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 29

Price: $300 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: Longmire gate
• Meet Time: 9 AM
• End Time: Approximately 3 PM

Gear Provided

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

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 traditional homeland of the Nisqually people includes about two million acres of the Nisqually River drainage from Mt. Rainier to Olympia. They have inhabited this land for thousands of years, since, according to their history, their ancestors, the Squalli-absch, came north across the Cascades from the Great Basin. Nisqually life, territory, and culture have been heavily impacted by the European invasion of the Puget Sound area, and they have fought hard to maintain their identity and dignity in the face of displacement, violence, and suppression. Multiple names around the Puget Sound area honor Leschi, a war chief of the Nisqually Tribe during the mid 19th century, who, along with his brother Quiemuth, led the fight for his people’s right to remain on their ancestral homeland. 

The Nisqually way of life revolves around salmon, and today, they lead the stewardship of fisheries resources in the Nisqually River area. The tribe operates two fish hatcheries on Clear Creek and Kalama Creek. The tribe’s resilience, dedication, and commitment can be seen in their continued efforts to come alongside, guide, and lead these efforts to care for the land.
Nisqually is a Southern Coast Salish language, and is a dialect of Lushootseed. Stories, songs, and other Nisqually language resources can be found on the tribe’s website, www.nisqually-nsn.gov.