4 day Women’s Glacier Seminar Level I

Mt Shasta, California - 14,179 ft

Hotlum-Bolam or a similar route (dependent on the season’s conditions)

Seminar Overview

At 14,179ft above sea level, Mt Shasta is the second highest peak in the Cascades, dominating the skyline from miles away and rising 10,000ft above its surrounding landscape. Mount Shasta provides the perfect grounds for introductory snow climbing experiences and is a formidable endurance challenge.

Glacier School on Mt. Shasta means a North side summit climb with time for skills training and snow school on the glacier. This is a 4 day course and climb designed for the female mountaineer who wants to build a solid foundation of mountain skills with the opportunity to climb a glacier route on Mt. Shasta’s remote northern aspect. The time is spent on a full curriculum of glacier skills and acclimating prior to the summit climb on the Hotlum-Bolam or a similar route (route selection is dependent on the season’s conditions). This is a great introduction to glacier travel and alpine climbing

Mountaineering instruction includes:

  • Ice axe and crampon use

  • Ice axe self-arrest

  • Snow climbing technique

  • Basic rope travel

On this climb, we aim to create personal connections with Mt. Shasta and the surrounding land, as well as lasting connections to your new climbing community.

We bring over 40 years of experience guiding on Mount Shasta and are the original guiding company for this special mountain. We know Shasta better than anyone and aim to provide a professional and positive experience for all climbers.

    • No mountaineering experience is required.

    • Previous hiking experience is required.

    • Previous backpacking experience is helpful.

    • Prospective climbers should be in excellent physical condition and train diligently for a big challenge.

    Climbing Mt Shasta is strenuous. For the best chances of summiting please train ahead of time. Feel free to contact us for any training recommendations. Check out our training page to get started.

  • All dates are subject to route change in the event of adverse conditions.

    • June 26-30, 2025

  • $1695 per person

    INCLUDES

    • Professional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:3

    • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

    • All Group camping equipment such as tents and cooking equipment.

    • Mt. Shasta summit passes

    ** Boots are not included but rentals are available in the town of Mt. Shasta.

The difference is in our guides

The Shasta Mountain Guides® staff is a diverse, skilled, and fun group of individuals. Their common bond is a pure passion for being in the mountains and sharing that desire with friends, both old and new. We strongly believe in providing the highest level of service and quality of experience while climbing Mt. Shasta.

We are local professionals and are committed to your safety and enjoyment. SMG is the original guide service on Mt. Shasta and we are on the mountain daily. We specialize in Mount Shasta and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. When you climb with us, your trip is supported by our collective experience and knowledge of the mountain.

Our combined experience includes thousands of Shasta summits and many years spent on the mountain. Together we’ve explored all its’ routes during all conditions and seasons. Join us for a trip of your lifetime!

Glacier 1Intro ITINERARY

Day 1
9:00 am | Meet guides and group at the SMG Shop located at 305 Chestnut St. Mt. Shasta CA. Please be punctual to allow time for gear rentals, packing, and a group briefing. Please note; your guides will do a thorough gear check and pass out group gear before packing your backpack. We recommend that you reserve your rental equipment through the Fifth Season in advance: 530-926-3606

10:00am-11:30am | Drive to the North Gate trailhead (7000’) and start the approach to base camp (9,500’). Be aware the final 10 miles to the Northgate trailhead is dirt and rough in places. AWD or high clearance is recommended. If we are using the Bunny Flat trailhead the road is paved and take about 20 minutes to drive.

11:30am-3:30pm | Hike to base camp. The trail ascends through the forest and steepens just below camp and may be snow covered in places. Depending on weather and conditions the approach to base camp may take 4-6 hours with heavy packs. Vertical gain: 2,500’, Distance: 3.4 miles

3:30pm-8:00pm | At base camp the group will set up camp, discuss some basic skills, and enjoy a delicious, organic dinner prepared by your guides. We’ll prepare for the following day of mountain instruction

Day 2
6:30am-7:30am | Day two you will rise early and prepare for a full day of skills instruction on the glacier.

7:30am-8:30am | Breakfast and hot drinks

9:00am-3:00pm | Snow and glacier skills training. Guides will choose an area on the glacier between 10,000’-11,000’ and are prepared to format instruction according to group and individual goals. Emphasis will be placed on movement skills, ice axe and crampon use, team rope travel and team arrest, basic glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques may be introduced as well.

3:00pm-7:30pm | The team will return to camp for an early dinner and evening briefing. Guides will discuss climb day logistics and summit day plan. Climbers will be resting in tents by 7:30-8:00pm.

Day 3
Alpine Start | Depending on group size, season, and route conditions, wake-up call will occur between 2:00am-3:00am

Summit Climb | The ascent is 7-9 hours up and 4-5 hours down. For safety purposes, our turn around time on the mountain will be 12:00 pm. We use these time frames to avoid hazards and allow time for a safe descent.

Back at base camp | Back at base camp the team will have the remaining afternoon to rest and relax and enjoy dinner.

* Itinerary subject to change & the summit of Mount Shasta is subject to safe weather and snow conditions.

Day 4
7:00am-1:00pm | Day four you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack up camp. Additional skills instruction before the descent is recommended but not mandatory. This is a time to review the course material and answer any remaining questions. The descent back to the trailhead takes about 3 hours.

*projected itinerary starting at the North Gate trailhead may vary due to weather and trail conditions.

For lodging in the town of Mount Shasta before and after your trip we recommend our partners at Summit Lofts and LOGE Mt. Shasta. They offer a discount to our climbers and guests.