A few years ago, a family member introduced me to someone who wanted to climb Denali. My family member knew I’ve intended to climb it for a long time, but the timing has never worked out. When I first met this person, they immediately started talking about Denali...
It’s only been a couple of weeks since I wrote about the recent fatalities on the Clear Creek Route of Mount Shasta. Those events are always a reminder of how quickly conditions in the mountains can change, and that even experienced hikers or climbers can find...
Our last summer climbs have just wrapped up, and the Sierra has seen the first real snowfall of the season. It’s mother nature giving notice that it’s time to shift our mindset. Late October and early November mark a turning point in the mountains. The trails we’ve...
Well up here in Mt. Shasta, the Fall season is well underway. Lately there has been a steady drumbeat of acorns thudding onto rooftops, ricocheting off car hoods, and crunching underfoot with every walk through the woods. The oaks are in overdrive this year, dropping...
A powerful winter storm has swept into California, delivering a heavy dose of early snowfall, especially across the central Sierra Nevada. At our Bear Valley office, the mountains look different now — draped in fresh white, creeks and ridgelines softened, trees bowed...
Trying to decide which route on Mt Shasta is best for you? That can be a tough question for some. While some might not even know there are tons of other routes besides Avalanche Gulch? We of course are always here to help you decide, and never want to have you sign...
Choosing mountaineering boots isn’t just about gear; it’s about how your body feels miles into a climb, how confident you are placing each step on snow, ice, or rock, and how your feet carry you through long days in the mountains. I’ve guided on Mount Shasta, Mount...
As winter approaches, many backcountry travelers begin thinking about how to sharpen their skills and prepare for another winter season in the mountains. We teach our students that avalanche knowledge and rescue drills is not something you learn once and set aside...
Here at SWS Mountain Guides, we've always believed our work is about sharing skills and building a stronger, safer mountain community. This winter, we’re excited to take that commitment a step further by working to bring a beacon park to Bear Valley. A beacon park is...
With the recent accidents on Mt. Shasta's Clear Creek route, I've been thinking a lot about what may have contributed to them. I’ve guided people up that route more times than I can count anymore, and I can tell you firsthand, it’s not the casual stroll some expect....
