Here we are, as I’m finishing on this article, it’s already the beginning of August. The days are long, and the temperatures are hot, I have found myself looking toward winter, hoping it might arrive a little earlier this year. I have even started working on my skis...

At SWS Mountain Guides, we’ve been guiding clients up glaciated peaks, high-altitude passes, and technical alpine ridges since 1981. If there is one lesson four decades of mountain experience teaches you, it’s that the alpine sun is a relentless force. Whether you’re...

Late summer is one of the best times to climb the Mountaineers Route on Mt. Whitney, but do not let the calendar fool you. The Mountaineers route is still a demanding alpine climb! The right footwear can make the difference between a confident ascent and a long,...

There has never been a time when the mountains have felt more accessible than they do today. Every day, our phones are filled with stunning images of climbers standing on remote summits, skiers carving untouched lines through powder, and mountaineers tackling...

Summer is peak season for building the aerobic baseline and leg strength required for big alpine objectives. Taking your training to the high-altitude trails of California’s Sierra Nevada or Southern Cascade Range of  Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta is an excellent way to...

There are moments on every climb of Mount Shasta when you should stop looking at what is above you and start looking down. Not at your feet necessarily, but at the remarkable tapestry of life on the ground that somehow thrives on the flanks of California's...

Last winter, while in Shasta one morning before an avalanche course I was instructing had started for the day. I found myself standing alone in the Castle Lake parking lot waiting for the sun to come up. It wasn't a particularly remarkable day. It wasn't the beginning...

Over the past two decades, climbing gyms have transformed the sport. More people than ever are discovering climbing through brightly colored holds, padded floors, and professionally set routes. The gym has become the gateway to climbing, introducing thousands of new...

All mountaineers, guides, and alpine enthusiasts know the importance of the proper footwear. Having the correct boot for the job is crucial, although the experienced climbers know all too well that the fit of the boot can spell the difference between a successful...

While climbing Mount Shasta is an unforgettable experience, it is also a serious alpine objective where safety should always come first. Having the proper equipment is essential and one of the most important pieces of gear every climber...