About this Event
The SheJumps Mt. Olympus Fundraising Climb: An all-women's climb with Alpine Ascents International benefitting the mission of SheJumps to increase participation of women and girls in outdoor activities.
The undisputed crown jewel of the Olympic Mountain Range, Mount Olympus (S’ngazanelf / Sunh-a-do) beckons mountaineers to her remote summit. Though the peak is relatively diminutive in stature when compared to the Cascade volcanoes, glory on Olympus comes only after trekking 17.5 miles through a primeval temperate rainforest, crossing the crevassed Blue Glacier, and scrambling an exposed summit ridge. For any Northwest climber this peak is considered a rite of passage; for everyone this is an adventure through the beautiful and diverse terrain of Olympic National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This five-day climb of Mount Olympus is an excellent choice for climbers who appreciate the journey as well as the destination. This instructional course/summit climb teaches the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit a remote peak at the very center of Olympic National Park. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for more advanced expeditions as well as serious bragging rights.
The SheJumps Mt. Olympus Fundraising Climb takes place August 4-9, 2022.
SPIRIT OF THE CLIMB
There is a unique spirit of camaraderie with all SheJumps events. Endless high fives, gut busting laughs, and summit dance parties are just the beginning. We consciously foster a positive energy that exudes encouragement in stride with the technical, physical and emotional challenge at hand. Our all-female guide teams and staff offer support and expertise throughout your training, fundraising, and of course, the climb. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!
REGISTRATION AND COST
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space. Upon submitting your $500 deposit, you will be notified of your acceptance to the climb and directed to complete the Participation Agreement.
You are not officially registered until you have completed & signed the Participation Agreement here:
Each climber agrees to fundraise $3,400 for SheJumps, which is in addition to the $500 deposit (paid here through Eventbrite).
TENTS, EQUIPMENT, & MEALS
Provided: All group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes, technical hardware, and tents; breakfasts and dinners on the mountain.
Not Provided: Transportation, personal equipment, and lunches. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.
FAQs
How much do I have to fundraise?
As further detailed in the “Participation Agreement”, each climber agrees to fundraise or be personally responsible for a fundraising total of $3,400 for SheJumps. This amount does not include the deposit. Half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by May 5, 2022 (“Midpoint Fundraising Deadline”), and the other half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by July 29, 2022, (“Final Fundraising Deadline”).
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
No. This is a very popular climb with a long list of climbers waiting to participate, we will release open spots to the waitlist.
If I have to cancel for some reason, do I get my deposit back?
No. Your deposit is non-refundable. The closer we get to the course, the harder it will be for us to fill your spot. We highly recommend looking into options for trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be in the best shape of your life. This is an extremely rigorous climb and being in strong physical condition is mandatory. Please note, the guide retains the right, at any point, to determine whether a climber is sufficiently fit to continue the climb. Climbers must be able to hike with a 50+ lb backpack for 5.5-7 hours at a time, be able to do steep climbing and glacier travel with a 15-20 lb backpack, and moving on your feet for 8-10 hours on summit day.
Comprehensive training information can be found here. Be sure to note the separate tabs for phase 1, 2, and 3 of training.
What kind of gear do I need?
Check out the full gear list here.
What’s the itinerary?
The Day Before the Climb - August 4
Mandatory 10 a.m. gear check at Alpine Ascents’ Seattle office, to ensure that everyone is fully equipped and prepared for the climb. Rental gear is fitted and packed at this time. We’ll also review the functionality of each piece of gear, packing our backpacks, wilderness ethics, and Leave No Trace practices. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Climbers then have the rest of the day to drive out to the Olympic Peninsula if they choose to lodge there the night before the climb.
Day 1 - August 5
We will meet at 8 a.m. at the Hoh River Ranger Station (578 ft). After picking up our climbing permits from the ranger station, we will hike roughly 9 flat miles along the Hoh River Trail though ancient growth trees and hundreds of varieties of moss. The lush forests of the Hoh valley are some of the most spectacular examples of primeval temperature rainforest in the lower 48. We’ll make camp at the Olympus Guard Station (948 ft) which is conveniently situated next to the river and surrounded by forest & subalpine meadows. We will close out the day with a delicious meal prepared by the guides while basking in the greenery of the forest.
Hoh Ranger Station – Olympic Guard Station
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Change: +1,604′ (-1,251′)
Training:
On the approach, instruction includes nutrition, hydration, rest steps, pressure breathing, and temperature management. Guides will also discuss Leave No Trace information in depth. During rest periods, we’ll have short discussions on mountain physiology and mountain environments.
Day 2 - August 6
After a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast, we will break camp and continue hiking up the Hoh River Valley. In about four miles, we’ll cross the Hoh River Bridge (1,400 ft) over a deep gorge, signaling our departure from the verdant Hoh Valley. In two more miles, we’ll reach Elk Lake (2,500 ft), where the trail steepens and we begin to gain elevation in earnest. Four miles and 1,700 ft after Elk Lake, we’ll reach our camp for the evening at Glacier Meadows (4,200 ft). After establishing camp, we will train for our summit bid with a snow climbing school covering cramponing, ice axe usage, and rope travel before going to bed.
Olympic Guard Station – Glacier Meadows
Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Change: +5,108′ (-999′)
Training:
Focus is on the battery of skills needed to safely climb Mount Olympus: self-arrest, roped travel, crampon techniques, ice axe usage, and other techniques related to glacier ascent and descent.
Day 3 - August 7
We will rise before the sun and hike through the meadow and up the Blue Glacier moraine for about an hour before descending the moraine onto the Blue Glacier. After roping up, we cross the Blue Glacier and ascend to the top of the “Snow Dome” (6600′) where we will enjoy great views of the East, Middle, & West peaks of Mount Olympus. From the Snow Dome, we’ll pass the five-fingered false summit and drop into the saddle between the false summit and the true summit. With our objective now in sight, we’ll climb steep snow to an 80′ summit rock. An exciting scramble will take us to the very top. On the summit, we’ll bask in panoramic views of the Bailey Range and the Panic Peak area and then descend back to our camp at Glacier Meadows and spend the night.
Glacier Meadows – Summit
Ascent: +3,765 ft.
Time: 8-10 hours round trip
Training:
Our summit attempt allows us to implement and enforce what we learned the previous day.
Day 4 - August 8
We have a relaxing start to the day and have the opportunity to spot and photograph the black bears which frequent the area around Glacier Meadows. We then pack up our camp and begin the hike down to the Hoh River Valley and establish our camp along the river.
Glacier Meadows – Olympic Guard Station
Elevation Change: -5,108′ (+999′)
Day 5 - August 9
We’ll hike the final distance along the river and through the old growth forest, aiming to reach the trail head in the early afternoon.
Olympic Guard Station – Hoh Ranger Station
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Change: -1,604′ (+1,251′)
Itinerary subject to change due to conditions.
What happens if the climb is cancelled due to a global pandemic?
If the climb is cancelled in the case of continued risk of the spread of COVID-19, SheJumps will credit Participant with 50% of funds raised at the time of cancellation. These funds may only be used toward a fundraising climb in the following calendar year. Under no circumstances are fundraising amounts refunded or credited back to the individual donors. Participant may choose to donate these funds to SheJumps.
More questions?
Contact Robyn Gelfand: [email protected]
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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.
We believe in increasing diversity in the outdoors and providing ALL women and girls with the spark that will lead to a lifetime of outdoor learning and empowerment. We welcome all women and girls (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community.
Follow SheJumps:
www.shejumps.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Alpine Ascents International, 109 W Mercer St, Seattle, United States
USD 500.00