Tag: Mountaineering

Snow Travel Courses in Full Swing

Moving as a Team to Start Day 1 of Snow Travel School
Photo Courtesy of: Connie Kim

We, at SMI, have started running our Snow Travel Courses getting those new to mountaineering and those needing to renew their skills ready to safely enjoy the snowy mountains this season. Come join us for Day 1 and/or Day 2 to practice and develop your skills in snowy terrain.

Guides: Sara & Hjordis demonstrating proper Ice Axe – Self Arrest Positioning
Photo Courtesy of: Connie Kim

Day One – Snow Travel School

This course covers the basics of travel on snow. Techniques practiced include use of an ice axe, efficient methods for walking up and down on snow, cramponing skills, travel roped together with other people, and belaying on snow. This course provides practical knowledge applicable whether you plan on climbing snow covered peaks throughout the year, or your backcountry adventures are mainly during the summer months with an occasional snowfield to negotiate.

Self-Arrest Practice
Photo Courtesy of: Connie Kim

Day Two – Snow Anchors and Crevasse Rescue Course
We offer this course as a second day add-on to our Snow Travel School or as a stand alone day.

This is school covers essential skills needed for anyone planning to climb on snowy terrain steep enough warrant placing anchors for protection, or on glaciated routes. Topics discussed include various pulley systems, and the application of different types of snow anchors. We will also cover related subjects such as rescue priorities and procedures, team management, and safety considerations. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of equipment will be discussed throughout the day.

Client demonstrating a Prussik
Photo Courtesy of: Connie Kim
Snow Anchor Practice
Photo Courtesy of: Connie Kim

Cost
$150 per person/day.
If a course has less than three participants our private rates apply:  $360 for one person, $250 per person for two people.

Dates Available:
February 1 (1-slot left!)
February 8
February 15
February 22
February 29
March 7
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 18
April 24
May 2
May 9
And on a Private Basis

Hope to see you out there soon!

https://www.sierramountaineering.com/technical-training/learning-mountaineering-skills/basic-snow-travel/

The Kilimanjaro 2017 team makes headway!

The SMI Kilimanjaro 2017 Team makes more headway up to the “roof of Africa”! SMI guide Alex Barber checks in:


February 6, 2016

Hello again,

Tonight we’re checking in from Umbwe Cave Camp at 9600ft. This morning we had another coffee centric breakfast at the Springlands hotel. Afterwhich we all piled in our Zara van and spent an hour driving to the Umbwe gate at 5200ft.

The day started hot and humid but the canopy of the rainforest gave us some relief. As our hike took us higher and higher the temp’s cooled, a light breeze picked up along with a light rain. Throughout the day we spotted two types of Monkey and a plethora of different species of bird and plant life, all in all, an engaging day!

We arrived in camp this afternoon feeling good and spent the remainder of our day drinking tea and shootin’ the breeze. Tomorrow we head to Barranco Camp at 12,800ft, the team is excited to be on the trail and ready to bite off another good chunk of Kilimanjaro!

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Giant Senacio Trees at Barranco Camp

February 7, 2017

Today the team is checking in from Barranco Camp at 12,800ft. After a relaxed breakfast in Umbwe Cave camp we hit the trail under clear skies. As we ascended through the Moorlands and into the low alpine zone, the day became cloudy and then quite rainy. The team handled the weather in stride and soon we found ourselves walking into our dining tent at Barranco Camp. We arrived at 2pm and spent a lazy afternoon playing cards and drinking tea, we’ve got a tough lifestyle up here…

Tomorrow we’ll take a acclimatization hike to Lava Tower then return to Barranco camp for a second night. The whole team is in high spirits and ready to keep chipping away at Kilimanjaro!

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Western Breach Wall at sunset from Barranco Camp

February 8, 2017

Hello from Barranco Camp,

Today the team hiked to Lava Tower at 15,000ft, which was a new high point for everyone. We took a nice long break there and enjoyed the good weather before making our way back to Barranco camp. We arrived to a tasty hot lunch, prepared by our fantastic local support staff.

