So You Want to Go Climbing?

It’s April and that means it’s time to start thinking about summer climbing. The summer climb schedule is posted now and climb leaders will continue to add climbs throughout the summer months. Now that you’ve perused the schedule, what does it take to get on a climb?

1. You need an Application for Climb Card, more commonly referred to as a Climb Card. Cards are $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. You can order online, or just stop by the MMC and pick some up. 
2. Decide where you want to climb. 
• Never Ever: You’ve never been to the top of a mountain before? Start with our Hike to the Summit climbs (you’ll notice a code (H) next to the grade). South Sister and Mt. St. Helens are two great intro climbs.
• Beginner: Are you new to climbing? Just getting the hang of crampons and ropes? Middle Sister, Unicorn Peak, Mt. Thielsen, Mt. Stone, Pinnacle Peak, and Mt. Adams are all perfect beginner climbs to put some of those skills to use without too high of a commitment level.
• Intermediate: You’ve learned the skills and now you need an opportunity to put them to use. Look to the C level climbs – Leuthold Couloir on Mt. Hood, the South Ridge on Jefferson, The Tooth, and Frostbite Ridge on Glacier Peak will give you a chance to test your skills and get a bit more technical.
• Advanced: You’ve got all the skills and have climbed a bunch. What a minute, why aren’t you a Mazama climb leader leading your own climbs? Join in the fun on Sharkfin Tower, the North Ridge of Mt. Baker, the West Ridge of Stuart, the North Face of Vesper, or Forbidden Peak. You should find all of these routes to be a fun challenge.
3. Mail your climb card to the climb leader (not to the MMC!), making sure to fill it out completely including self-addressing the return card and including a stamp. The first day to mail them is April 15 – mailing cards on this date gives you the best chance of getting accepted.
4. Train: Climbing is a much more enjoyable experience if you are in shape. Head out to the gorge, take to your local running trails, hit the gym – whatever you do, just make sure you are fit enough for the climb.