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We CLIMB 

with friends who share our love for the mountains and adventure. 

We believe 

in the power of the ascent, a passion for adventure, teamwork, responsibility, safety, and the pursuit of dreams. 

We dream 

of climbing rock, the crunch of crampons on ice, the high mountain sunrise and sharing the experience with amazing people 

like you. 

featured events

  • Ice Climbing / Winter Mountaineering Training, ICE 1, ICE 2, MTN 2

    • 12/27/2024
    • 7:00 AM
    • 12/28/2024
    • 5:30 PM
    • June Lake, Ca
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Join us in June Lake for top rope ice climbing and winter mountaineering training! This event is a combined cragging event with ICE 1, ICE 2, and an overnight MTN 2 training component. You may attend one or both days. Depending upon conditions, we'll climb at Horsetail Falls, the North Gully, or Tatum Falls. The MTN 2 component is available for anyone who'd like to snow camp the night of Friday the 27th. Prior experience climbing ice and snow is helpful but not required, and prior experience winter camping is recommended. Participants will be expected to know how to tie in and belay safely. Loaner gear may be available.

    REGISTRATION: We have room for 10. Please join the waitlist and attendees will be RSVPed and notified. Hope to have you out with us!

    DETAILS:

    • What's happening: Ice cragging and ICE 1 and ICE 2 training at Horsetail Falls or assorted nearby crags, in June Lake, using top rope belays and mock lead climbing, potential multi-pitch on WI2. MTN 2 winter mountaineering training component available for those who camp overnight. Horsetail Falls has a steep 1.5 mile approach, use of a short fixed line and a possible treacherous stream crossing. One or both days are possible with this RSVP - please designate your itinerary when registering.
    • Where to meet: At the barriers at the end of the Hwy 158, near the power plant. Even though this road is plowed, an AWD or 4WD may be needed.
    • Volunteer Event Leader: Darren Shutt, 916-872-3399
    • Minimum / Maximum: 3,6
    • What to bring: Warm mountaineering boots, sharp crampons, ice tools, snowshoes or skis, harness, helmet, belay device, warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, puffy, food, 2 liters of water, large pack, trekking poles. If camping please bring winter mountaineering equipment such as 4-season tent, below freezing rated sleeping bag, 2 pads, stove, headlamp, etc. Crampons, ice tools, tent, snowshoes, and some camping gear may be provided by MAA upon request, first come first serve. MAA will provide ropes and technical ice climbing equipment.
    • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
    • Additional Info: If conditions are not good or unsafe, this event may be cancelled or altered, even with very little notice. Driving on winter roads is hazardous, carry chains and plan extra time for travel.

    ITINERARY:

    Day 1 - Friday, Dec. 27th: Please arrive at the trailhead at 7:00 am. Meet and greet, gear up, logistics. We will proceed up to the mountain to make a winter camp. Late morning, we'll start ice climbing and training on Horsetail Falls or other nearby crag until dark. Return to camp for the night.

    Day 2 - Saturday, Dec. 28th: Darren and a few folks will descend the hill to meet any other attendees at the trailhead at 7:00 am. We'll escort everyone back to the crags, then continue ice climbing until about 3:30 or so. Pack up camp and head back to the cars, then dinner in town.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but not certified guides.
    • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event.
    • Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
    • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.
    Show details

  • Ice Climbing Lee Vining, ICE 1, ICE 2

    • 01/10/2025
    • 6:00 AM
    • 01/11/2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Lee Vining, Ca
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Join MAA members at the classic ice crag in Lee Vining Canyon for two days of ice climbing on top rope! Prior experience climbing ice and snow is helpful, participants will be expected to know how to tie in and belay safely. Some training on basic ice climbing technique and anchoring will be provided (ICE 1, ICE 2). Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 8. Hope to have you out with us!

    SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified.

    DETAILS:

    What's happening: Friday and Saturday ice climbing at Chouinard Falls, in Lee Vining Canyon. Top rope belays. 4 mile approach over snowy roads, trails and snow-covered boulders, possible difficult stream crossings. We may also elect to climb in June Lake if conditions are better.

