Mt. Shasta Climb

Mt. Shasta Climb
Mt. Shasta Climb

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Highlights

Trip Dates:

2012

South Face —
  • Jun 15–17
  • Jun 22–24
  • Jun 29 – Jul 1
  • Jul 6–8
  • Jul 20–22
  • Jul 27–29
Northeast Face —
  • Aug 3–5
  • Aug 10–12
  • Aug 17–19
  • Aug 24–26

Or, book a
private departure.

Price:

2012

REI Member: $595

Non-member: $625

Total Days: 3
Group Size: 4- REI may run 2 groups per departure date listed above.

Activities:

  • Mountaineering

Accommodations:

Camping on mountain in backcountry basecamp, 2 nights. Optional hotel night stays on either end (not included in trip price)

Mt. Shasta Climb

At 14,162 feet, Mt. Shasta is the second highest volcanic peak in the lower 48 states. REI Adventures features two routes, each one during the appropriate season, in order to accommodate aspiring Shasta summiteers. On most June and July climbs we travel to Shasta's south side to ascend the Avalanche Gulch route. This route is a classic steep snow climb, with much to offer the beginning mountaineer. In August, we climb Shasta's northeast face. Whichever route you choose, expect an instructional focus on basic skills development and in the use of technical equipment such as crampons and an ice axe during the "Snow School" portions of this course. The route is ascended at a pace that allows time for this.

Mt. Shasta Climb: The South Face – Avalanche Gulch Itinerary:

  • Night before

    Since we will meet at 9:00 am on day one of your trip, you may choose to arrive in Mt. Shasta City the night before our trip begins.

    Hotel night stays are not included in the cost of this trip. See Day 3 description for details.

  • Day 1

    Your trip begins today in Shasta City. Meet your climbing guide(s) at the Cold Creek Inn at 9:00 am. After a brief orientation, we leave any valuables under lock and key at the Inn and then carpool to the trailhead.  We start our ascent at 6,950 ft and traveling up to about 8,000 ft to set-up base camp. Once camp is set up, we’ll begin “Snow School” and cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, climbing techniques and an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. After snow school we will enjoy an early dinner and retire to our sleeping bags. Meals included: Dinner. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day.

  • Day 2

    Today we move to high camp. We will hike to about 10,000 ft and set up near Lake Helen. Expect to climb for 4 hours or more today. If weather permits, we’ll continue working on skills before dinner and end the night once again with a briefing on the next day’s events and plenty of rest.  Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day, energy bars and drinks, etc.

  • Day 3

    Summit day! Our summit attempt commences between 2:00 am and 3:00 am. Our turnaround time may be as early 11:00 am in order to avoid potentially serious hazards that tend to manifest in the afternoon.  Depending on conditions, then, the descent to camp may take 2.5 to 4.5 hours.  From camp, we pack up and make our final descent to the trailhead.  We expect to be back between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. You may consider another night stay at the hotel as you are likely to be very tired.  Meals included: Breakfast.  Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day.

    Hotel night stays and dinner on the night before day one and on the last night are not included.  To make a reservation at the Cold Creek Inn call 530-926-9851.  Mention you are traveling with REI Adventures to receive a 15% discount.  Be sure to give the Inn at least 24 hours notice.

Mt. Shasta Climb: The Northeast Face – Hotlum/Bolam Ridge Itinerary:

  • Night before

    Since we will meet at 8:00 am on day one of your trip, you may choose to arrive in Mt. Shasta City the night before our trip begins.

    Hotel night stays are not included in the cost of this trip. See Day 3 description for details.

  • Day 1

    Your trip begins today in Shasta City. Meet your climbing guide(s) at the Cold Creek Inn at 8:00 am. After a brief orientation, we leave any valuables under lock and key at the Inn and then carpool to the trailhead.  We start our ascent from the North Gate trailhead at 7,000 ft and will climb through the day to 9,400 ft. where we’ll establish our base camp.  This full day of moderate/low angle climbing may take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours, and we’ll stop along the way for lunch.  Once we arrive and camp is set up, we’ll begin “Snow School” and cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, specific climbing techniques, as well as an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. After snow school we will enjoy an early dinner and retire to our sleeping bags. Meals included: Dinner. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day.

