Mt. Hood

Guided Climbs With Instruction

The Summit Program
(2 Days)

The Summit Program is an excellent introduction to mountaineering and a great way to gain the summit of Mt. Hood. The program starts with the Steep Snow Climbing Course and culminates on the second day with a snow cat ride to the top of Timberline Ski Area and from there, an ascent of Mt. Hood via one of the South Side routes. This entry level technical climb requires the use of a rope, crampons and ice axe.

Offered: Wed/Thurs, Fri/Sat and Sat/Sun, May- July. Additional dates arranged on request Feb.-April.
Ratio: 6:1 for class, 3:1 for the climb.
Cost: $485 per climber for groups of two or more.

Three Day Summit Program
(3 Days)

This intensive 3 day program includes two days of instruction. We start with our Steep Snow Climbig Course followed by the Anchors and Belaying for Advanced Snow Climbing Course which provides for a great base of mountaineering skills. On the third day, we take a snow cat ride to the top of Timberline Ski Area and from there,we will attempt an ascent of Mt. Hood via one of the South Side routes. The choice of route will depend on weather and conditions on the mountain as well as the groups overall ability and inclination. This is an excellent program for those wanting to learn more advanced mountaineering skills.

Offered: May 15-17, May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7, July 10-12. Additional dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 6:1 for class, 3:1 for the climb.
Cost: $645 per climber for groups of two or more.

Three Day Summit Overnight Program
(3 Days)

The first day we will take the ski lift to the top of the ski area and then we'll climb to about 9000'. We will then establish basecamp on the glacier. That afternoon and the second day we will conduct the Steep Snow Climbing and Anchors and Belyaing for Advanced Snow Climbing Courses in and around camp. On day three we will attempt the climb and collect our gear on the descent. This is a very physically demanding program.

Offered: May 29-31, June 5-7, July 10-12. Additional dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 3:1
Cost: $755 per climber for groups of two or more.

Advanced Climbing Program
(2 Days)

The Advanced Climbing Program is designed for climbers wanting to combine extensive hands-on training in steeper snow climbing techniques, including belaying and anchoring with a more challenging climb on the mountain. On the first day, we'll cover all of the curriculum in the Anchors and Belaying for Advanced Snow Climbing Course. On Day 2, we'll take snow cat transportation to the top of the ski area, and climb from there. The route selections for this program include West Crater Rim, Leuthold's Couloir, and the Wy'East Route. Route selection is based on the group's ability and inclination as well as the conditions on the mountain.

Offered: April 21-22, April 28-29, May 5-6, May 12-13, May 19-20, May 26-27. Other dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $485 per climber for groups of two or more.

North Side Glacier Tour
(1 Day)

Join us for one of our North Side Glacier Tours on Mt. Hood later in the climbing season. After the conditions on the mountain deteriorate, we are still able to tour the mountain. We are not able to attempt the summit at this time of the year, but the glaciers are in prime shape to navigate. No previous experience is required. Come on out and join us for a glacier tour to see what all the fuss is about!

Offered: July though October. Dates arranged on request. 
Ratio: 4:1
Cost: $290 for one climber, $180/person for two climbers,  $140/person for three climbers, $125/person for four or more climbers.

North Side Mountaineering
(3 Days)

Four Day Alpine Climbers Seminar
(4 Days)

This four-day seminar is conducted expedition style from a high basecamp. We'll cover all the skills that we teach in the Steep Snow Climbing and Anchors and Belaying for Advanced Snow Climbing and Crevasse Rescue Courses along with an ascent of Mt. Hood, generally aiming for one of the longer and steeper routes. This program is designed for those who want to learn the skills necessary to managing steep and heavily glaciated alpine terrain. This is our most comprehensive and strenuous program on Mt. Hood.

For our June program on the Southside, we'll be using ski lifts to access the top of the ski area. From there, we'll climb up to a highcamp on the mountain. For the Northside program, we'll drive around the mountain to a Northside trailhead and begin the approach from there.

