Rainier in November

I climbed Mounts Baker and Adams last month, the former with Alpine Ascents after 6 day course. Been to Everest BC on my own in winter. Taking rock climbing training with Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides in WV in early Oct. And taking ice climbing training in Ouray in Jan through San Juan Mountain Guides.

Looking to find preferably 2 experienced climbers who might want to do Rainier with me in Nov. I am barely a beginner, but I am motivated and fit. I am 53 and I am committed to climbing and I am looking for jobs in WA, OR and CO to be closer to the mountains.

My goal is alpinism and I want to climb Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro in the next year or so. If I can get to one of the above states, I will definitely do more climbing. I live in Virginia now.

I will also read and take any advice more experienced individuals have to offer.

Rainier in November, unguided, sounds like a big step up in danger and commitment, compared to a guided trip up Baker in August.

Have fun and stay safe.

PM sent

I agree Frank, unless I can find experienced climbers I would not do. I chose not to do it in Aug after Baker for that very reason. Thanks!

Alan

I've also been looking to attempt rainier during that time frame. Currently a student at the university of Washington, 20, looking to progress my alpine/ice climbing with a winter ascent to prepare for a Denali bid next June. Taken a course with AAI and lead an ascent of baker, glacier and Adams, as well as a couple other odd peaks in the cascades. My experience is not extensive;however I have resources that have Equipped me with what I feel is an adequate amount of knowledge to minimize risk. What I lack in experience I like to think I make up for in fitness. not the extensively experienced climber your looking for but I'm extremely motivated and could be a useful member of a team. Shoot me an email!

Looking forward to the SAR report

SAR?

Ross sent a PM

I don't think a reasonable experienced climber would take a beginner in November.

Rainier in November is a significantly harder and more dangerous mountain to climb than any of the "big peaks" you mentioned. If you don't believe people on MP, reach out to whoever guided you on Baker and ask them. I guarantee that guide would tell you not to do it.

If you want to climb in the fall or winter, look for stuff that is actually in season. For example, rock climbing is in full effect in Nevada. Ice climbing starts in November in Banff as well. You can also go international to Mexico or Ecuador and try out some higher altitude peaks.

You would have a better chance in August.
SAR= search and rescue

Mediocre,
I did say, "i will also read and take any advice more experienced individuals have to offer." But I like your second comment better than your first...much more positive advice.

As it turns out, I will be taking a winter expedition course in Jan on Rainier with a summit attempt with the Army.

Thanks for the concern.

Chriscc,
Appreciate the advice, I am listening to people on MP. I am not sure I agree that an experienced climber would be wrong to take a less experienced climber, I have found a few, but for different mountains because of timing and such. Someone is always going to be more and another less experienced. BUT I get your point!!

As you may see on the thread, I am climbing Rainier guided in Jan, which should be really useful for my experience and growth. And to your point, I am rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, WV next weekend and I follow up Jan Rainier with 3 wks of ice climbing training in Ouray. So actually heeding your advice unknowingly :)
Alan

ABY, that's great you are climbing it in Jan with a guide! It sounds like you have some cool plans for the winter and fall, stuff like that is much better than risking your life/fingers on Rainier!

I don't think that more experienced people should not take less experienced people. In fact, I do that pretty regularity on both sides of the spectrum. My point is that any person with experience should know that going in November is a serious undertaking and would know that it is not suitable conditions for a beginner. There is a good reason that guiding companies do not do climbs during that season.

Thanks Chriscc!!