competent resort rider that possess the ability to ski or splitboard blue/black to black diamond runs. Guests must also be comfortable with ski/split touring on slopes greater than 25 degrees and also be familiar with using ski/splitboard crampons. Depending on the groups experience we guide in 4:1 and 3:1 ratios on Avalanche Gulch and the West Face. Click on the (+)’s below to view our prescheduled dates and a list of equipment included and resources for rental gear. If you’re ready to book your guided skiing or splitboarding adventure of Mt. Shasta then click the button below to register for our 3 Day Ski and Splitboard Mountaineering Program!
EQUIPMENT INCLUDED
Harness, Helmet, Ice AxeAvalanche Equipment (dependent on conditions)
***We highly recommend The Fifth Season in the Town of Shasta for all other rental needs***
MOUNT SHASTA MOUNTAINEERING
California
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mount Shasta can be an appropriate first major mountaineering objective for fit participants who meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria. The three-day program provides more time for instruction and preparation.
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The two-day Light and Fast program is best for experienced, highly fit participants, while the three-day program provides more time for skills instruction, acclimatization, pacing, and a summit attempt.
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Common objectives include Avalanche Gulch, the West Face, and Casaval Ridge. The final route depends on the program, season, weather, snow conditions, and participant experience.
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The primary mountaineering season is generally spring into early summer. Snowpack, weather, route conditions, wildfire impacts, and trailhead access determine exact dates.
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Mount Shasta requires strong endurance, the ability to travel for long hours at altitude, and appropriate mountain skills for the selected program. Review the Essential Eligibility Criteria before booking.
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Required and included equipment differs between the two-day and three-day programs. Review the program details carefully; after booking, your guide will provide a complete mountaineering equipment and clothing list.