Offered: June 11-14 (Southside), July 1-4 (Northside). Additional dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 3:1 (Southside), 2:1 (Northside)
Cost: $900 per climber for groups of two or more.

 

Guided Climbs Without Instruction

Early Season

Advanced Two Day Mt. Hood Climb
(2 Days)

This program is designed for those who wish to attempt a more advanced route on Mt. Hood.  These climbs are steeper and longer than the standard route and offer significant challenges to those who desire a step up to the next level of difficulty. Some fantastic route choices are Wy' East Glacier, West Crater Rim, Reid Glacier Headwall, Sandy Headwall and Leuthold's Couloir.  Route choice will depend on conditions on the mountain and group ability. The prerequisite for this program is a successful and comfortable ascent of the South Side Route on Mt. Hood or equivalent.

On day 1, we'll ride the ski lift up to the top of the ski area. From there we will climb to a high camp near Illumination Saddle. Usually, we'll have some time to review skills in the afternoon. On day 2, we'll take a climb of the group's choosing. Participants should be prepared to carry 45 to 50 pound packs up to our high camp.

Offered: Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $535 per climber for groups of two or more.

Leuthold's Couloir
(1 Day)

Leuthold's Couloir, named after the famous Mt Hood climber Joe Leuthold, climbs a very steep and narrow couloir for several pitches on the southwest side of the mountain. For those looking for a more sustained climb with good access from the Timberline Lodge side of the mountain, this route is a great choice.

Offered: Feb.- May. Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $475 for one climber, $325 per climber for groups of two or more. Includes snow cat transportation.

Wy'East
(1 Day)

Another classic route on Mt. Hood. This is a great next step if you have climbed Mt. Hood successfully by the standard south side route. This route will be a bit steeper than the classics on the south side.

Offered: Feb.- May. Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $475 for one climber, $325 per climber for groups of two or more. Includes snow cat transportation.

Reid Headwall
(1 Day)

The Reid Headwall is even more sustained than Leuthold's providing the climber with some sections up to 50 degrees. Weaving between rimed towers and suddenly popping out on the summit ridge, the route has amazing scenery and no people.

Offered: Feb.- May. Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $475 for one climber, $325 per climber for groups of two or more. Includes snow cat transportation.

Sandy Headwall
(1 Day)

Framing the impressive west face of Mt. Hood, Sandy Headwall is one of the most beautiful snow and ice routes anywhere. Due to its more remote location, it is not often climbed. The steep ice shown here is the 1937 variation to the route.

Offered: Feb.- May. Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $475 for one climber, $325 per climber for groups of two or more. Includes snow cat transportation.

 

Late Season

Sunshine Route
(2 Days)

This great climb on the north side of Mt. Hood has a very remote feel. After establishing a high base camp at 8500 ft, overlooking the Eliot Glacier, we'll get to bed early and prepare for our climb the next morning. The descent will be made down the South Side of the mountain. Prerequisites are the Advanced Snow Climbing Course or a Three-Day Summit Program or equivalent experience and an excellent level of fitness.

Offered: June 18-19, June 25-26, July 2-3. Additional dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost:  $900 for one climber w/ load hauler, $600 per climber for groups of two or more w/ load hauler.

Cooper Spur
(2 Days)

Another north side favorite. Cooper Spur is very steep and sustained, not to mention spectacular. This route tops out a mere 100 feet from the top of the mountain and promises many belayed pitches up to 50 degrees in steepness.

Offered: June- mid July, Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost:  $900 for one climber w/ load hauler, $600 per climber for groups of two or more w/ load hauler.

Coe Glacier Icefall
(2 Days)

Many steep ice pitches lead to the top of the icefall, providing the climber with a great adventure. This is certainly Mt. Hood's most difficult ice climb. This does not include a summit attempt.

Offered: Late June- July. Dates arranged on request.
Ratio: 2:1
Cost: $750 for one climber, $500 per climber for groups of two or more.

Private Guiding

Please contact us if our dates do not fit into your schedule. All climbs can be scheduled according to individual needs.