SheJumps x AAI | 1 Day Mountaineering Fundamentals | Mount Rainier

When you register, please note "SheJumps '' in the "Notes for Program Staff" section. This page is intended only to promote the event. This course costs $395.

Course dates: May 9, 2026

Course cost: $395

Please note that the course cost does not include guide gratuities. You are under no obligation to tip the guides, but 10-15% of the course cost is highly recommended. The guides pool tips and accept cash or Venmo.

Join SheJumps and Alpine Ascents International for a day of Mountaineering Fundamentals!

Our one-day fundamentals course teaches basic skills essential for mountaineering. Successful completion of the course fulfills the prerequisites for the 4-Day Emmons Climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma). Participants can expect a full day of learning and practicing snow climbing techniques which include ascending and descending steep snow slopes, cramponing, ice axe use, and self-arrest.

The training takes place on the beautiful slopes near the Lower Nisqually Glacier of Mount Rainier, originally named “təqʷuʔməʔ” (Taquoma), about an hour hike from the Paradise Visitor Center. We start by working on walking techniques for moving competently and efficiently over snowy and icy slopes. Good footwork, balance, and rest techniques are invaluable skills that you will use in all future mountaineering endeavors. Guides then dive into instruction on ice axe use and how to self-arrest. Students will take the afternoon to practice a variety of skills from self arrest to running protection and steep snow ascending and descending. This fundamentals day provides a fantastic overview or refresher of basic mountaineering skills to develop a solid foundation to take with you into the mountains.

This program is ideal for novice climbers seeking to learn the fundamentals of mountaineering and gain confidence traveling on glaciers and steep snow slopes. It’s also a great course for those who have taken a prolonged break from mountaineering and would like to refresh skills before a climb.

• Mountaineering footwork on snow
• Cramponing
• Mountaineering Knots
• Ice Axe Skills
• Self-Arrest
• Rope team travel
• Glacier travel rope configuration
• Running protection
• Ascending and Descending Steep Snow Slope

Participants with basic mountaineering skills and glacier travel experience will get the most out of this course. Backcountry travelers should also be in good physical condition and able to move steadily and train for a full day. Participants should be comfortable with ski /splitboard transitions. We recommend practicing with your equipment at home, or preferably in bounds on snow. Skins should be cut and fitted in advance of the course as well.

Participants must be able to actively take care of themselves and stay comfortable for a full day out in winter conditions with appropriate clothing, hydration, and fueling.

• Learn to use your gear before your course
• Rescue: learn to rescue
• AIARE 1: learn a backcountry risk management process
• Intro to Touring: putting it all together
• Rescue: keep refreshing!
• AIARE 2: learn tools to take your skills to new locations, new snowpacks, or lead groups

Course cost: $395

Please note that the course cost does not include guide gratuities. You are under no obligation to tip the guides, but 10-15% of the course cost is highly recommended. The guides pool tips and accept cash or Venmo.

If you need to request any accommodation(s) for this course, please contact our guide partner.

Questions? Contact Alicia Mau at

Waivers & Wellness

All participants must sign the prior to participating in this event.

Spanish version of our waiver: Todos los participantes deben firmar la antes de participar en este evento.

To prioritize the health of our community, please do not attend a SheJumps event if you are experiencing any cold-like symptoms.

Cancellation Policy

This course is led by our guide partner, and registration takes place directly through their website. This course follows the guide company’s cancellation policy. Please contact our guide partner if you have any questions about cancellations.

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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.

SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.

SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.

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