Snow skills covers beginner and intermediate mountaineering skills beginning with dressing appropriately for the weather and workload, pressure breathing and using the rest step, kicking steps and climbing in balance when on snow, and efficient pacing that allows us to climb comfortably. Additionally, you will learn crampon techniques, and how to self-arrest using an ice ax in case of a fall. Learn and practice the skills you will need to begin climbing mountains such as Pahto (Mt. Adams) and Loowit (St. Helens). This class takes place on the slopes of Mt. Tahoma (Rainier) and can offer inspiring views of the surrounding peaks, along with the chance to learn and recreate as part of a professional, safety focused, and fun group.

Highlights

Mountain Skills – Self-Arrest – Self-Rescue

Difficulty Level

Intermediate: May require participants to hike significant elevation gain

Length

One day

2023 Schedule:

April 15

Price: $150 per person

Available Trips

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

• 9 AM: Meet time and introductions

Learning Goals

• Basic snow skills
• Local geography
• Cultural history

Logistics

• Meet Location: TBD
• Meet Time: 9 AM
• End Time: Approximately 3 PM

Gear Provided

• Backpack for group gear carried by guide
• First-aid kit and satellite phone
• Crampons
• Ice axes

Packing List

• Packing Checklist

Paperwork

• Waiver
• Photo Release

“It [Lushootseed] is from the beginning strength of the people, and it is from what the Creator put down upon this land for people…. The earth speaks. The animals speak. Everything has a voice.”

Vi Hilbert, Grandmother Video Project

The Puyallup tribe in their own language call themselves a name that means “people from the bend at the bottom of the river.” They are one of twelve Lushootseed speaking tribes in the Puget Sound region. The language of Lushootseed has vast diversity and multiple dialects, with each group having their own way of speaking. All dialects were to be honored and respected, reflecting the values of Lushootseed culture such as ‘Be kind, be helpful, be sharing.’

The Lushootseed speaking peoples called the mountain that dominated their horizon Tacoma or Tahoma, a word that may have meant “the mother of all waters.” The Puyallup tribe is calling on the state of Washington to rename the mountain from its current official name of “Rainier.”

Today, the Puyallup Tribe is a recognizable force in the fight for tribal rights, and were a significant player in the Boldt Decision of 1974, establishing the rights of Native Americans in Washington State to fish using traditional methods.

~ This information was found on PuyallupTribe.com