Hi everyone,
I am looking to hire a private guide to climb Rainier in 2013 or maybe a climbing partner. Any recommendations or suggestions?

I've tried to summit twice with Alpine Ascents but had to turn around due to bad weather. In addition, I dont particularly enjoy the company of their guides specifically those that take the fun away from the climb and have I know everything attitude.

PM me if you're interested

thanks
Igor

RMI for a guide. Other guides are officially not allowed on the mountain other than AAI as I recall and that has only been fairly recent. I believe several posters here either are or used to be Ranier Guides. All the guides I knew are very old in the tooth and quit about 20 years ago...

I have found most guides do not have "know it all attitude" unless one of their climbing clients, starts opening their mouths and professes to know all this "stuff" when what they have already stated clearly indicates they are weaving a very poor tall tale of their professed "abilities" and "knowledge".

Wastral wrote:RMI for a guide. Other guides are officially not allowed on the mountain other than AAI as I recall ...

I climbed this summer with International Mountain Guides ( http://www.mountainguides.com/ ), and the guides were absolutely excellent!
In all aspects they were professional, knowledgeable, VERY helpful and even fun! First class in my opinion. I'd go with no others.

moonspots wrote:

Wastral wrote:RMI for a guide. Other guides are officially not allowed on the mountain other than AAI as I recall ...

I climbed this summer with International Mountain Guides ( http://www.mountainguides.com/ ), and the guides were absolutely excellent!
In all aspects they were professional, knowledgeable, VERY helpful and even fun! First class in my opinion. I'd go with no others.

I second Moonsports post. I successfully summited Mt. Rainier back in July with IMG. It was my first climb, my first 14er', my first alpine experience, my first everything! I felt very well taken care of, and safe on the mountain and EXTREMELY well feed, (almost too well! ) The IMG guides, (they go up with a group of 12 with a 2:1 client:guide ratio) were very friendly and explained everything very well. I always knew what we were doing, where we were going, and what was expected of me.

Go with IMG!

I was thinking of going with IMG the only issues for me is they are based out of Ashford and I would have to get a cab/rental there and back.

I would recommend RMI and IMG. If you want a private guided trip both will give you a great experience. They are both very professional. If you go as part of a group you will not have the personal experience, it will cost less and still should be enjoyable. I would give each a call and request to speak with a guide. They will be very helpful to find out which type of guided tirp is best for you. Just my opinion.

If you go private, it doesn't matter which company you choose from. It's the individual guide that make or break your experience. I suggest you contact several companies and ask for references on the guides, that's your best bet.

Another way is join your local meetup groups. Every year, I think at least one or two groups of people from Hudson Valley Hiking, New York Backpacker and other groups go to Mt Rainier.