South Early Winter Spire Southwest Rib
With a climb offerĀing incredĀiĀble expoĀsure, superb rock, a bit of wide crack, and a spicy slab, the SouthĀwest Rib of South EarĀly WinĀter Spire offers a modĀerĀate masĀterĀpiece thatās not to be missed! The sumĀmit is only half way through the advenĀture on the SW Rib. The descent is equalĀly engagĀing, involvĀing a mix of rapĀpelling and down climbĀing. Climbers should come equipped with a sense of advenĀture and a camĀeraāāāthe views and posiĀtion of the climb are defĀiĀniteĀly memĀoĀrable. Get ready for the full deal on this one!
This climb is done on a cusĀtom basis.
-
Description
This is an interĀmeĀdiĀate levĀel climb. SimĀiĀlar and preĀviĀous expeĀriĀence is required.
This climb involves the following:
- PosĀsiĀble steep snow, and exposed alpine rock
- ModĀerĀate approach
- Climbers should have the abilĀiĀty to folĀlow 5.8 rock with a light-weight pack and move steadiĀly for 8āāā10 hours
- Climbers should be in good physĀiĀcal conĀdiĀtion and comĀpeĀtent on modĀerĀate alpine terrain
-
Alpine Climbing Grades
Grade I: NorĀmalĀly requires sevĀerĀal hours; can be of any difficulty
Grade II: Requires half a day; any techĀniĀcal difficulty
Grade III: Requires a day to do the techĀniĀcal porĀtion; any techĀniĀcal difficulty
Grade IV: Requires a full day for the techĀniĀcal porĀtion; the hardĀest pitch is usuĀalĀly no less than 5.7 (in the YDS rating)
Grade V: Requires a day and a half; the hardĀest pitch is usuĀalĀly 5.8 or harder
Grade VI: A mulĀti-day excurĀsion with difĀfiĀcult free climbĀing and/āor aid climbing
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
-
South EarĀly WinĀter Spire SouthĀwest Rib
from $425 – 1 or 2 Days
- 1:1 - $550 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
-
Price Includes
- All meals while on the mountain
- Tents
- Stoves
- Cook kits
- Group climbĀing equipment
- Guide serĀvices
-
Price Does Not Include
- AirĀfare
- TransĀportaĀtionāāāClients will be responĀsiĀble for their own and the guideās(sā) transĀportaĀtion for the trip
- All addiĀtionĀal feesāāāCampĀing, perĀmit, parkĀing, etc.
- Hotel accomĀmoĀdaĀtions
- RestauĀrant meals
- All perĀsonĀal equipment
- TravĀel insurĀance with trip canĀcelĀlaĀtion, medĀical and evacĀuĀaĀtion policy
- Guide graĀtuĀities
-
Payment Schedule
- $400 deposit at time of regĀisĀtraĀtion, which includes a $200 non-refundĀable regĀisĀtraĀtion fee
- BalĀance due 90 days priĀor to departure
- The balĀance can be paid by check, wire transĀfer, ACH or credĀit card with a 3% conĀveĀnience fee
Dates
Climb is Arranged on a Custom BasisāāāContact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongĀly recĀomĀmends trip cancellation/āinterruption and evacĀuĀaĀtion insurĀance for all trips. Our insurĀance partĀner, RipĀcord, offers comĀpreĀhenĀsive travĀel insurĀance includĀing trip canĀcelĀlaĀtion, as well as rescue/āevacuation poliĀcies and can assist in answerĀing any quesĀtions. In addiĀtion, ParĀticĀiĀpant is expectĀed to have sufĀfiĀcient medĀical insurĀance as preĀscribed by their counĀtry of oriĀgin. ParĀticĀiĀpant underĀstands that MMI does not include anyĀtype of insurĀance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to canĀcel your trip or change your itinĀerĀary, MMI must be notiĀfied in writĀing. Your trip will be canĀcelled from the date writĀten notice is received. If propĀer writĀten canĀcelĀlaĀtion notice is not received, amounts paid and reserĀvaĀtions made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundĀable fees may apply for cerĀtain trips in order to secure perĀmits and othĀer serĀvices. MMI must strictĀly adhere to canĀcelĀlaĀtion poliĀcies outĀside MMIās control.
