Question 1

FAQ 1: What is the experience level required for this climb?

Accepted Answer

This is a major ascent so come prepared for hard work. Prior mountaineering and overnight backpacking experience is essential. You do not need winter camping experience, but you do need appropriate cold weather equipment. A positive mental attitude helps enormously and will be your most important asset. 
This climb involves class 3-4 rock and snow travel.

Question 2

FAQ 2: What gear do we need to bring along?

Accepted Answer

Once you book the trip, you will be provided with a detailed gear list covering technical clothing, footwear, accessories, and equipment.

Question 3

FAQ 3: What all is included in the cost of this trip?

Accepted Answer

Price includes guiding, permits, all necessary group climbing gear, tents, kitchen gear and breakfasts, lunches and dinners (you bring hot/cold drinks and snack items). Scheduled dates include USFS trail fees.

Question 4

FAQ 4: What gear will be provided by the guides?

Accepted Answer

Group gear including group equipment, kitchen gear, tents, group climbing equipment when necessary, emergency kits, avalanche beacons, and food, including breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided by your guides. (You bring hot and cold drinks and your favorite snacks).

Question 5

FAQ 5: Is rental equipment available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent gears such as mountaineering crampons, mountaineering axes, technical crampons, technical ice tools, harnesses, belay plates, carabineers and snowshoes from your guiding company after booking your climb.

Question 6

FAQ 6: Will snowshoes be needed for this climb?

Accepted Answer

For over-the-snow travel on Mt. Whitney, your guides recommend snowshoes for most people given the softer snow on that mountain. You will be required to bring snowshoes along, whether you use them or not will be determined by your guides, depending on the conditions. That said, be prepared to climb a good part of the climb in your snowshoes.

Question 7

FAQ 7: What is the guide to climber ratio on this trip?

Accepted Answer

The guide to climber ratio on this trip is 1:3

Question 8

FAQ 8: What is the mileage and elevation gain on this climb?

Accepted Answer

Expect to climb up about 6,000 feet over about 6 miles. Total mileage is 12 miles round trip.

Question 9

FAQ 9: Will my money be refunded if the guides cancel the trip for any reason?

Accepted Answer

If conditions, weather or circumstances preclude running the scheduled trip safely, the trip will be rescheduled, subject to guide availability. You will be responsible for any additional costs incurred as a result of such rescheduling. These may include, but are not restricted to flight costs, hotel costs and transportation charges. Once the trip begins, the guides are unable to offer refunds for weather related cancellations, or for trips or classes that end prematurely due to weather, route conditions or circumstances within.
We strongly suggest obtaining trip cancellation insurance to cover such contingencies. The guiding company also does not provide rescue insurance. Please note that an administrative fee of $150 is non-refundable at all times.

Question 10

FAQ 10: What is the cancellation policy for this trip?

Accepted Answer

For cancellations greater than or equal to 60 days prior to the trip start date, we will retain a 50% guide fee from monies collected plus an administrative fees of $150 before refunding the balance. Rescheduling the trip might be a possibility, but is subject to guide availability. Any and all costs incurred in rescheduling, such as USFS trail fees, will be paid for by the participant. For cancellations within or equal to 30 days of the trip start date and/or once the trip has begun; trip fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another trip.

Mount Whitney Winter Climb

Highlights

Itinerary

All meals

Accommodation

Admission fees

Guide fees

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Transfers

Flights

Porter

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal gear

Luggage transfers

Airport transfer

International flights

Domestic flights

Local guide

Some meals

Day 1 - 4

Departure Dates

FAQs

Why Book With Us?

All-Inclusive Packages

Trip Preparation

Local Guides

Sustainable Travel

Departure Dates

Talk to a Destination Expert

Adventure together