Tomorrow we will make our way to Karanga Camp, our shot at the roof of Africa is rapidly approaching!

Approaching Lava Tower at 4600m/15,091’

 


Follow more updates on SMI’s Kilimanjaro 2017 team on our Facebook and Instagram @smiguides

SMI’s Kilimanjaro 2017 team arrives!

Aaaaand… SMI is off to start another adventure! This time, our strong team will be ascending Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano and tallest peak in Africa, towering at an intimidating 19,341 feet. SMI guide extraordinaire Alex Barber, is leading this trip and has just updated on the team’s status:


This is Alex Barber checking in from SMI’s first 2017 Kilimanjaro Climb.

The team arrived late yesterday after some long flights and thankfully so did all of our luggage.
The team had a wonderful breakfast here at the Springlands hotel while getting acqainted with one another. After our leisurely breakfast, we took a stroll through the local farmlands, watching the vibrant people go about their daily work. During our stroll we spotted a wide variety of wildlife. After a mid-day siesta we went into the town of Moshi and walked the local markets, sampling fruit and perusing stores stacked full of trinkets.

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A hot day was broken in the afternoon by a cool breeze and we spent the remainder of our day doing gear checks and repacking our bags for the start of the climb tomorrow. We capped off the day with a delicous buffet style dinner pared with lively conversation.

Everyone is doing well here and we’re excited to start our climb of Kilimanjaro!


Follow more updates on SMI’s Kilimanjaro 2017 team on our facebook and instagram @smiguides

Aconcagua Team 2017 establishes Camp 3!

Aconcagua Team 2017 has carried their gear up to establish Camp 3 at 19,600′ and are sleeping there, tonight. And more excitingly, they are headed for the summit tomorrow!!

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Glacier near Camp 3!

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Hiking up to Camp 3!

Kurt reports that the team is, “We’re fed, hydrated & packed for an alpine start to attempt to reach the highest point in the Western Hemisphere! Weather is clear & calm :)”

Woooo! Let’s all send them the best wishes and looking forward to hearing about the summit!

 

 


Stay tuned for more updates as they continue their ascent! Follow more updates on our facebook and instagram @smiguides

Aconcagua Team 2017 reaches Camp 2!

The Aconcagua 2017 team slept at Camp 1 on Wednesday and carried loads up to Camp 2 (17,700′) today! They returned to Camp 1 and ate a yummy and well deserved pizza dinner.

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Kurt Wedberg (SMI Founder) treats himself to a pepperoni pizza at the end of the day

Camp 1 is also called “Plaza Canadá” where the team working on acclimatization to optimize their chances of summiting. They will move to Camp 2 tomorrow to sleep there. Check out their climb to Camp 2, today:

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Rock stars trekking up the grade with their packs!

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What a trooper!


Stay tuned for more updates as they continue their ascent! Follow more updates on our facebook and instagram @smiguides

The Aconcagua 2017 team starts their trip!

Yesterday, the Aconcagua 2017 team gathered in Mendoza, Argentina, and are prepared to start their climb to the summit of Aconcagua! Aconcagua is the tallest peak in the Southern and Western Hemisphere, sitting at 22,841 ft (6,961 m) in the Andes range.aconcagua


The team slowly trickled in from all the US, and even from Slovakia! They started their climb yesterday, on Jan 5, 2017.

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Cory Gaconnet, Martin Takac, Mark Griffith, Kurt Wedberg (SMI Founder), Alex Barber (SMI Guide), Barbara Falco, Cory Gaconnet, and Balmore Flores are psyched to start their climb!

Today, on Jan 6, 2017, by the end of the day, they made it to Pierdra Grande Camp at 10,620′! Their first day was spent trekking through a river filled valley which ended with a delicious authentic Argentinian chicken asado, cooked by their gauchos. Tomorrow, they move to base camp at 13,747′!