  • Day 2

    Summit day! Our summit attempt commences between 2:00 am and 3:00 am. Our turnaround time may be as early 11:00 am in order to avoid potentially serious hazards that tend to manifest in the afternoon.  Depending on conditions, then, the descent back to camp may take 2.5 to 4.5 hours.  Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.  Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day, energy bars and drinks, etc.

  • Day 3

    Today we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast, pack and descend from camp back to the trailhead.  The descent commonly takes 3 to 3.5 hours.  We expect to be back between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. You may consider another night stay at the hotel as you are likely to be tired.  Meals included: Breakfast.  Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten constantly throughout the day.

    Hotel night stays and dinner on the night before day one and on the last night are not included.  To make a reservation at the Cold Creek Inn call 530-926-9851.  Mention you are traveling with REI Adventures to receive a 15% discount.  Be sure to give the Inn at least 24 hours notice.

Note on Itinerary

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Important Information About Air Travel

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Price Includes

Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day three; 2- or 3-person tents; group climbing equipment and cooking gear; group first-aid kit, water filter; campsite and summit permit fees

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; hotel night stays before and after the trip; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities; lunches and snack items (see pack list for detailed guidance) and items of a personal nature.

Closest Airport

Redding, California: 60 miles

Transfers

There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place.  Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.

Qualifications

This trip is rated Strenuous (5). 

The South Face
We plan to climb for 4 hours or more on most days, but our summit day will potentially exceed 12-14 hours and is very strenuous.  We will be traveling on steep and often exposed terrain, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation most days and descending around 7,500 feet after having climbed to the summit in the morning on the final day.  We will travel at altitudes between 6,500 and just over 14,000 feet while carrying heavy packs at times on steep snow and ice.  The terrain and conditions will require the use of specialized equipment for climbing ice or snow, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons, ice axes and more.  To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and the likelihood that you will summit, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen prior to your departure.  We also recommend that you stay well hydrated prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.  Previous experience is highly recommended and a physician’s release is required prior to participating in this course.

The Northeast Face
We plan to climb for 5 hours or more on most days, with our summit day potentially exceeding 12 hours as we ascend about 5,000 feet then immediately descent the same route back to high camp.  We will travel on steep and often exposed terrain, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation our first day and dropping the same on the final day.  We will travel at altitudes between 7,000 and just over 14,000 feet while carrying heavy packs at times on steep snow and ice.  The terrain and conditions will require the use of specialized equipment for climbing ice or snow, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons, ice axes and more.  To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and the likelihood that you will summit, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen prior to your departure.  We also recommend that you stay well hydrated prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.  Previous experience is highly recommended and a physician’s release is required prior to participating in this course.

Weather

Base camp temperatures can range from the 60s+ during the day to well below freezing at night. Summit temperatures can drop to the teens (or lower) and persistent wind is common. Although Shasta enjoys excellent weather for much of the summer, as with any large mountain, it generates its own weather and snowfall is possible even during the summer months. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations below.

High Altitude Concerns

Mt. Shasta is over 14,000’ high and is ascended rapidly. As such, some climbers experience symptoms of altitude sickness during the climb. These symptoms can include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and general weakness. Sometimes, judgment is impaired in individuals experiencing the effects of altitude sickness, causing them to want to continue climbing when it is no longer advisable for them to do so. Our guides will determine if any individual is displaying symptoms of altitude sickness that may put him or her in serious danger, or endanger other individuals in the group. By participating in this climb, you are agreeing to accept the REI guide's judgment should they advise you not to make a summit attempt.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Mt. Shasta Climb

Having the proper gear is vital to your comfort and overall enjoyment of the seminar. Here is a gear list that has been specifically designed for this trip. We are often asked if all items appearing on this list are really required. Our guides assert that climbers must arrive prepared as indicated, but please keep in mind that not all gear will be required for all departures. The weather and terrain conditions on Mt. Shasta at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to carry to base camp and what (if anything) can be left behind. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in mountaineering trips on a regular basis, please consider renting. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are generally available to rent.

