2014 Summer Season Wraps Up!

Alpine Ascents 2014 summer season has come to a close. As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures get cooler, we are reflecting back on the successes, challenges, and fun had this summer. Many thanks to everyone who joined us on a climb, course, or expedition this summer. We hope you'll think of us again when you get the "climbing bug" in the future!

September 28-30 Climb safely at Muir post summit-attempt

The September 28-30th climbers made a summit attempt and made it up onto the Cleaver before the weather and conditions warranted the group turning around. Precipitation along with high winds on the upper mountain prevented further progress, but the team did well and gave it their best shot. They are descending from Camp Muir this morning and will enjoy a meal together in Ashford before heading back to Seattle this afternoon.

Sept 26-28 Rainier Climb Summits!

The September 26-28th team pushed through strong winds and heavy rain on Day 1 to make it to Camp Muir. Everyone was grateful for hot drinks and homemade burritos in the dry weatherport that evening. Day 2 dawned with clear skies and a fresh coat of snow on the upper mountain. The team got outside and had a couple hours of snow school in the morning. In the early hours on Day 3 (Sept. 28th) the team packed up for the summit and made their way up the Cleaver and on up to the summit! They enjoyed awesome views including Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, and all the way south to Mt. Jefferson, before descending safely all the way back down to Paradise yesterday. Congratulations to the team!

September 24-26 Rainier team gives it their best shot

The Rainier ascending Rainier team headed out in snowy weather in the morning yesterday. They made a valiant effort getting up to Camp Muir, but turned around at Moon Rocks (around 8,800') due to high winds and blowing precipitation. The group did a great job staying safe in challenging conditions and made it down to the Paradise parking lot tired but safe. The forecast looks to be improving in the next 24-36 hours, and is calling for partly sunny skies all weekend.

Rainier September 22-24- Fall is upon us!

The September 20-22 climb was able to sneak in a summit in the early hours yesterday as wind and unsettled weather moved into the area. The guides on the current Sept. 22-24 climb called to check in this morning and they are experiencing the same frontal system today. Conditions around Camp Muir are blustery with some mild precipitation. The team had a great pancake, eggs, and bacon breakfast this morning to fortify themselves for snow school and the weather at hand. They will decide on whether or not to move up to Ingraham Flats depending on how the conditions are as the day progresses. If they don't move up, there is still the option of making a summit attempt from Camp Muir if there is a break in the weather. The guides will make the call depending on what happens in the next 24 hours and in the meantime will be able to teach skills and techniques around Camp Muir and in the weatheport as well.

Sept. 20-22 Rainier Climb is enjoying a glorious Sunday on the mountain!

All is well on the mountain!  Last night the team refueled after the hike up to Muir with super special carne asada burritos with fresh peppers.  They were legendary.   The weather was slightly breezy for snow school but otherwise it's a beautiful fall day.  After learning the ropes (literally) and practicing glacier travel techniques, the team is heading up to High Camp and will head to the summit in the very very wee morning hours. 

Our view as we head up to Camp Muir

September 18-20 Rainier Climb- all is well!

The guides checked in a little while ago from Camp Muir. The team is doing well and was just finishing up breakfast before starting snow school. After snow school they moved up to Ingraham Flats and are spending the afternoon resting up in preparation for their summit attempt tonight/tomorrow morning. The forecast looks promising so hopes are high for a successful summit.

Snow school-

Here's a nice shot from high camp today as well-

Alpine Ascents Participates in NPS Volunteer Days!

AAI guides Nik and Patrick joined the NPS for four days of trail work along the Wonderland Trail this week. Days consisted of hiking, shoveling drains, and removing debris from trails around Paradise and the West Road. The weather was stellar and it was the perfect opportunity for AAI guides to see new areas of the park as well and provide some TLC to the trails we frequently use on our climbs. Thanks to the NPS for showing us a great time!

Sept 16-18 climb doing well

The team just checked in and all is well at Camp Muir. They are getting some weather but able to work on snow skills and glacier travel before heading up to high camp.

Sept. 14-16th climb doing great!

Matt Nightengale called to check in from the climb yesterday but it looks like he had trouble getting a blog post out so here's an update from the group. He reported the team was looking strong getting up to Camp Muir and everyone was feeling good for the move up to high camp. Matt also sent along this picture of Sam working hard (?!) digging out a new platform for the weather port. The warm temps mean it's an ever-present task for guides to shovel snow around the weather port and keep it looking spiffy all season. Sometimes it means digging out a new platform and moving the whole weather port, as Sam is helping out with here.

Photos from a recent 6-day course

Thanks to climber Johnathon Lewchuk for passing along a few photos from his recent 6-day course with us on Mt. Baker. The team successfully summited after days of skills practice and review, putting their new-found knowledge into practice.

