Washington State Programs
are up and running!

Welcome to our August update. Our Rainier and Cascade climbs have been operating smoothly for over a month with high summit success. Adding precautions such as having climbers self-drive, single-occupancy tents, and holding all gear checks outside (full protocols available here) have added logistical challenges, but we are pleased with the increased level of safety that these changes have created on our programs. This past month, we have also been fortunate to enjoy excellent climbing conditions and enviable weather. We look to use our current protocols as we launch international expeditions next season.

Want to come out and climb in the beautiful PNW this summer?  You’re in luck. We still have a few openings on Mt. Baker, a new September 6 day mountaineering course, and we can set up a private climb for you and your family.

International Expeditions for Fall and Winter…and Spring 2021  

Alpine Ascents has postponed all international expeditions through November 1, 2020. We are still monitoring winter trips in the hopes of running our Vinson program as well as Aconcagua (Argentina is currently closed to visitors as of August 6, 2020).

Our Ecuador and Kilimanjaro trips remain scheduled but these will likely be postponed. We will reach out to each climbing team directly as decisions are made.

We are very optimistic about running spring and summer expeditions utilizing the protocols being practiced domestically.

New Offerings for the Future

Keep an eye out for some new domestic offerings, and feel free to email with interest in any of the below!

- Climbs for the fit 55+ years old outdoor enthusiast.

- 1-Day Crevasse Rescue Seminar.

- Avalanche Education Courses with a flexible, online education component.

- Rock Climbing programs including “Gym to Crag,” “Learn to Lead,” and “Traditional Climbing 101”.

- Additional Denali Prep and Winter Mountaineering Courses.

How We Decide Which Trips to Postpone

With the ever-changing information on best Covid prevention practices, it is a challenge to decide which trips can operate safely vs which need to be postponed. Some of the considerations we take into account:

-          Can we implement strategies to promote social distancing?

-          How is the Covid-19 situation in the country we are travelling to?

-          What will the lodging and food be like and how will that be handled?

-          What type of medical care is accessible locally?

-          What are the travel restrictions and flight restrictions we may encounter?

Summer 2021 in Washington and Alaska

Alaska school dates are posted for the 8 day, 12 day and Intermediate Courses as well as Denali 2021, which is just about full for the season.

We plan to release our Rainier, Baker and Cascades schedule around Labor Day 2020 and will send a flyer prior to the release.

Questions, requests, comments, please contact our Director of Programs, Gordon Janow - gjanow@alpineascents.com