    Where to meet: Lee Vining Mobil Gas Station, 22 Vista Point Dr. at 6:00 am. if the road is plowed we'll drive all the way to the power plant. If it's not plowed we'll caravan to the road closure and walk 2 miles up the snowy road to the Poole Power Plant, and 2 more miles up the canyon to the crags.

    The approach: May take 2 hours or more. Bring snowshoes or skis. If you are attending both Friday and Saturday, you may want to camp out in the canyon. 

    Event Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399, darren@mountainascent.org

    Minimum / Maximum: 2,8

    What to bring: Mountaineering boots, sharp crampons, ice tools, harness, helmet, belay device, snowshoes, warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, puffy jacket, lunch, water, pack, snowshoes or skis, trekking poles. Crampons and ice tools may be provided by MAA. Let Darren know if you need gear.  

    Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

    Additional Info: If conditions are not good or unsafe, this event may be cancelled or altered, even with very little notice. Driving on winter roads is hazardous, carry chains and plan extra time for travel.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

    • This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

    • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

    • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

    • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

    • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

    • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

    • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

    • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training. 
    Show details

  • Donner Peak Winter Mountaineering / Coldstream Ice Climbing (MTN2, ICE 1, SNOW 2)

    • 01/23/2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 01/25/2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Donner Peak / Coldstream Canyon, Truckee CA
    • 0
    • 17 registrants
    Join waitlist

    Join us for a winter mountaineering and ice climbing event! This one-of-a-kind event is three solid days exploring and climbing snow, rock and ice: winter mountaineering, camping and summitting Donner Peak, then moving into the backcountry to camp at and climb the fantastic ice routes at Coldstream Canyon. This will provide valuable training and experience for all mountain pursuits. All members are welcome, but recommended for those with some winter camping and cold weather mountaineering experience. 

    SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified.

    DETAILS:

    • What's happening: Combination training and comprehensive winter climbing event conducted at Donner peak and Coldstream Canyon near Truckee, CA. Training will be: MTN 2 - Winter navigation, travel on skis or snowshoes, camping, weather and avalanche safety, winter climbing on rock and snow with crampons, rappelling in winter conditions, and reviewing self arrest. SNOW 2 - Climbing and descending steep snow, snow protection and anchors. ICE 1 - Steep water ice climbing techniques and ice anchors / protection. 
    • Objectives: Winter ascent of Donner peak 8,019' via the N. Ridge, pioneering a direct route from Donner Peak to Coldstream Canyon, and top-rope ice climbing WI3/4 90' and 160' routes.
    • Logistics: We'll first establish camp on the N. Ridge of Donner Peak less than a mile from the cars, then move approx. 3 miles into the backcountry to camp at the foot of the ice cliffs in Coldstream Canyon. 
    • Where to meet:  At the public winter parking at the top of Old Donner Pass (Lincoln Highway), just east of the entrance to Sugar Bowl, near the Summit Haus building.
    • Event Leader: Darren Shutt 916-872-3399
    • Minimum / Maximum: 2/10
    • What to bring: Crampons, boots, gaiters, mountain axe, ice tools, skis / snowshoes, poles w/ snow baskets, harness, helmet, belay device, 2 locking carabiners, a sling or PAS, winter layers (insulating base and mid layer(s), waterproof jacket / pants, puffy), 2 pairs socks and gloves, warm beanie, meals for 3 days, 4-season tent, closed-cell foam sleeping pad, inflatable pad, sleeping bag rated below freezing, snow shovel, headlamp, mug, spoon, stove, fuel, pot, personal items. Ropes, ice tools, ice / rock protection and other technical equipment provided by MAA. Camping equipment can be shared among participants. Loaner gear may be available, please make prior arrangements with EL. 

    • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

    ITINERARY 

    • DAY 1, Thursday Jan. 23rd: Gather in the morning at the parking area for meet and greet, sorting gear, reviewing logistics and safety. Make the short ascent to the N. Ridge and dig camp. Climb Donner Peak via the N. Ridge. Work on winter mountaineering skills such as climbing snow / rocks with boots and a pack, and rappelling off the summit. Return to camp for a cozy night out! This day is also an excellent shake down before heading to Coldstream.
    • DAY 2, Friday, Jan. 24th: Pack up and snowshoe / ski a direct backcountry route over Donner Peak and down to Coldstream Canyon. Work on navigation and snow safety en route. Dig in camp at the base of the ice routes. Establish routes and ice climb until dark (or beyond...night ice climbing w/headlamps anyone?). 
    • DAY 3, Saturday, Jan. 25th: Continue ice climbing and instruction for most of the day. Pack camp and trek back up to Donner Peak and back to the cars.   

