Intro to Mountaineering

If you haven’t already, please read the cancelation policy here.

As for all of our expeditions, we will carry satellite communication devices. In keeping with recommendations from emergency medical and rescue services, we will make conservative decisions. We will screen participants for COVID-19 symptoms prior to beginning the expedition, and ask participants to be fully vaccinated. If you have a medical reason for not being vaccinated, please let us know.

We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance and emergency evacuation service. Trip insurance covers the cost of your trip should you need to cancel at the last minute. Emergency evacuation insurance covers you in case of expensive or prolonged transport due to accident or injury. A simple way to get Emergency evacuation coverage is by becoming a member of the American Alpine Club Here.

Please see the gear list here.

Plan on bringing all your food for the trip! Breakfasts and dinners should be makeable with just boiling water (provided). We recommend things like bagels and oatmeal for breakfast and Mountain House / Backpacker’s Pantry / etc. dehydrated meals for dinner.

Some things to think about when packing snacks:

• Plan for around ⅓ to ½ pound of snacks per day depending on your appetite.

• Try to find foods that are low bulk but high calories.

• Pack your snacks in bags so they’re not loose in your backpack.

Snack ideas:

Trail mix is a go-to for many, but the list of tasty snack options is expansive. Banana chips, no-bake energy bites, chocolate-covered cashews or almonds, spicy nuts, dried fruit (apples, mangos, cranberries), fruit leather, string cheese, crackers, fig bars, peanut butter pretzels, cookies, Chex mix, sesame sticks, pumpkin seeds, gummy bears, licorice and candy bars are just a few choices. For more ideas, read Snack Hacks for Any Outdoor Adventure.

Please reach out with any questions or if you’d like more guidance when packing snacks for the trip.

Climbing Kulshan can be hard. Two things can make it easier: having a light pack and being in good shape when you arrive. Accomplish both of those goals and your trip will be more enjoyable. If you think you could possibly do without an item… don’t bring it… you probably won’t miss it on the way up. If you have questions about how necessary something is, please reach out.

To get in shape we recommend regular hiking for 1-2 months before the trip starts. Start hiking with low weight and slowly build up until you’re hiking with around 20 - 30 pounds in a day pack. Plan to do one hike like this per week for 1-2 months.

That being said, everyone has their own way to get in shape… do what works for you. Anything that builds endurance and tendon / ligament flexibility will be great (think running, biking, cross country skiing, hiking, rowing).

Most people underestimate the physical challenge of climbing uphill for 6 hours to above 10,000 feet. As a result of this underestimation they spend more time struggling internally and have less resources to appreciate their surroundings. It’s better to show up over prepared than under prepared, but struggling throughout the climb is a natural and important part of the experience.

If you have questions about fitness or would like a personalized training plan, please let us know.

FULL SCHOLARSHIP!!!

Included: All shared group mountaineering gear: ropes, carabiners, slings, etc, group tents, Professional Guiding, Permits.

Not Included: Transportation to Sedro-Wooley or the Park Butte Trailhead (carpooling may be available upon discussion with the group), Personal outdoor gear (see gear list), NW forest Pass for parking at the Trailhead, gratuities for your guides.