Hey everyone,
After climbing Rainier via the DC route this August, I am now signed up for a 10 day course with AAI in mid-June that will culminate in heading to the top of Rainier for the Kautz. I've read varying trip reports for June conditions and watched many youtube videos, and I'm concerned that the route will be too much of a walk up in June, compared to the more technical step-up from the DC route that I am looking for. Will there be any ice climbing on the Kautz in mid-June? Alternatively, i may be able to change my reservation to an opening in late July/early August... would the route likely be more technical then?
Without a doubt even a walk-up on the Kautz would be a great and challenging experience, but its just not what I really want right now after having already done the DC. The spicier the better
Alpine Ascents program director did tell me originally that it is a safer bet to go early, as sometimes if the route is too melted out they wont let (novice) clients climb it due to the risk. However, they changed the itinerary of the preceding 6 day seminar to include a day of formal ice climbing instruction, and Im thinking they would allow more technical ascents. I would confirm this of course....
Thank you for any insight you can give!