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

    • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

    • This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

    • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

    • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

    • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

    • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

    • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

    • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

    • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

    • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.

      Show details

    • Canada (Canmore) Ice Expedition 2025

      • 02/15/2025
      • 02/23/2025
      • Canmore, Alberta, Canada
      • 0
      Join waitlist


      Join MAA in Canmore for a stellar week of back-country ice climbing. The Canadian Rockies are well known for world-class adventurous multi-pitch ice climbing. We'll operate from a beautiful hostel in Canmore and drive to any number of ice destinations within and hour or so away. This event is geared for those who are experienced back-country ice climbers, can lead or follow at the WI4-WI5 level, and can handle 1-3 hour approaches. Loaner gear is available to paid members. Maximum of 6 participants. Recommended ICE 3 or equivalent experience such as the MAA Bozeman and/or Cody ice expeditions.

      Screened Event: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on MAA profile. Those registered will be notified with instructions to pay the expedition fee.

      DETAILS:

      • DATES: Saturday, February 15th to Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 (9 days: 2 days for travel and 7 for climbing)
      • LOCATION: Canmore, Alberta, Canada; Canmore Alpine Hostel, also known as the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse
      • SHARED COST: $850 per participant. This covers accommodations (2 private dorm rooms in the hostel with lounge & kitchen) for 8 nights, 2 rental vehicles, airfare or mileage reimbursement to get the ELs and gear to Canmore, and a mandatory MAA operations and gear usage fee ($300)  
      • EVENT LEADERS: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen, Todd Martin
      • MIN / MAX: 3/9
      • REFUNDS: Full refunds are available 90 days before the trip date. Between 30 and 90 days, 50% refunds are possible. Less than 30 days, no refunds will be given.
      • PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use your own equipment. If you're missing something, club loaner gear may be available (except footwear). Please let the event leader know if you need something.
      • WHAT TO BRING: Warm boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, belay device, eye protection (sunny & cloudy days), biners, slings, any personal lead climbing or anchor building equipment, rope, cold weather clothing, shell layers, multiple socks and gloves, pack, sleeping bag, travel clothes.
      • MEDICAL: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
      • TRAVEL: Each person is responsible for their travel to the cabin, either driving or flying. This will be coordinated as a group. 
      • LODGING: Cabin is about an hour drive from Cody, and only a short drive from the ice climbing. Cost for the cabin is included in the expedition fee. 

      ITINERARY:

      • Saturday, February 15th: Arrive in Canmore. Meet and proceed to the hostel, check in and prepare for the next 8 days.
      • Sunday, February 16th - Saturday, February 22nd: Climbing multi-pitch back-country ice in teams of 2 or 3, returning to the hostel each night.  
      • Sunday, February 23rd: Clean up, check out and proceed home. 

      IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

      • Because of the demands of this event it is for Apex or Base level participants only.

      • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

      • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

      • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

      • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

      • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

      • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

      • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training. 

      • Travel arrangements are separate. Flights can be arranged to Cody, remember winter time flights into Wyoming can be unreliable. Driving may also be hampered by winter storms and road closures.

      For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or darren@mountainascent.org, or (916) 872-3399.

      Show details

    • Mt. Robson 2025 Expedition, BC Canada

      • 07/28/2025
      • 6:00 AM
      • 08/06/2025
      • 10:00 PM
      • Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
      • 0
      • 4 registrants
      Registration is closed

      Mt. Robson 2025 Expedition BC Canada

      Join Apex Members to climb the Kain Face on the Monarch of the Canadian Rockies. At 12,972 with the infamous 9,000' high Emperor Face, bristling with glaciers and unrivalled in majesty, Mt. Robson is the undisputed "high point" of the Canadian Rockies and has always been a place of challenging yet amazing alpine climbing. We'll basecamp at the Dome and climb the historic Kain Face route, with options to also climb Mt. Resplendent and The Helmet as conditions dictate. 

