Iconic Climbers To Attend Rainier Mountain Festival Near Mount Rainier National Park

Published Date

September 7, 2010

You can meet climbing icons and work on your own climbing skills at the Rainier Mountain Festival this coming Sunday, September 12.

If you've long wondered about what it takes to climb mountains such as K2 or Mount Everest, pencil the Rainier Mountain Festival on your calendar. This affair just outside Mount Rainier National Park will bring together such iconic mountaineers as Ed Viesturs and the Whittaker brothers, Jim and Lou.

The festival, set for this coming Saturday and Sunday, will feature these and other world-class climbers presenting talks and slideshows, and taking questions about their adventures.

Other activities include: Alpine Games - competitions for cash prizes in classic mountain events, five-mile trail run, mountain technique demonstrations, Mt. Rainier benefit raffle with proceeds benefiting Mount Tahoma Trail Association, kids fun and games, and music and food for everyone.

"The Mountain Festival has become a tradition, a mountaineering reunion for those of us in love with Mount Rainier and big mountains in general," said Dave Hahn, who has reached the summit of Mt. Everest 12 times. "The legends of the high altitude game are sure a lot easier to talk to over a picnic in Ashford than on the glaciers where they earned their fame."

Climbing guides also will share such mountaineering techniques and secrets as fitting a backpack, climbing food and nutrition, what to look for in a mountaineering stove, and boot fitting.

Also on the schedule:

* Demonstrations will happen throughout the weekend at the Demo Tent

* Ed Viesturs free slideshow on Sunday at 11:00

* Mt. Rainier Benefit Raffle - Tickets will be sold and drawings held for over $10,000 worth of gear with proceeds benefiting Mount Tahoma Trail Association. Drawings will take place throughout the day. Participants do not have to be present to win

* Kids Fun and Games - Supervised climbs on a rock wall, an inflatable bounce house and children's games will be offered both days for free.

* Music and Food - Food vendors with BBQ, micro brews and more, as well as free live entertainment by local bands.

Ashford, Washington, is located just outside the Paradise entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. With outfitters, guide services, shops, lodging and restaurants, it is the established base camp for Mt. Rainier summit attempts as well as a longtime choice for mountain vacation getaways.

For event information, please access www.rainierfestival.com or contact Jeremy Foust at [email protected]

Story Categories:

Visiting the Parks

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by admin on September 7, 2010 - 2:01pm.

The last paragraph is a bit misleading, it says Ashford is located just outside the Paradise entrance. Paradise can be reached via the Steven's Canyon Entrance (East side) or the Nisqually Entrance (West Side). Ashford is just outside of the Nisqually Entrance.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks