Basic Guide Services

The Climb to Fight Breast Cancer contracts full-service guides. These guide services specialize in organizing domestic climbs and international expeditions. They prepare climbers for technical and physical challenges inherent in alpine mountaineering and provide group meals and ground transportation when noted on itineraries and gear lists. They are available to answer questions prior to a climb, lead “snow school” on the mountain, and provide verbal and physical instruction throughout the climb. The guide services are also responsible for securing all required mountain permits, assessing climbing and weather conditions the day of the climb, and determining each climber’s physical readiness to continue.

They seek to enhance their clients’ appreciation for and sensitivity to the natural environment by teaching and following “Leave No Trace” mountain ethics. They strive to strengthen their clients’ confidence during the climb by teaching them the skills needed to approach high alpine environments. Their purpose is to assist their clients in grasping depth of a rich mountaineering experience and steward safe, self-sufficient and environmentally conscious alpine mountaineers. Their highest priority is always climber safety.

Mts Baker, Denali, Elbrus, Everest Base Camp Trek, Kilimanjaro, Olympus, Rainier and the Volcanoes of Mexico

Climber Guides

By participating in a Baker, Denali, Elbrus, Everest Base Camp Trek, Kilimanjaro, Olympus, Rainier or Volcanoes of Mexico climb, you will experience an opportunity to climb with a premier guide service, Alpine Ascents International (AAI). Since 1986, AAI has provided incomparable guiding, creating extraordinary adventures for first time climbers and experienced mountaineers. AAI's mission is to offer climbers of all ability levels the opportunity to achieve personal goals through challenging, safe and enjoyable expeditions. AAI's climbing and training techniques were originally put to the test on the glaciers of Mt Everest, and it was there that its success and reputation began. Today, AAI leads expeditions to more than 25 peaks around the world. AAI's safety record stands as the finest in the guiding industry. Leading cohesive groups is fundamental to its philosophy. As a Climb to Fight Breast Cancer® team member, AAI will guide you and teach you the mountaineering fundamentals you need to have a successful and fun climb.

Mts Adams and Hood

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), with its experienced professional guides, has been recognized as a leading guide service for Cascade peaks in Oregon and southern Washington since 1978. PP&R believes mountain climbing in the Northwest is an exhilarating wilderness experience and it provides clients with a state-of-the-art instruction. Its guides are some of the most conservative in the business—the safety of their clients is always their highest priority. Even if you don’t currently consider yourself to be a mountain climber, PP&R will thoroughly prepare you to have a safe and enjoyable Climb to Fight Breast Cancer Experience.

Mt Shasta

Shasta Mountain Guides (SMG) was founded in 1982. SMG believes in providing the highest quality experience for climbers on Mt Shasta. The guides are true mountain professionals committed to sharing their array of skills and passion for climbing and skiing. All trips and courses prioritize a safe and fun experience, while learning new skills and achieving goals.

Notice provided by our guide services:

Proceeds benefit breast cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Climbs on Baker, Denali, Elbrus, Everest Base Camp Trek, Kilimanjaro, Olympus, Rainier and Volcanoes of Mexico are guided by Alpine Ascents International (AAI). Climbs on Baker are conducted under special use permit Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Alpine Ascents is an authorized concessionaire of Mt Rainier National Park. Alpine Ascents is an authorized concessionaire of Denali National Park and Preserve. Climbs on Adams and Hood are guided by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R). Climbs on Shasta are guided by Shasta Mountain Guides (SMG). SMG operates under permit from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and US Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)