Getting ready!

Learning about rope team travel and proper rope care

The view looking up from Sandy Camp

3 Day Muir 9/12-9/14

The group made great time up the Muir Snowfield yesterday and had a relaxing evening filled with burritos and sleep. Breakfast consisted of copious amounts of coffee, eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes. We are currently finishing up snow school before we move up to high camp at Ingraham Flats (11,200 ft). The weather looks stellar for our climb tonight! 

Sep 10-12 summit success

Indian summer continues! Another spectacular climbing day was enjoyed by all, followed by a raucous celebration dinner at the Wildberry. Good times!

Sunrise

Summit shot

Photos: Devin Bishop

6-day Course has a great week!

In a brief check-in with the Sept. 7-12th 6day course yesterday afternoon, the team reported all was well and the group was safe in Boston Basin. They've had a great week practicing skills and enjoying the scenic North Cascades. The team descends back to the trailhead today and then will stop for a well-deserved meal before returning to the office this afternoon. The group wraps up our season in the North Cascades.

Muir Climb Sep 10-12: Day Two

Everyone is up at at high camp enjoying the luxuries of high speed internet and FaceTiming friends and family. Weather is splitter, looking forward to dinner and an early morning summit bid tomorrow.

The mountain pokes out of the clouds while hiking the Muir Snowfield Wednesday. 

FaceTime time!

Photos: Devin Bishop

Sept. 10-12 Rainier climb checks in day one- all doing well

The Rainier climbers did a great job getting up to Muir yesterday. They checked in briefly to say all is well and the weather is beautiful. If they get enough cell signal they will post a photo and update today as well. Looks to be another sunny, warm climb for the trip!

September 8-10 Rainier climb doing great!

It's a beautiful day up at high camp! The team is doing great, resting up, and excited for their summit attempt tonight.

Sept. 6-8 Climb Checks In

The Sept. 6-8 climb checked in yesterday afternoon from high camp. The team was enjoying warm and beautiful late season weather, and were resting in preparation for their summit attempt today. They planned to leave in the early hours this morning for the summit and will then make the long descent back down to Paradise.

Muir climb Sep 4-6 summit success!

Awesome conditions ruled. Summited at 5pm with stupendous views. September climbing doesn't get any better!

Photos: Devin Bishop

Muir Climb Sep 4-6: Day Two

Everyone is at high camp in good spirits. Psyched for our summit attempt! Weather is awesome - great conditions for climbing!

Aug. 31-Sept.5th 6-day Course doing great!

The 6-day course checked in yesterday evening. The team had just returned from a long and successful summit day. It included a fairly circuitous route given the late season nature of the glacier but they found a way through and were rewarded with a summit! The team has had a great week with some wild stormy weather followed by beautiful high pressure and sunshine. They've spent the week learning lots of skills and putting them to use on reaching the summit. Today they head back down to the trail head and will enjoy a meal before returning to Seattle this afternoon.

Sept. 2-4 Rainier trip doing well

The Rainier team checked in yesterday after moving to high camp at Ingraham Flats. The team enjoyed eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes before a few hours of training at Camp Muir. They practiced different techniques for walking on varied terrain; self-arrest; and how to move effectively as a rope team. The group made it to the Flats and were resting in preparation for their summit attempt.

Aug. 31- Sept. 2nd Rainier climb Summits!

Congrats to the climbing team on their successful summit! As we move into September the weather can start to get colder and a bit less predictable but the guides are reporting the route is in great shape and fun to climb.

Aug. 31- Sept. 2nd Rainier group doing great!

The Rainier 3-day climb checked in from high camp yesterday. All was well with the group and everyone was doing great. The team was resting up in preparation for their summit attempt.

Wet, windy, and smiling on Mt Rainier

The team practices snow skills at Camp Muir during a cold storm moving up the mountain. Spirits are high and a great breakfast is motivating hopes of better weather soon for a summit attempt.

Aug. 25-27th climb having a great climb

The Aug. 25-27th climb checked in and were all doing great yesterday. The team was moving up to the Flats and preparing to rest up for their summit attempt. Hopefully we'll get a couple photos to share here as well.

Aug 23-25 Rainier Summits!

The Rainier 3-day climb over the weekend summitted with great weather and route in fine shape. The team saw the solar effects on the snow in action as the guides dug a new platform and moved the weatherport at Camp Muir due to the snow melting out so rapidly. Thanks to the guides for their efforts on keeping the Weatherport ship shape. Congratulations to the team on making the summit!

Aug 21-23 Muir climb photos

Lead guide Devin Bishop sent in some photos from their weekend summit of Mt. Rainier via the Disappointment Cleaver. It was a beautiful morning and a tremendous summit experience was enjoyed by all. 

