Day 1
We meet at 9:00 am at the Fifth Season outdoor store in the town of Mount Shasta and conduct a pack check and discuss gear options. After a short drive to the trailhead, we begin our snowshoe into our base camp on the lower slopes of Casaval Ridge on Mount Shasta. We spend the afternoon establishing a bombproof winter basecamp and discussing expedition-style winter camping techniques.

Day 2
After a review of ice axe and cramponing, we work on more advanced winter climbing skills such as ropework and belayed travel, snow and ice anchors, and mixed climbing. We will also spend a good amount of time evaluating the stability of the snowpack by digging snow pits and perfroming stability tests as well as avalanche rescue techniques.

Day 3
Today is an early alpine "alpine start" as we attempt the spectacular Casaval Ridge route on the South side of Mount Shasta. This invloves 40 degree snow and possibly ice climbing to the summit of this 14,000 foot cascade volcanoe.

Day 4

We finish up with more winter climbing skills such as winter white-out navigation with map, compass and GPS and a quick introduction into crevasse rescue skills. We then break camp and descend to the trailhead. Usually we arrive at the cars by 3pm.