Mt. Stuart, West Ridge Mentorship Climb

Activity Notes

NOTE: This climb is a mentored training climb intending to teach all the components of how to plan, organize, and lead a group climb up a moderate technical rock route. The typical participant would be someone who's completed ICS and is considering leading climbs for others-- for example as a Mazama Climb Leader. There will be much higher expectations for participants on this climb than for other typical Mazama climb. Participants will be expected to contribute to all the steps of planning and executing this climb, which will include in-town meeting(s) and/or homework prior to the climb. All participants who are Leadership Development participants can receive an "LD climb assist eval" if they'd like one for this experience.

If you apply for this climb, but I don't already know you personally, please drop me a line to introduce yourself and just say hello.

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Mt. Stuart, West Ridge: Grade III, low 5th, extensive 4th class scrambling

• Day 1- Drive up, hike in, make camp
• Day 2- Alpine start, climb route, descend Cascadian Couloir route, camp
• Day 3- Break camp, hike out, drive home

Climb day has +4800 feet of gain/loss, 5-6 miles of challenging terrain, and we'll be carrying heavy alpine rock packs, no water available on route so everything must be carried. This route has significant navigation challenges, extensive 4th class scrambling for hundreds of vertical feet, a multi-pitch technical rock summit, and never-ending variable scree descent. We'll be moving at a steady and consistent pace all day. This route requires everyone to be solidly in "climbing shape." We will not get benighted.

Dates:

• Two In-town planning meeting: Sometime during 8/7 - 8/18 (two week window)
• Climb dates: Sun-Tues 8/27 - 8/29

Skills Requirements:

• Outdoor rock climbing experience
• Rock gym climbing grades: should be comfortable/casual top-roping 5.10+
• Lead belay skills with significant experience
• Some familiarity with basic multi-pitch climbing
• Alpine rappelling experience
• Experience/training in basic rock rescue (ascending a rope, tandem rappels)

Physical Fitness:

• Day of summit: 4800' of gain with 5.0 miles total in heavy alpine rock packs.
• Totals for three days: 8200' of gain/loss, 13.0 miles total

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As a note, when assembling climbers for a Mazama climb, I deliberately strive for a diverse, and balanced team. I principally take into consideration an individual's physical fitness, skill level for the route, and how they can contribute to the climb team’s diversity. Diversity consideration especially applies to the selection of the assistant and lead climber(s), to help expand the diversity in prospective Climb Leaders in the Mazamas.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.