Early morning atop the Cleaver

Entering the crater

Climbing Columbia Crest

Aug 21-23 Muir climb: day two

Weather is pretty nice today at high camp, though a bit colder than of late. Did some snow school this morning then travelled to Ingraham Flats this afternoon. Be eating dinner and going to bed soon to get rest before our summit bid tonight!

Hiking through beautiful alpine meadows on day one

Snow school

High camp

Photos: Devin Bishop

August 19- 21st Rainier climb summits!

The Aug. 19-21st Rainier climb successfully summitted amidst some windy and cold conditions. The burrito meal on night one was a big hit, followed by a bacon, eggs, and pancake breakfast the next morning before snow school. The team had a great time and everyone descended safely yesterday. Congrats to the team!

Aug. 18th Emmons Climb Returns Safely

 The Emmons climbers made it back safely to Seattle this afternoon. After guides went up to scout the route, they found unfavorable late season snow conditions on the route above Camp Schurman. Rather than making a summit attempt, the team had a fun time yesterday with crevasse rescue practice, learning how to prussik out of a crevasse, and enjoying the sunshine. The group descended from Camp Schurman today and back to the trailhead, and then returned to the office this afternoon.

Thanks to guide Danny Ozment for this pic from Day 1 of the climb

August 17- 22nd 6-day team Summits Mt. Shuksan!

The 6-day team just called to check in and say that 100% of the team was able to summit Mt. Shuksan today. They enjoyed a beautiful day and great views- a fine reward for their efforts. The team is all well and making their way back to high camp. They will spend the night there and then descend to the trailhead and return to Seattle tomorrow. Congrats to the team!

Aug. 18-21 Emmons Climb checks in

All is well with the Emmons climbers. The team is on Day 2 of the trip and spent the first 1/2 of the day moving up to Camp Schurman. The group is safely at camp and all set up. They are working on assessing the route and later season conditions before deciding on a summit attempt tomorrow.

Rainier climb August 15-17 Fred Hutch climbers!

Thanks to Lisa Carlson for passing along this photo from the August 15-17 Rainier trip. Many  Fred Hutch Climb for Breast Cancer climbers were on the trip and celebrated on the summit!

August 15-17- 100% Success on Baker

The Mt. Baker climb had 100% success with all team members reaching the top. They started out in dark, low cloud cover but were able to break out of it around 9,000' to spectacular bluebird skies. Congratulations to the team!

Aug. 17-19 Rainier Climb doing well

The Aug. 17-19 team checked in from Camp Muir this morning. The team is doing well and will be moving to high camp any time now. They may also get the experience of seeing a helicopter flying to/from Camp Muir, bringing needed supplies that are too heavy or bulky to be carried up on foot.

August 15-17 3-day climb summits!

The Rainier 3-day team summited over the weekend. The summer weekends are understandably a popular time for guided and independent climbers to attempt the DC route. The team left early to manage the crowds, had a great climb and descended safely.

Rainier three day training

Rainier 3-day at high camp

The Muir climb team are enjoying a nice hot meal of chicken soup and a snow storm at high camp. Life is good! :)

Aug 13-15 Rainier climbers doing great

The DC climbers checked in and all is well at Camp Muir. The team walked up in cloud cover yesterday and are working on skills this morning before moving to high camp. Everyone did great getting up to Camp Muir today, and are excited for moving up the mountain. Best of luck to the team!

Emmons Climbers turn at 13,100' in deteriorating conditions. All safe at Camp Schurman

The Aug. 10-13th Rainier Emmons climbers made a great attempt at the summit yesterday, but turned around at 13,100' in deteriorating snowy and windy conditions. The team made a safe descent to Camp Schurman where they were glad to be in their tents during overnight rain. They are now working on packing up camp and descending down to the White River trailhead, and then will be heading back to Seattle this afternoon.

Team prepares for summit

Self arrest practice in preparation for today's climb!

Aug 9-11 Muir climb photos

Couldn't have asked for better weather or a finer group of climbers. Good times were had and we were treated to a Super Moon at sunset!

Photos by Devin Bishop

Aug. 10-13 Emmons Climb resting at Camp Schurman

The Emmons team has successfully moved up to Camp Schurman and will spend the rest of the afternoon resting up, fueling, and hydrating before their summit attempt in the early hours tomorrow morning. There is some cloud cover and the team is watching the weather. Everyone is doing well and looking forward to going for the summit!

August 9-11 3-day Rainier Climb Summits!

We heard from the team last night and they summitted! They were back at High Camp eating soup and resting up. They will head back down the Muir snowfield and to Seattle today. Congrats to the team!

Aug 7-9 3DM: Team training

AAI team prepares for summit attempt tonight.

6-Day Course Summits Eldorado!

