My Brother-in-law is going to climb Mt Rainier in July, I’m wondering if I’d like to join him? If you’ve ever climbed mountains, do you think my tri fitness (IM training) will help me handle the load or is there climbing specific stuff I’d need to work on? This guy has never done anything athletic and I’m figuring if he can do it, it would seem like I could handle it too? But, I"m naive regarding climbing, so someone set me straight! LOL
Thanks,
Spencer
Don’t be a pussy. I’d like to see you RACE your bro’-in-law up Rainier.
You are probably fit enough, but from friends that have done it, there is a fair amount of climbing-specific stuff to deal with. People die on Rainier every year from variety of avoidable causes (bad judgement, improper or insufficient equipment, etc.) and bad weather - related issues, so it’s a good idea on your part to look further into preparation. The Mountaineers club here in Seattle (http://www.mountaineers.org) will have a lot of useful info for you.
Chris
If you are going with a guided tour you should be fine. If it’s you and the brother-in-law, update your will and insurance first.
I went with RMI for a 3 day (one day class, 2 day climb) trip in 1997. I was in pretty decent shape and did just fine on the ascent but that second day is long because you summit from Camp Muir (~10,000) then descend all the way back to Paradise (5400). I recall asking one of the guides why we were climbing so slowly. His response was “That’s how we get so many people to the top”.
Doing Rainier in my opinion is a lot like doing a slowish Ironman. hydration and pacing are key, as is equipment planning. Almost everyone brings too much stuff.
It’s a great climb, but a tough one. Never make the error of underestimated the difficulty of the mountain. 0ver 70% of the glaciers in the lower 48 states are located on Mt. Rainier.
I’ve climbed Rainier 7 times. It is a wonderful climb and a bit of an epic in its own right. As one other poster on this forum correctly, it isn’t exactly a wilderness experience pre se’, but you are exposed to all the attendant challenges of mountaineering: Avalanches (I’ve seen 4 very large ones on Rainier), crevasse falls, rock fall (especially in the shooting gallery below Cadaver Gap around sunrise), extreme cold, high winds, sudden storms, etc. Take your training seriously and know how to use your ice axe for self-arrest. Know how to quickly adjust and don your crampons and how to use your harness and tie the basic knots. That knowledge will make you a better client-climber and make your climb and your guide’s job easier.
The guides at RMI are top notch and their names read like a who’s-who of elite U.S. mountaineering. A great group to climb with and learn from.
Best of luck, once you stand on that summit, you will be a changed man (or woman, as the case may be).
I did it w/ very little knowledge of mountaineering, but was with a seasoned climber and was in good (not triathlete good) shape. The key is pacing, knowledge, and equipment. If you are guided, you’ll think you could have gone much faster, but the peace of mind so you do not fall in a crevasse, thus ending your triathlete career, among other things, is priceless.
Went with RMI several (maybe 10 now?) years ago. Your fitness should be o.k. Only thing to add is leg strength - carrying a pack with weight. I did that training before I went to the mountain (and before I got into triathlons).
As Tom D wrote, pacing is everything. Listen closely to the RMI guides; they really know what they’re talking about. You’ll be fine.