Weather

Base camp temperatures can range from the 60s+ during the day to well below freezing at night. Summit temperatures can drop to the teens (or lower) and persistent wind is common. Although Shasta enjoys excellent weather for much of the summer, as with any large mountain, it generates its own weather, and snowfall is possible even during the summer months. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations below.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear
  • Tent (2- or 3-person)
  • Group cooking gear/kitchen (stoves, pots, etc.)
  • Main climbing rope
  • Climbing harness
Luggage
  • Backpack—internal frame 5,000 cu. in. minimum, or external frame 4,000 cu. in. minimum
Camping gear
  • *Sleeping bag, 20º F minimum, down or synthetic
  • *Sleeping pad: full length closed-cell foam pad or Therm-a-Rest
Climbing gear
  • *Helmet, designed for climbing (bicycle helmets are not acceptable)
  • *Crampons: Must be 12-point
  • *Ice axe (65-75 cm – no larger)
  • Carabiners: 1 locking carabiner
Clothing
  • Midweight wool or fleece jacket/sweater
  • Midweight, thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool (no cotton)
  • Wool or fleece pants (early/late season)
  • Lightweight pants (mid-summer)
  • Synthetic T-shirts
  • Synthetic long-sleeve shirt
  • Synthetic, quick-drying hiking shorts if your pants are not convertible
  • Hiking socks and liner socks - 3 pairs of each
  • Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and use when not climbing
Clothing accessories
  • Gaiters, mid-calf length minimum
  • Waterproof overmitts
  • Wool or fleece mittens/gloves, 2 pair
  • Thin gloves or mitten liners
  • Sun hat
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • Bandana for sun protection
  • Headlamp, spare batteries and bulb (no flashlights)
  • Sunglasses with dark lenses and side glare protection—often called glacier glasses
Outerwear
  • Parka (MANDATORY): Either down or synthetic fill, rated to 10º F. A parka with hood is in addition to the waterproof shell jacket and other required upper-body layers. It is worn over all other layers, primarily on rest breaks and occasionally while climbing
  • Waterproof, breathable shell jacket with attached hood (ponchos not acceptable)
  • Waterproof, breathable shell pants with side zippers allowing for easy on/off over boots
Footwear
  • *Climbing boots: Double plastic boots are highly recommended. Guides require plastic boots in certain weather conditions
  • Camp shoes: lightweight sneakers (something lightweight other than your plastic boots)
Travel accessories
  • Lunch items for each day (easily packable, non-perishable, energy bars and real foods)
  • Energy snacks and powdered drinks
  • Favorite seasoning to flavor freeze-dried food
  • Eating utensils: 1 large bowl, insulated mug or cup, spoon
  • Two 1-quart water bottles (no hydration packs as the tubes freeze easily)
  • Sun block and lip balm w/high SPF
  • Toiletry kit
  • ½-roll toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer gel
  • Towel
  • Watch with alarm or travel clock
  • Two large and one small garbage bag
  • Personal first-aid kit
Optional field gear
  • Ski poles, preferably adjustable
  • Camera and film, spare batteries (lithium, not standard alkaline)
  • Reading and writing materials
  • Down or fleece vest
  • Down booties (early season only)
  • Earplugs
  • Compass
  • Altimeter
  • Personal tent, if desired (but remember, you'll be carrying it on your own!

Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb
 
4.8

(based on 12 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Group camaraderie (10)
  • Guides (10)
  • Exceeded expectations (9)
  • Well organized itinerary (9)
  • Activity level (8)

Cons

    Best Uses

        • Reviewer Profile:
        • Avid adventurer (6), Casual adventurer (5)
        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
        • I liked the itinerary (9), Good value (8), All the details planned for me (7), Destination (7), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (7)

      REVIEWS

      Reviewed by 12 customers

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      Displaying reviews 1-10

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      5.0

      Mount Shasta

      By Roland Y

      from Montgomery Alabama

      See all my reviews

      Site Member

      Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

      Great Experience. Guides were great. Awesome mountain,

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      A must do trip!!