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Mules to help carry supplies along the river

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The team pushes through the beautiful valley on their first day.

Stay tuned for more updates as they continue their ascent! Follow more updates on our facebook and instagram @smiguides

 

 

Sierra Gem – Bear Creek Spire

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The beautiful Bear Creek Spire

Lately, it seems, our guides have been spending a lot of time climbing Bear Creek Spire. With multiple classic routes of varying levels, BCS is a beauty of a peak, nestled in the Little Lakes Valley of the High Sierra between Bishop and Mammoth.

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SMI Guide, Ross Hill, leading a pitch on the North Arete

The two most popular routes on BCS are the North Arete, a 1200′ climb rated 5.8 for its most challenging pitch, with most pitches 5.5 or lower, and the Northeast Ridge, rated 5.5. The approach to both involves a very gradual trail over about 3.5 miles, followed by some talus hopping and off-trail navigation for about 2 more. You will likely contend with a snow field at the base, depending on time of year.

We are happy to take you on a climb of Bear Creek Spire this season, if you’re inspired by these photos! If you’re in good mountain shape, the Ridge could be turned around in a 2 day trip. We’d recommend a 3 day trip for the Arete, but 2 days might be appropriate for a strong climber.

Client, Ben Novak, climbing the Northeast Ridge

 

 

Denali 2015 Team Reaches the Summit!

11036893_10153403627384481_7096785160031230869_nKurt Wedberg, Tristan Sieleman and the entire 2015 Denali Team made the summit yesterday, June 23rd! Kurt checked in saying: “100% on top of North America! Teary eyed & psyched for this team! ‪#‎Denali2015‬ ‪#‎BestJobOnThePlanet‬

Today they are descending. Kurt said they are “packing up from high camp. We’ll descend to 11000 today then travel the lower glacier tonight.”

Expect more photos and updates, as they return to civilization!

–Megan

Denali 2015 Update: Team About 3-4 Days From Summit

The 2015 Denali team is still on the move.

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On Motorcycle Hill above Camp 3. Camp 3 at 11,000’ is seen below us in the sun.

Today they cached a load of gear/food at 16,200 ft.

Joey Szalkiewicz is strong and keeping up just fine with the more seasoned climbers. At 17 years old, he’s already carrying a 60 lb pack successfully up the mountain.

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At 12000’ on Squirrel Hill

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At 12500’ traveling above Squirrel Hill towards Windy Corner

Kurt Wedberg checked in today saying that the group is about 3 to 4 days from the summit, weather permitting. “The team is strong & healthy & having a great time. Weather’s been clear lending to spectacular views of the Alaska Range.  After 8 days of climbing & establishing camps we’re @C3 @14200′. 2moro we are planning on a well earned rest b4 setting our sites on moving to High Camp @17200. Thinking about our loved ones, family & friends. Thanks for all your support :)”

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Our cache at 13500’ buried and marked

Stay tuned for an update on Wednesday!

–Megan

 

 

 

Denali 2015 Team Making Steady Progress Up the Mountain

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Organizing loads at Base Camp at 7200’

The 2015 Denali team is right on track and feeling good!

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Leaving Base Camp with Mt. Hunter (14,570’) in the background

On Friday, they landed on the Kahiltna Glacier and began their progress.

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Traveling on the Kahiltna Glacier en route to Camp 1

On Saturday, the team carried to 9500′ and on Sunday , Kurt checked in saying “4 days after landing in the Alaska Range our team has carried supplies to Camp 2 @11000′. The team’s strong & psyched! ”

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On Ski Hill above Camp 1

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Light snow on our tents at Camp 2 at 9500’

Today, they have already cached a load at 13,500′!

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Beautiful day traveling on the Kahiltna Glacier at 10,000’ en route to Camp 3.

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Taking a rest break on the Kahiltna Glacier

Stay tuned for more updates!

-Megan