How many people will I be climbing with?

Each climb is different, average group size is six, but group size varies depending on many factors, including the difficulty of the climb, the terrain, and the preferences of the guide service. Take a look at the peaks for more details on individual climbs.

Will I get to meet the other climbers before the trip?

There is a pre-trip meeting before your climb. Contact your Climb Coordinator for exact location, date and time. Attendance at this meeting (either in person or by conference call) is mandatory for all climbers. At this time you’ll try on your mountaineering gear and go over trip logistics. This is also a great opportunity to meet your fellow climbers and ask questions about your climb.

My friend and I signed up together. Can we be on the same rope-team?

Probably. Guides determine which individuals will be roped together based on performance on the mountain. In most cases they are happy to accommodate friends and family who prefer to climb on the same rope team. Let them know about your relationship at the outset of the trip so that they can plan accordingly.

How do I get to the climb?

Climbers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the climb. We encourage carpooling – see your Climber Orientation Packet for more information about arranging this with your fellow climbers.

Can I still climb and fundraise if none of the scheduled climbs work with my calendar?

Yes! Our climb dates may not match up with your summer calendar. Or maybe you’ve climbed all five of our mountains and are looking for a new adventure! If something is driving you to climb a different peak, we invite you to choose any mountain climb offered by one of our guide services, SWS. You register through SWS and still get to fundraise with us, train with us, and have the experience of a lifetime! Contact your Climb Coordinator for more details on the domestic, international and custom climbs available.

How much money do I have to raise?

Each climb is different, but the fundraising goals range from $3,200 to $3,800 depending on many factors including the length of the trip and the location. Take a look at the peaks for more details about individual climbs, and see the fundraising page for general fundraising questions.

Can I raise that much money in a few months?

Yes, you can! Throw a party, a silent auction, raffle, or poker tournament. Ask friends, family and coworkers. Write hand-written notes, make phone calls and follow-up. Explain the cause. Tell people your fundraising goal. Then ask again. We understand that raising this amount of money can be a bit intimidating, but once you get started you’ll be surprised at how much fun you’ll have. See our fundraising page for more information and consult your Climber Orientation Packet for ideas and inspiration from past climbers and professional fundraisers alike.

What else do I have to pay for?

Climbers are individually responsible for transportation to and from the climb, any lodging off the mountain, lunches and in some cases dinners throughout the trip. Plan to spend about $100 tipping your guide(s).

Should I tip my guides?

Your guides are experts in a very specialized set of skills. Their job is to keep you safe on the mountain, and if possible, help you achieve the summit. One thing they are not, is well-paid. It is customary to tip the guides 10-20% of the commercial value of your trip. You should plan to spend about $100 tipping your guide(s).

Do I need to have mountaineering experience?

Most of our climbs require no previous mountaineering experience, though prior mountaineering, backpacking, camping, and climbing experience are all helpful. Each trip includes professional instruction in the mountaineering techniques that you will use during your ascent. These training day(s) will help you prepare mentally and physically for the challenges you will face on the mountain. Consult your Climb Coordinator if you have specific concerns about your fitness or experience level.

How should I train for the climb?

The mountains that you’ll climb with us were chosen for their rare beauty, classic routes, and physical challenge. They require endurance and mental stamina. In general, you should be working out at least four times a week, and at least one workout per week should have you exerting yourself for several hours. See Current Climbers for more information about Training, and consult your Climber Orientation Packet.

Which mountain is hardest?

If you’re looking for a snow/glacier climb and it’s your first time climbing a mountain, consider Mt. Shasta. Mt. Whitney (which we climb via the challenging Mountaineers Route) is a great rock/snow hybrid climb to the highest peak in North America.  Those with a bit of glacier or snow-climbing experience, especially Alumni climbers, should test themselves on Mt. Rainier. No matter which mountain you choose, a once-in-a-lifetime challenge is ahead of you. Your Climb Coordinator can answer specific questions about your interests and experience and help you choose the mountain that’s right for you. You can also take a look at what each entails here.

Will I have problems with altitude?

Read about altitude illness, consult your Climber Orientation Packet.

Will I summit?

We hope so. All of our summit climbs are in reach of any person in good physical shape who is determined to adapt his or her skills to the varied environment. However, due to changing weather, individual physical fitness, and other safety considerations not everyone will summit a mountain every time they try. Mountaineering is as much about knowing when to turn back, as it is about reaching the top. That’s why it’s called Climbing and not Summiting.

Is food provided?

Each climb is different, but in general climbers will be responsible for bringing their own food for lunch and hearty snacks on the mountain. See your Climber Packet for more information about nutrition, and consult your Climber Orientation Packet for specific information about what meals you’ll need to provide for yourself.

Is this climb for adults or kids?

This is a fundraising climb for adults to support BAWT’s mission to get urban youth into the wilderness. Minors may also participate, but are responsible for meeting the same fundraising goals as all other climbers. Parents of the minor must sign a liability release and are responsible for insuring that their young person meets the minimum fundraising goal.

Will there be porters/sherpas to carry my equipment?

That would be too easy! You’ll be carrying your own gear as well as some group gear like tents, stoves and fuel. On the way to high camp your pack can weigh anywhere from 35 to 50 pounds, depending on your height and weight.

Should I bring my cell phone, ipod or a book?

No. One of the best parts of climbing a mountain is the remote setting. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Plus, you’ll benefit from every opportunity to shave a few ounces off your pack.