      By PatrickMi

      from San Diego, CA

      About Me Casual Adventurer, First-Time Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Activity Level
      • Exceeded Expectations
      • Group Camaraderie
      • Guides
      • Once in a Lifetime Experience

      Cons

      • None

      Best Uses

        Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

        Be flexible. Due to weather we had to change our plans. Be prepared that you may have less time to acclimatize. I would suggest spending more than one night at altitude before starting your trip if possible. If you don't mind the weight, bring an extra water bottle. Summit day is a long one and being properly hydrated helps. Bring lots of snacks! The food is very good but you need to keep your energy up during the day as well as during your summit attempt. Buy a quality waterproof and windproof layer. It is no fun being cold.

        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
        • Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, Respectable Company, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
        • Why did you choose this trip?:
        • I was looking for a trip where I could learn about about mountaineering from an expert. This was my first mountaineering trip and I did not want to try such a risky endeavor without the proper guidance. I also wanted to have the experience of climbing a mountain in the snow with all of the snow/ice gear (crampons, ice axe, etc).
        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
        • Summiting was the number one highlight. All of the hard work and preparation paid off and it was a sense of accomplishment that I will remember always. Very close behind was the great guides/fellow travelers. This was my first experience climbing in the snow and camping in the snow and the guides provided all of the support and knowledge to make this a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
        • The guides are wonderful. When you meet your travel group they will review all of the gear that you brought to insure that you are prepared. Ask as many questions as you want, they are a amazing source of knowledge. Also, don't take this trip lightly. Train, train, train. It will make the experience all the more enjoyable if you are physically capable. Be prepared for a 10-14 hour summit day

        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Thanks a million!

        By Prof H

        from Iowa City, Iowa

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Pros

        • Accommodations
        • Activity Level
        • Food
        • Group Camaraderie
        • Guides
        • Once in a Lifetime Experience

        Cons

        • Quality Equipment Provided

        Best Uses

          Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

          My husband and I were at least 20 years older than everyone else in our party, though we were both in plenty good shape--so as the slowest one to summit, I am deeply grateful to our great guide whose patience made that possible.

          Pretty much everything was excellent, with just two exceptions, the primary one being the rental equipment: check yours out as carefully as you can. We were so concerned about having to rent plastic boots that we arrived a day early just to try for decently fitting ones, but after the third pair, my husband still wound up with such severe blisters after day one that he did not attempt the summit (also due to some cramping in his legs). I got a pair of ancient Koflachs which the girl instructed me to lace loose at the toes and tight around the ankles, which gave me a whopping "shin burn" blister by the end of day one; when I mentioned this to our guide, he corrected that I should lace them TIGHT at the toes, LOOSE around the ankles--but, too late! Also I first got a pair of gaitors with a broken snap, tried another pair which they said were the last, also with a missing snap, so they kindly let me combine the two that did have snaps (both lefts) and didn't charge me, saying they weren't going to be renting gaitors any more; but if they had had better ones available, perhaps with a "rent-to-own" option, I might have bought them. We were glad we brought our much lighter-weight tent, and in retrospect, we wished we'd brought our own lighter boots for the hike in and out, to save the behemoths for crampon day--we'd willingly have carried them just to avoid the blisters!
          Our one other reservation was that because we apparently arrived at base camp a little late, "snow school" seemed awfully casual and even a little haphazard (like,"do you want to show them this?"-"no, let's go make supper..."), which didn't instill the most confidence. Maybe it'd be better to introduce a little at the very outset when everyone was fresh?--even though there wasn't any snow there yet...on the lawn while assembling our gear...?
          All that said, however, our guides were competent and fun, our fellow travelers were good-spirited, the mountain was gorgeous, and we had a trip we will never forget. Thank you all!

          • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
          • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
          • Why did you choose this trip?:
          • My husband did, for our 30th anniversary, because on our honeymoon we climbed Mt Whitney (the highest in the lower 48!)
          • What was the highlight of your trip?:
          • Glissading down! GREAT fun! Summitting was pretty awesome too though.
          • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
          • If you don't already have them, and if you can afford it, buy your own plastic boots, far enough ahead to know they're broken in. Everybody on our trip got blisters except the guides--and the others had even bought their boots.
           