- Due to the perĀsonĀalĀized serĀvice we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accomĀmoĀdate changes and canĀcelĀlaĀtions, waivĀing cerĀtain fees when feasible.
- CirĀcumĀstances outĀside the conĀtrol of MMI and its partĀners, may require amendĀed cancellation/ārefund poliĀcies. Such cirĀcumĀstances may include, but are not limĀitĀed to COVID-19, natĀurĀal disĀasĀters, terĀrorĀism and so forth.
DomesĀtic Trips/āCourses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundĀable regĀisĀtraĀtion fee, will be proĀvidĀed 91 days or more before the deparĀture date
- No refunds will be proĀvidĀed 90 days or less before the deparĀture date
Trip Insurance
We strongĀly recĀomĀmend the purĀchase of travĀel canĀcelĀlaĀtion insurĀance to proĀtect you from the unexĀpectĀed. You arenāt likeĀly to think of it now, but peoĀple do get ill, break a bone, have a famĀiĀly emerĀgency or get assigned to a last-minute busiĀness trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emerĀgency resĀcue & evacĀuĀaĀtion can be very expenĀsive.
We also strongĀly urge you to conĀsidĀer resĀcue and evacĀuĀaĀtion insurĀance if your own polĀiĀcy does not proĀvide the covĀerĀage needĀed. SerĀvices availĀable may include, but are not limĀitĀed to, heliĀcopter evacĀuĀaĀtion, medĀical care, etc.
If you choose not to purĀchase insurĀance, you assume full responĀsiĀbilĀiĀty for any expensĀes incurred in the event of a medĀical emerĀgency and/āor evacĀuĀaĀtion, as well as for trip canĀcelĀlaĀtion, interĀrupĀtion, lost lugĀgage, etc. We are not the experts and thereĀfore ask that you please conĀsult our travĀel insurĀance partĀner directĀly with any speĀcifĀic questions.
To proĀtect against lossĀes due to illĀness, acciĀdent, or othĀer unforeĀseen cirĀcumĀstances, MounĀtain MadĀness strongĀly recĀomĀmends the purĀchase of travĀel insurĀance as soon as posĀsiĀble after makĀing a deposit. MounĀtain MadĀness has partĀnered with RedĀpoint ResĀoĀluĀtions as our preĀferred travĀel insurĀance provider. Redpointās RipĀcord ResĀcue TravĀel InsurĀance⢠is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purĀchase travĀel insurĀance, please click this link RipĀcord ResĀcue TravĀel InsurĀance⢠or call +1āāā415-481ā0600. PricĀing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and levĀel of coverage.
CritĀiĀcal benĀeĀfits of RipĀcord ResĀcue TravĀel InsurĀance include:
- A comĀpleteĀly inteĀgratĀed proĀgram with a sinĀgle point of conĀtact for emerĀgency serĀvices, travĀel assisĀtance, and insurĀance claims
- EvacĀuĀaĀtion and resĀcue serĀvices from your point of injury or illĀness to your hosĀpiĀtal of choice
- ComĀpreĀhenĀsive travĀel insurĀance for trip cancellation/āinterruption, priĀmaĀry medĀical expense covĀerĀage, bagĀgage loss or delay, emerĀgency acciĀdent and emerĀgency sickĀness medĀical expense, emerĀgency denĀtal, acciĀdenĀtal death and disĀmemĀberĀment, and more
- OptionĀal secuĀriĀty evacĀuĀaĀtion covĀerĀage in case of an unplanned natĀurĀal disĀasĀter or othĀer secuĀriĀty events
- WaivĀer for pre-existĀing conĀdiĀtions (must be purĀchased withĀin 14 days of tour deposit)
- OptionĀal āāCanĀcel for Any ReaĀsonā covĀerĀage (must be purĀchased withĀin 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
South Early Winter Spire Southwest Rib Day by Day
-
Day 1
We meet at your hotel at 6:30 in the mornĀing. After a quick oriĀenĀtaĀtion and equipĀment check at a local gear shop we driĀve 3.5 hours to WashĀingĀton Pass. On the way, itās posĀsiĀble to stop by DarĀringĀton and climb some of the wonĀderĀful slab routes; or itās posĀsiĀble to climb in MazaĀma, which lies about a half hour to the east of WashĀingĀton Pass. After the dayās climbĀing weāll camp for the evening near the town of MazaĀma, WA.
