Mixed Classics
Here are a few classic climbs that offer the opportunity to use snow/ice and rock climbing skills!
Scheduled dates are listed and custom itineraries can be done any time during the summer and fall months. Contact our office to receive more information on any of these climbs.
North Palisade , U-Notch Couloir
3 Days
Elevation 14,242 feet, 4341m
Difficulty rating: Grade 4 Snow/Ice, 5.6 or 4th Class Rock
Intermediate
North Palisade Peak is considered one of the all time classic peaks in the Sierra. The U-Notch Couloir is a 900’ 40+ degree snow/ice couloir rising above the Palisade Glacier. We climb roped up and protect the route with snow pickets, ice screws and rock gear. After reaching the top of the U-Notch we remove our crampons and leave them with our ice axe in preparation for either 2 pitches of 5.6 rock climbing, or several short 3rd and 4th class pitches to the summit.
Cost:
$780 per person
Dates:
August 20-22 2013Contact SMI
Mt. Humphreys, Northeast Couloir to the East Aręte
3 Days
Elevation 13,986 feet, 4262m
Difficulty rating: Grade 5 Ice, 5.4 Rock
Intermediate
Mt. Humphreys is 13,986’ and is easily seen on the skyline from Bishop. This approach takes over a little used trail to a camp near the Humphreys Glacier. Above the left side of the glacier is an 800’ long ice couloir that tops out to a prominent notch on the East Aręte. From here several pitches of fun rock climbing with moderate exposure lead us to the summit of this spectacular peak.
Cost:
$440.00(based on a min of 2 people)per person
Dates:
Custom dates available between June and October, Contact SMI
Mt. Sill, North Couloir
3 Days
Elevation 14,162 feet, 4316m
Difficulty rating: Grade 3 Ice, Class 3 Rock
Beginner – Intermediate
This climb has it all and is a great introduction to many mountaineering techniques, from crampon and ice axe skills to efficient movement on rock. The North Couloir is an 800’ snow and ice field 35 – 40 degrees steep. From here we leave our snow and ice gear and stay roped up for several short pitches of Class 3 rock climbing that lead to the summit and one of the best views in the entire Sierra.
Cost:
$780 per person
Dates:
Custom dates available between June and October, Contact SMI
Sierra Mountaineering International is an authorized mountaineering guide service operating in partnership under special use permit with the Inyo National Forest, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and other agencies where applicable.
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