          5.0

          These are the moments...

          By hoon22

          from Santa Clara, CA

          About Me Outdoorsy

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Group Camaraderie
          • Guides
          • Once in a Lifetime Experience
          • Well Organized Itinerary

          Cons

          • Poop bags

          Best Uses

            Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

            The experience was unforgettable and the memories from this trip will be cherished always. The guides were superb, the itinerary was perfect and the challenge was well worth it. Of course I would have liked the use of a flushing toilet, sleeping on my own bed and being able to shower daily. But this is all part of the experience.

            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
            • All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary, Recommended by a Friend
            • Why did you choose this trip?:
            • I wanted to give myself a challenge and try something I've never done before. I did Mt Whitney the year prior so this seemed like a good next logical step.
            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
            • Of course summiting was amazing and made the trip that much more satisfying. However, the overall experience was the highlight. The interaction with the guides, bonding with my two friends, making new friends with the other members of the group and the shared goal by all to take on the mountain was just awesome.
            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
            • Don't underestimate this trip...it is very physical and mental. I would definitely train for it and do a lot of hiking up steep hills/trails and with a heavy pack. The better prepared you are for it, the more you'll enjoy.
             
            5.0

            Awesome climb

            By Love2Climb

            from Long Beach, CA

            About Me Avid Adventurer

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Exceeded Expectations
            • Food
            • Guides
            • Well Organized Itinerary

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                I would not have done this climb any other way. It is well planned and very enjoyable. The trip itinerary gives you enough time to acclimatize, feel comfortable with climbing on snow and get the appropriate amount of rest/ recovery. The guides are awesome. They are very knowledgeable and keep you safe. I found the snow school portion to be very beneficial.

                We saw a lot of climbers making mistakes and climbing inefficiently. If you are interested in climbing and are inexperienced, then do yourself a favor and spend the money on this trip. It is well worth it.

                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                • All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                • I have been getting into mountaineering over the last couple of years. I always wanted to do a snow climb and thought Shasta would be a good starting point. When reading the description and the itineray, it seemed like a perfect trip for the beginning climber.
                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                • Everyting about the trip was awesome. The itinerary, the group, and the guides. Reaching the summit was spectacular.
                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                • Get the recommended equipment and make sure you are in good shape.
                 
                5.0

                Beautiful!!!

                By Hiker Liker

                from Santa Ana, CA

                About Me Avid Adventurer, Casual Adventurer

                Site Member

                Pros

                • Accommodations
                • Activity Level
                • Exceeded Expectations
                • Food
                • Group Camaraderie
                • Guides
                • Quality Equipment Provided
                • Well Organized Itinerary

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                    This was a dream come true for me. It was the closest that I could get to a experience like the Himalayans. The guides were compassionate and friendly. Meeting other people with the same or close to the same passion as you was awesome. It was hard and demanding yet rewarding. Highly recommended.

                    • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                    • All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                    • Why did you choose this trip?:
                    • I chose Mt. Shasta because I wanted a beginner mountaineering experience before doing anything like Mt. Rainier or Mt. McKinley. I wanted to learn basics to mountaineering and I did get that experience.
                    • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                    • Making it to the top is a highlight but glissading to camp was a fun experience. I was laughing but being cautious the whole time going down. Another highlight was just seeing the shadow of the mountain when climbing in the morning.
                    • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                    • If you have a passion for climbing mountains or getting into it, this is the climb. This is a different hard and demanding experience.
                     
                    5.0

                    Funtastic and awesome!

                    By schwan002

                    from Chicago, IL

                    About Me Casual Adventurer

                    Pros

                    • Accommodations
                    • Activity Level
                    • Exceeded Expectations
                    • Food
                    • Group Camaraderie
                    • Guides
                    • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                    • Quality Equipment Provided
                    • Well Organized Itinerary

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                        This is one of the most intense activity that I have ever done in my life. It was pretty tough - with high temps and heat during the day, freezing cold during the night, constant sun glare, and tough terrain. I got through all of that because of 2 things - we had the best darn guides (Eric and Victor) with us and the training that I got into (I wish I did more climbing). It all paid off and it was worth the struggle and the long climb. The summit was splendid and the entire time the view around the mountain was breathtaking. The experience will remain in my memory embedded for ever. My first attempt at summit - a success. Thanks to the wonderful and skilled guides (Eric/Victor) who guided and trained us with proper climbing techniques and hydration/breathing skills. This is a very aptly designed climb for those who want to summit in their first attempt (and be in shape to do that). [...]