Guide Danny Ozment just called to check in from the 6-day course. The entire team summitted Eldorado Peak this morning, and are enjoying "perfect" weather today. Everyone has had  an awesome trip this week. They are beginning their descent and will head back to Seattle tomorrow. Nice work!

Emmons Trip Checks In

The Emmons crew is doing well, and they reported that they made it to 8,000' on the Interglacier in style yesterday. The team will head up to Camp Schurman today.

10-day Team Attempts Summit

The 10-day checked in yesterday evening! They were unable to summit, but all is well with the team. They are headed back to Seattle today.

10-day team doing great

We just got a quick update from the 10-day team on their Kautz climb. The group is camped at 9900' above a feature known as the "Castle". The group is doing well and getting  ready for their move up before their summit attempt.

3-day climbers check in

The 3-day climb is doing great and settled into the tents at high camp at Ingraham Flats. The team is enjoying the sunshine and resting before they get up for their summit attempt around 11:30 or midnight. Best of luck to the team!

Aug. 3-8 Mountaineering course checks in from the North Cascasdes

The 6-day mountaineering course is doing great and having a slower day after a big push getting up into Eldorado basin yesterday. It's a long approach with very warm weather yesterday, but the team did great and pushed on to reach camp. This morning they were practicing knots and rope work in camp before packing up to move to their next camp for this evening. They are in a gorgeous location with great weather, and everyone is looking forward to the rest of the week!

Aug. 1-3 Rainier climbers Summit

We had a bit of technical trouble getting an update out over the weekend, but our climbers on the DC climb enjoyed fair weather and great climbing conditions. The team included many Fred Hutch Climb for Breast cancer climbers/ fundraisers, and we'll post a couple photos when we get them in. Congrats to the team!

Baker Climb Aug 1-3: Summit Success!

A brilliant top out was enjoyed by all yesterday afternoon. A warm and windless summit allowed us to hang out and enjoy the views; great snow conditions afforded a swift descent in good style where we were treated to another spectacular sunset before a restful night's sleep. Now we're on our way to Sedro Woolley for a post-climb celebration. Ciao!

Photos: Devin Bishop

Aug 1-3 Baker: Day Two

Were at the crater right now. Be on the summit soon. Great travel conditions. 

Photo: Devin Bishop

Aug 1-3 Baker climb

All are at high camp, fed and watered. Was a warm hike with tremendous views and a spectacular sunset. 

Photos: Devin Bishop

6-day Course Summits Baker!

The July 27- Aug. 1st 6-day mountaineering course had a great week on the north side of Mt. Baker this week. They successfully summitted yesterday, putting all the skills of the week into practice on a summit bid via the Coleman-Demming glacier. The team is grabbing a bite to eat in Sedro-Wooley and will be headed back to Seattle this afternoon.

July 28th-August 6th 10-day Trip Checks in from Baker

The 10-day trip just called to check in from Mt. Baker. The team just summitted! They are having a great trip with solid weather. The team will transition and head to the Kautz on Mt. Rainier tomorrow.

July 30- Aug. 1 Rainier Climb Summits!

The Rainier climbers had a great trip up the DC route the past couple of days. The team successfully summitted and were speedy in their descent. After a celebration meal in Ashford, the team is now headed back to Seattle. Congratulations to the group on reaching the summit!

July 27-August 1st 6-day Course Summits Baker!

Guide Victor McNeil just called in from the summit of Baker! The team is enjoying the sunny weather on the summit, are taking photos, and then getting ready to head down. They will head back to Seattle tomorrow. Congrats to the team!

July 30-August 1st 3-day Muir

The 3-day Rainier climb just called to check in and have reported bluebird skies and beautiful weather. They are currently at Camp Muir preparing to head up to High Camp. They are planning on attempting a sunset climb of the mountain. Best of luck to the team!

July 28th-31st Emmons Climb Summits!

We just heard from Guide Brent Langlinais who called in to say that the team summitted! They are back at Camp Schurman enjoying the sunshine and beautiful weather and resting up. They will head back down tomorrow. Nice work!

Fred Hutch Mt. Baker Climbs summit!

The Fred Hutch Climb for Breast Cancer team made a successful summit climb of Mt. Baker under blue skies and sunshine this weekend. The team had a great time while raising money for an excellent cause. Congratulations!

photo: courtesy of John Scurlock

July 26th-28th 3-Day Muir Climb

Guide Dennis Haskell called from Rainier to say that the group is doing great and is in high spirits. They are enjoying the sunshine on the mountain! They were preparing for a summit attempt early this morning.

July 24-26 Baker Climb – Success!

Had a beautiful climb yesterday afternoon and enjoyed a sunset summit with the shadow of the mountain behind us. Now we're headed to the Skagit River Brewery for grub!

Photos: Devin Bishop