      This is a serious expedition with two mandatory team skills training dates prior to departure and will require a high degree of fitness. Prior experience climbing glaciers and multi-pitch ice or alpine ice required. We have room for 6. Hope to have you out with us!

      SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

      DETAILS:

      • What's happening: Climbing on Mt. Robson 12,972' with basecamp near the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier. Glacier travel, alpine ice climbing, backcountry and glacial navigation and camping. Up to two rope teams of three. Kain Face route is rated D, AI3, 50 degrees, and we will descend the same route either downclimbing or rappelling off V-thread anchors. There is the likelihood of climbing low 5th class broken rock with full packs and mountaineering boots on the Resplendent - Robson ridge if the Robson Glacier "Mousetrap" is too hazardous to attempt. All ascents will take between 10-16 hours, all will involve early alpine starts. Freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and hazardous conditions will always be present (and even a likelihood) on a mountain as large as Robson. Summit success rate is 50% at it's best, some years only 10%, depending upon conditions. Prior mandatory glacier and ice climbing training in January and May 2024. Loaner gear may be available.
      • Where to meet: Robson Provincial Park, BC Canada
      • Event Leaders: Darren Shutt, Kelvin Nguyen
      • Minimum / Maximum: 3,6
      • Travel and gear coordination: International travel to Canada requires a valid passport and proof of COVID immunization. Group spreadsheet on G-Drive will be shared with confirmed participants.
      • Skills Requirements: Participants should be experienced in and know how to traverse and rescue on glacial terrain, climb 65-degree muti-pitch alpine ice with two tools, climb fifth class rock in mountaineering boots, lead belay, rappel, and clean ice and rock protection, as well as backcountry and glacial travel and camping. 
      • What to bring: Warm technical ice climbing boots, sharp ice crampons, a pair of sharp technical ice tools, harness, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 slings, prusik, Tibloc or Micro traxion, a snow picket, 16 cm ice screw, PAS, helmet, base layers, mid layers, shell layers, puffy with hood, 2 pair socks, gloves, mountain glasses, 40 - 60 liter climbing pack, sleeping bag, mat, tent, food for 6 days, 2 liter water carrying capacity, trekking poles, map, compass, strong headlamp with extra batteries, a few shovels and glacier wands for the group. Each person will carry crevasse rescue gear. MAA may supply some or all of the group technical equipment, ropes, tents, stoves, and fuel.
      • Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

      ITINERARY:

      • PRIOR: Multi-pitch ice climbing training January 2025 and glacier travel and rescue training on Mt. Shasta Hotlum Left Ice Gully May 2025, exact dates TBD. We will arrange gear and logistics online and on a conference call TBD, will communicate with registrants.
      • DAY 1 - Monday, July 28th: Meet at the trailhead and finalize logistics. Hike approx. 13 miles to Berg Lake campsites, or further to camp at the foot of the Robson Glacier.
      • DAY 2 - Tuesday, July 29th: Ascend the Robson Glacier to view option to go through the "Mousetrap." If that is out of shape then we will ascend to the Robson / Resplendent col and traverse the exposed low-5th class broken ridge and upper glacier. This may involve roped protected climbing and rappelling, all with full packs. We'll establish basecamp at the Dome 10,072' on the Robson Glacier, at the foot of the Kain Face.
      • DAY 3 - DAY 5, Wednesday, July 30th - Friday, August 1st: 3 days to rest, acclimate, climb and descend the Kain Face to the summit of Robson, weather being agreeable. Exact itinerary depends upon conditions, weather, and our team. Other routes we can climb from the same base camp are the Ice Arete (AD, 5.4) on Resplendent and the SE Ridge (PD+) on The Helmet.  
      • DAY 6 - Saturday, August 2nd: Break camp and head home.
      • August 3rd - 6th is set aside as contingency dates for the mountain. If we accomplish our objective we have other mountains in mind. 

      IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

      • This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

      • This event is open to all Apex members only. 

      • MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

      • MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

      • Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

      • Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

      • As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

      • All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

      • The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

      • MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.



      Show details



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