MT RAINIER ITINERARY

DAY 1 : On our first day, we'll gather at the Paradise Parking Lot at 9:00 AM. Our guide will give us a briefing about the climb. It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Camp Muir, which stands at 10,188 feet. Once there, we'll set up camp and spend the night.

DAY 2 : After breakfast, we'll kick off our mountaineering school session, focusing on essential skills for safe ascent and descent. This comprehensive training will span approximately 3 to 4 hours. Following this, we'll take it easy and enjoy a relaxed evening, gearing up for our upcoming summit attempt.

DAY 3 : We'll rise around midnight to start on our summit push, it will most likely take about 6 to 7 hours to reach the summit. The return to Camp Muir will likely take half that time, contingent on route conditions. Once we're back at Muir, we'll take a well-deserved break, then proceed to dismantle our camp and initiate our descent to Paradise. From there, we'll drive back to Seattle or wherever your final destination may be.

Gear check and orientation session will be held day before the climb. Further details on the location, will be sent via email. To ensure everyone has the required gears for the climb and talk about Leave No Trace at 2 pm. Please plan to attend as it is mandatory. It will take the afternoon.

MEALS DURING CLIMB

**We will provide dinners, breakfast and hot drinks during your climb on the mountain. But you are responsible to bring your own lunch. For lunch, bring what works best for you. Recommendation below.

Day 1: About 1000 calories lunch for this day.

  • Pizza or sandwich, Fresh fruits, Candy bars, Meat and cheese, Electrolyte drinks mix

Day 2 or summit day: about 1000 calories of foods for this day

  • Your favorite candy bars, Bagel with meat and cheese. Nuts or trail mix etc.

  • 3 to 4 energy bars, 2 energy gel or shot blocks,Some salty snacks Mix of Nuts

Day 3: 1200 to 1400 calories of foods for this day

  • 3 to 4 energy bars, 2 energy gel or shot blocks,Some salty snacks Mix of Nuts

    Total of 3,400 calories of lunch you need to bring for the climb.

Training and preparation

Physical conditioning

1. Cardiovascular Training (3–5x/week)

Focus on endurance and elevation gain.

  • Hiking with a weighted pack (start with 15 lbs, increase to 35–40 lbs)

  • Stair climbing or hill repeats (ideally 1,000–2,000 ft gain per session)

  • Running, biking, or swimming (30–60 minutes for aerobic base)

  • Weekly long hikes (build up to 6–8 hours, 3,000–5,000 ft gain)

2. Strength Training (2–3x/week)

Build legs, core, and upper body strength.

  • Legs: squats, lunges, step-ups with weight

  • Core: planks, leg raises, Russian twists

  • Upper Body: push-ups, pull-ups, rows (helpful for using trekking poles and carrying a pack)

3. Flexibility & Recovery

Stretch after workouts, focus on hamstrings, calves, hips, and shoulders. Use foam rollers or yoga to aid recovery.

Technical skills training

1. Glacier Travel & Crampon Use

  • Learn to walk in crampons (flat-footing, French technique)

  • Practice on snow if possible or take a snow skills course

2. Ice Axe Skills

  • Learn how to use an ice axe for balance and self-arrest (very important!)

  • Practice on snow slopes with a guide or instructor

3. Rope Skills (Optional but Recommended)

  • Learn basic knots: figure-8, prusik, clove hitch

  • Practice glacier rope travel and crevasse rescue techniques

Gear familiarity

Get used to wearing your mountaineering boots, crampons, helmet, and harness.

  • Break in your boots ahead of time

  • Hike in full gear at least once before the trip

  • Practice layering and staying warm/dry