Tips for Getting on Climbs

Hi, climbers!  We at the Mazamas wish you success in getting on the climbs of your choice, and here are some time-tested suggestions to increase your chances doing so – in rough order of importance.

1) Postmark your climb cards on April 15 or ASAP after this date.  For summer, April 15 is the first day climb cards may be mailed to leaders, and many climbs fill within a few days of this date.  If you want a popular climb, try to send in your card promptly on or just after April 15.  (Don’t mail it before this date.)

2) Call the leader yourself a week before the climb and see if there are any last minute cancellations. This can be especially useful if you already applied for a climb and were not accepted. Climbs in the last half of the season almost always have folks who cancel – you can be the one who gets their spot.

3) If you apply after the first week climb cards are accepted, call the leader and/or check the online climb schedule before you mail the card to see if there is still room on the climb. As many climbs fill quickly, find out if there is room on a climb if you apply after about April 25. Just call the leader and ask, before you mail the card.

4) Apply for lesser-known peaks. The “16 major NW peaks” (which are Shasta, South, Middle and North Sister, Washington, 3 Fingered Jack, Jefferson, Hood, St. Helens, Adams, Rainier, Glacier, Shuksan, Stuart, Baker and Olympus) are usually the most popular. If Rainier, Adams and Jefferson are the only peaks you apply for, you may be disappointed. Consider a more obscure climb. Learn about the routes at the Mazamas library and our extensive guidebook collection, see the Route Description pages on our web site, try a web search for trip reports and photos, or call and ask the climb leader. Gaining a season or two of experience on alternate peaks can then help you build the resume needed for that big Rainier climb in a year or two.

5) Check the online summer climb schedule for climb openings.  This page shows (most) climbs that have spots available.

6) Apply for midweek and/or late season climbs.  Generally, weekday climbs have fewer applicants than weekend climbs, and late summer climbs often have more openings then those in May and June.

7) Keep the “postcard” part of the climb card after it’s mailed back to you.  If you don’t get on a climb or if you are accepted and the climb is later cancelled for any reason, you can get a cash refund or trade the card for a new one.  For this reason, keep ALL your returned “postcards”.

8) Volunteer for Mazamas. Some leaders consider volunteer experience when forming their climbing teams. If you offer some of your time and expertise to the Mazamas, your chances of getting on a climb may be increased. (Hint, hint.)

9) See the Route Descriptions on the member web pages to find more info on routes. The Mazamas web has a “mini-guidebook” to almost all the peaks Mazamas climb, many with photos. Check out these web pages to find more about the routes you are considering.

10) Here’s a good overall strategy, in two parts.  Part A:  Buy a few cards in early April, and mail them out to leaders on April 15.  If you don’t get on a few climbs, move to Part B:  return the rejects, get new cards, and then contact leaders a week or so before a climb on which you want to go (and for which you are qualified) and ask the leader if they have room.

As you can see, a little more effort on your part can make a big difference in getting on the climbs you want. Have a safe and successful climbing season!