*A climb of the SouthĀwest Rib can be done in a day, howĀevĀer a 2āday itinĀerĀary may be preferred.
-
Day 2
We wake earĀly on the mornĀing of the secĀond day, and driĀve 45 minĀutes to the trailĀhead. We then hike 2.5 hours to the base of the climb. A climb of the SouthĀwest Rib , includĀing the descent takes 4āāā6 hours. After the climb we return to the trailĀhead, and then driĀve to Seattle.
Note on ItinĀerĀary: Although we do our very best to folĀlow the schedĀule listĀed, the very nature of climbĀing in an alpine enviĀronĀment requires flexĀiĀbilĀiĀty. This itinĀerĀary is subĀject to change due to inclement weathĀer, unsafe route conĀdiĀtions, and othĀer reaĀsons beyond our control.
Equipment for South Early Winter Spire Southwest Rib
-
Carrying Gear
-
Backpack (25-35L)
day pack size (25-35L)
-
-
Sleeping Gear
-
Expedition quality sleeping bag (15-20F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from 15-20°F /-9 to -7°C
Examples:
Marmot Helium, Marmot Trestles, Western Mountaineering Apache, North Face Guide 20
-
Sleeping pad (inflatable)
Full length inflatable. When sleeping on snow make sure to purchase pad rated to do so
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir
-
-
Climbing Gear
-
Rock climbing harness
comfortable and padded
Examples:
Petzl Adjama, Black Diamond Momentum
-
Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
-
Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
-
Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
-
Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
-
30ā of perlon accessory cord (7mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
-
Double length nylon runner (48" or 120cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
-
Crampons w/ anti-balling plate (early season - contact for details)
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
-
Mountaineering ice axe (early season - contact for details)
under 5ā7ā use 60cm, 5ā7ā-6ā2ā use 60 or 65cm, over 6ā2ā use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
-
Chalk bag (optional)
optional but nice for rock climbs when the temps are warm
-
Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
-
-
Head and Face
-
Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
-
Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
-
Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
-
-
Hands
-
Light weight work gloves
lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work
Examples:
Black Diamond Transition Glove
-
-
Feet
-
Liner socks (optional)
1-pair lightweight and thin
Examples:
polypropylene or wool
-
Syntheric or wool socks
check boot fir to make sure they work together
Examples:
Smartwool ,Patagonia
-
Lightweight mountaineering boot (early season - contact for details)
waterproof and crampon compatible (recommended July-October)
Examples:
La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX, Scarpa Charmoz, Salewa Crow GTX
-
Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
-
Rock Shoes
comfortable enough for all-day use
Examples:
La Sportiva Mythos, Scarpa Helix
-
-
Upper Body
-
Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
-
Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
-
Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
-
Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
-
Rain jacket
basic rain jacket with a hood in case of any inclement weather
Examples:
Marmot pricip, or Gore-Tex type jacket
-
Sun hoody (optional)
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
-
-
Lower Body
-
Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
-
Nylon shorts (optional)
Quick-drying type for July-Sept trips
-
-
Miscellaneous
-
Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
-
Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
-
Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
-
Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
-
Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
-
Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
-
Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
-
-
South EarĀly WinĀter Spire SouthĀwest Rib
from $425
1 or 2 Days
- 1:1 - $550 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
Elevation
7,807 ft / 2380 m
Route
SouthĀwest Rib
Grade
III 5.8
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Share
-
Email -
Facebook -
Pinterest -
Twitter