                        • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                        • Active Adventures, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                        • Why did you choose this trip?:
                        • The activity level and the snow/ice climb.
                        • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                        • Sitting on top of the summit @ 14,179 ft!
                        • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                        • Train by hiking/climbing hills/mountains, endurance, and strength training.
                         
                        5.0

                        Great Trip, Amazing People

                        By Gear Addict

                        from Seal Beach, CA

                        About Me Avid Adventurer

                        See all my reviews

                        Site Member

                        Pros

                        • Accommodations
                        • Activity Level
                        • Educational
                        • Exceeded Expectations
                        • Food
                        • Group Camaraderie
                        • Guides
                        • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                        • Quality Equipment Provided
                        • Well Organized Itinerary

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                            This trip was amazing I recommend this for anyone interested in trying mountaineering for the first time. I had a great time with amazing people and fun informative guides. By the time we started summit day I felt I had a good knowledge of basic techniques and was excited and confident for the climb. This would not of been the case if the guides were not as good as they were. Not only were the guides wonderful with their instruction but they were also more then willing to answer any questions and help whenever needed. The other adventures on the trip were wonderful to spend time with, chatting and working toward a common goal together. I decided to do this trip not knowing anyone who was going and I am glad I went, it was a great way to meet some amazing people and test myself.

                            • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                            • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                            • Why did you choose this trip?:
                            • I picked this trip to give myself an introduction to mountaineering.
                            • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                            • It hard to say that there was only one highlight of the trip but I loved summiting along with snow school, and just camping at 50/50 flats.
                            • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                            • Make sure to bring snacks that you love for summit day because you are going to be eating something every hour on the way up.
                             
                            5.0

                            Amazing!!

                            By Gear Addict

                            from Seal Beach, CA

                            About Me Avid Adventurer

                            See all my reviews

                            Site Member

                            Pros

                            • Accommodations
                            • Activity Level
                            • Exceeded Expectations
                            • Food
                            • Group Camaraderie
                            • Guides
                            • Instruction
                            • Once in a Lifetime Experience
                            • Quality Equipment Provided
                            • Well Organized Itinerary

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                                This trip was amazing for me and I would do it again in a heart beat. The guides were amazing fun cool and informative. The guides made sure to take the time to give clear instruction and answer any questions anyone in the group had. The group of people were amazing and just plan fun to be around. I think if these two things weren't there for the trip it would of made the experience much more difficult. I must say we had beautiful weather which also makes it a bit easier.

                                Go for it and don't forget to enjoy yourself!

                                • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                • Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
                                • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                • I chose this trip as an introduction to mountaineering.
                                • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                • The snow school part of the trip was a lot of fun and very important. It made it possible to learn the techniques to get to the top with too much difficulty.
                                • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                • Make sure to get good tasting snacks because you are eating snacks over ten times on summit day.

                                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Strenous and Exciting

                                By SunTrekker

                                from Moraga, California

                                About Me Avid Adventurer

                                See all my reviews

                                Site Member

                                Pros

                                • Activity Level
                                • Exceeded Expectations
                                • Food
                                • Group Camaraderie
                                • Guides
                                • Quality Equipment Provided
                                • Well Organized Itinerary

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                    Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Shasta Climb:

                                    The guides were great, the food was really good as well as the equipment.

                                    • Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
                                    • Active Adventures, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
                                    • Why did you choose this trip?:
                                    • I was looking for a strenous Mountaineering activity.
                                    • What was the highlight of your trip?:
                                    • Waking up at midnight to start ascending in early morning hours while it was still dark, seeing the sun rise as we ascended, ascending with crampons, and the intensity of the ascent.
                                    • What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
                                    • This is a very strenous trip and you have to be able to withstand ascending for many ours as it is a very long day.

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