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Our climbing style
It does not make sense to put everyone on the same climbing schedule because people acclimatize at different rates. We work with you to establish an acclimatization routine that is right for you, and we’ll partner you together with compatible teammates. Our time-tested expedition style is a safe approach as you are not pressured or required to climb beyond your ability. However, this approach is not suitable for everyone. Please talk to us about your expectations for the climb. Ski It! Board it! Snowshoe it! Mustagata is a fantastic mountain to ski or snowboard. From summit to snowline you get 8,000 vertical feet (2,500 meters) of drop over untracked snow. Normally from camp 1 the entire route can be “skinned” up without having to take your skis off once (except for when you’re sleeping in your tent). If you plan on skiing You will need an alpine touring (AT) set-up, also known as Randonne. Essentially, this involves a binding that allows you to “walk” up snow slopes and then ski down normally. Some members also Telemark ski. We recommend bringing ski crampons. If you plan on boarding We highly recommend bringing a split board and skins. You will need to have the entire system so that you can “walk” up the mountain on your board. Carrying a board up Mustagata is tough work and highly reduces your chances to summit. If you plan on Snowshoeing Snowshoeing is equally as rewarding. Mustagata is snowshoe heaven. You can move much more efficiently using snowshoes than by simply walking in your mountaineering boots. On much of the mountain you would sink in up to your knees in deep snow without snowshoes. About half of our members snowshoe. All members and staff either snowshoe, ski, or snowboard the mountain. Are crampons necessary? Yes, bring your crampons. You probably will not use them but depending on certain conditions there could be short sections of ice. Bring basic lightweight crampons, as you will not be doing any technical front pointing. If you want to snowshoe but do not wish to bring your own, we can bring a pair to basecamp for you. See rental form. Unfortunately, we do not rent skis, so you must bring your own. If you plan on skiing you should be a confident skier on ungroomed trails at ski resorts AND have ski touring/Randonne experience on varying snow conditions from hard icy pack to deep powder. If you plan to snowshoe you do not need any prior experience as we can teach you on the mountain and after a little practice you will be an expert. |
Many expeditions have stringent guidelines or timetables that have to be adhered to. We’re not like that. We want to provide our clients with an experience they can truly call their own. This will be a flexibly guided expedition. The leaders along with our top-notch climbing staff will set the route, put up the camps, watch over your safety, and provide other needs to ensure the success of the expedition. You are not required to climb on a pre-described schedule or with the leader, though you can if you would like to. We use this flexible approach because some people with more experience wish for independence on the mountain, while others would like more guidance. Also, some people are on skis while others are on snowshoes, these climbing techniques can result in different paces.