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 should have and WEAR is a helmet. When I say this I do not mean to wear it on your pack, but on your head! I do not know how many times I have seen folks with their helmets on their packs while climbing up past Red Banks.
Rockfall/icefall can be quite common on Mount Shasta, especially later in the season as snow and ice melt loosen volcanic rock higher up on the mountain. Even small rocks can cause severe injuries when falling from above. A climbing helmet can provide critical protection not only from rockfall, but also from slips, falls, and accidental impacts with ice axes or other equipment during steep sections of the climb.
Routes like Avalanche Gulch often see heavy climber traffic which increases the chance of dislodged rocks or dropped gear from climbers higher on the mountain. Weather conditions can also change rapidly, creating icy surfaces and unpredictable hazards that make head protection essential.
All climbers should consider a helmet just as necessary as crampons or an ice axe. It’s lightweight, comfortable (if sized properly), and could make the difference between a close call and a life-threatening injury.
On all my mountaineering climbs, whether with clients or on my own, I consider a helmet an essential piece of gear. Wearing one is a simple decision that significantly improves your safety and helps ensure your climb ends with great memories instead of preventable accidents.
Written By David Cressman