Learn Mountaineering Skills in the magnificent Eastern Sierra!
Learn mountaineering skills in the magnificent Eastern Sierra! Our Mountaineering Skills Seminars are excellent training for mountaineers of all abilities. They are led by veteran alpinists who have climbed all over the world bringing a wealth of knowledge few other companies can rival. The Sierra Nevada provides an entire mountain range of excellent terrain for learning mountaineering skills allowing us to choose locations that best suit our needs at any given time of year.
Objectives
We have two primary goals on our Mountaineering Skills Seminars. Firstly, we get in as much experience and training in mountaineering techniques as we can. Some of the topics we practice include ice axe skills, cramponing, snow and glacier travel, basic rock climbing, rope handling, route finding, snow anchors, crevasse rescue, technical ice climbing, and expedition camping. Furthermore, camping in the evenings provides the opportunity to discuss topics including weather, mountain medicine, equipment selection, and training for mountaineering. Secondly, we make a summit attempt on a classic Sierra peak putting in to practice the techniques we have reviewed during the course.
There is room in our itinerary to adjust for weather, route conditions, as well as specific interests within the group. For the beginning mountaineer this seminar is a chance to learn the skills used to climb on peaks in the United States and all over the world. Also, the more experienced climber has the opportunity to bring skills to a new level and pick the brains of professional climbers and learn from their experiences. It is a great opportunity to train for climbs such as Denali, peaks in South America, Himalayas, as well as a chance to test and get comfortable with your personal equipment before embarking on a bigger objective.
Leadership
The seminar is organized by SMI founder Kurt Wedberg and led by our senior guide staff with Sierra Mountaineering International, Inc. SMI senior guides are all veteran alpinists intimately familiar with modern American mountaineering techniques.
Prerequisites and Conditioning
Proper physical conditioning is essential for a safe and positive experience in the mountains. Therefore, a training program should be undertaken that maximizes strength and endurance in the legs, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Read more here about Training for Mountaineering.
Food and Equipment
We provide breakfasts and dinners, climbing safety gear, stoves, and cookware. Upon registration we will provide a personal equipment list of what will be required for each participant. Contact our office if you would like a copy of the equipment list before registering for this course.
Transportation, Lodging and Logistics
If you are flying, your choice of airports are LA, Las Vegas, and Reno. In addition, United Airlines offers seasonal service into Bishop, CA. Airfares and flight schedules vary depending on where you are coming from. After that, rent a car from there and drive to the town of Bishop. Drive time from the airports listed above (besides Bishop) are generally an approximate 4-hour drive.
A list of lodging options, as well as camping sites, and directions from any airport is available from us upon request. The seminars will meet at 7 AM on the first day and finish by 4 PM on the final day.
Cost
3-day Seminar: $1,125 per person
5-day Seminar: $1,875 per person
Cost is based on two or more people signing up on the same dates.
2025 Dates
3-Day Seminar 2025 Dates
January 31 – February 2
March 7-9
April 4-6
May 9-11
5-Day Seminar 2025 Dates
March 12-16
April 9-13
May 14-18
We can arrange custom dates and private courses tailored around specific needs and training anytime of the year. Contact our office for more details.
