Climbing Info Introduction "Mt. Shasta is a beautiful mountain with a dominance and purity that puts it on every mountaineer’s list. Your experience on Mt. Shasta will be determined by your planning, partners, weather and luck. What makes the difference between a memorable climb and disappointment will be your attitude regarding the process. All too often we see a climber’s fixation on reaching the summit as the real reason for not reaching it. Of course it’s your goal, but the summit drug can cloud your judgment, blur your priorities and blind you to the beauty around you, the joy of friendship, and power of the moment. Take your time, do a route that suites the least experienced member of your party, plan for atrocious weather, and most important, enjoy Mt. Shasta’s beauty. Mt. Shasta is a considerable undertaking. Sure, there are the super fit that climb and ski AG before lunch, but for most it’s a two day, strenuous hike/climb that will test their stamina and mental toughness. Most of the roués are not technically demanding, but require basic mountaineering skills and awareness. For all routes you should have confidence in your crampon and ice axe skills. The glacier routes pose greater challenges and require additional skills. If you lack these skills or experience, consider hiring one of the excellent, permitted, Mt. Shasta guides." ­ from The Fifth Season's Mt. Shasta Climber's Review Things to Consider There are many things to consider when planning your climb: weather, snow conditions, avalanche dangers, route selection, length of trip, necessary skills and tools, necessary gear, food and liquids, permits, leadership, group size, group ability, and effects of altitude. There are several information sources that can help you understand these considerations when planning a climb. Information Sources US Forest Service Avalanche Center and Wilderness Department website: www.shastaavalanche.org US Forest Service Avalanche/Climbing Report: 530.926.9613 US Forest Service Mt. Shasta Ranger Station information desk: 530.926.4511 US Forest Service McCloud Ranger Station information desk: 530.964.2184 The Fifth Season Mountain Report: 530.926.5555 Mt. Shasta Book by Andy Selters and Michael Zanger Route 1, Avalanche Gulch by Steve Lewis Mt. Shasta: History, Legend and Lore by Michael Zanger The Fifth Season's Mt. Shasta Climber's Review Guide Services Shasta Mountain Gudies: 530.926.3117, www.shastaguides.com Sierra Wilderness Seminars: 888.797.6867, www.swsmtns.com Permits Summit Passes are required for any climber climbing above 10,000'. Passes may be obtained at USFS offices, The Fifth Season and major trailheads. These fees go directly to maintain access, trails, rangers, and search and rescue programs on Mt. Shasta. fee: $20 for 3-day permit An Annual Summit Pass is good from January 1 to December 31.  Annual Passes are currently only available at the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Mon-Fri, and at The Fifth Season during business hours. fee: $30. The Fifth Season Climbing and Ski Report Call The Fifth Season's climbing & ski report phone for daily updates at 530-926-5555. (We do not post reports online.) The most recent conditions are available from us by phone, 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm PST. Our store is open Monday thru Friday from 9 - 6, Saturday from 8 - 6, and Sunday 10 - 5. Call us at the store during these hours at 530 926-3606.

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