SWS Mountain Guides

06/11/2026

Looking for a different side of Mount Shasta?

Our 3-Day Hotlum-Bolam Ridge Climb follows one of the mountain's most scenic and remote routes. With fewer crowds, an incredible high camp, and a classic alpine ascent, it's easy to see why this route is a guide favorite year after year.

If you have basic foundational mountaineering skills and are familiar with using an ice axe & crampons, this is one of the best adventures on the mountain.

Spots are available this season. Join us on Shasta's hidden gem.
Find Your Adventure HERE>> https://f.mtr.cool/jsbpqcjywm

06/09/2026

California Mountain Guides Blog: All mountaineers, guides, and alpine enthusiasts know the importance of the proper footwear. Having the correct boot for the job is crucial, although the experienced climbers know all too... https://f.mtr.cool/gquhsllmee

06/08/2026

06/07/2026

Ready to find your next adventure?

Booking your trip is easy.
Visit https://swsmtns.com, choose your dates, select a course or climb, and reserve your spot in just a few minutes.

For more than 45 years, we've been helping people explore the mountains. Our management team alone brings over 75 years of guiding experience, and we're committed to providing personal attention from your first question to the last day of your trip.

Working toward your first peak?
Building stronger mountain skills?
Or planning an international expedition?
We're here to help you reach your goals.

We look forward to helping you find an adventure in the mountains.

06/06/2026

There are days when the mountains ask for more.

More focus.
More commitment.
More courage.

The summit isn't guaranteed. The outcome isn't certain.
But there are moments when standing still isn't the answer.

The decision to step forward anyway is what defines an adventure.

06/04/2026

Good morning from Mt Shasta! What a day it is up here!

06/02/2026

California Mountain Guides Blog: Like in normal life, weather decides most things in the mountains. It influences whether a climb is reasonable, whether the snow has significant instabilities, and whether a day feels str... https://f.mtr.cool/nmhqogtpjl

05/31/2026

Yesterday on Shasta was a good day!

05/30/2026

Mount Shasta has been serving up a little bit of everything this week. 🌨️💨☀️

Just days ago, our teams were navigating rain, snow, wind, and challenging mountain conditions. Today, climbers are enjoying beautiful weather, great snow conditions, and incredible views from high on the mountain.

It's a great reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the mountains and why preparation, and flexibility matter.

Whether it's stormy or bluebird, we're grateful for every opportunity to help climbers experience Mount Shasta.

05/28/2026

“Do you still climb if it’s snowing?”

This photo answers that question pretty well. 😄❄️

Mount Shasta, Mount Whitney, and most mountains around the world are subject to rapidly changing weather. Part of mountaineering is learning how to move through and endure wind, snow, freezing temperatures, and less-than-perfect conditions.

We monitor weather and mountain conditions very closely, and if conditions become truly hazardous, we absolutely will cancel or reschedule trips. But generally speaking, cold, snowy, or windy weather alone usually isn’t enough to stop a climb.

And with today being National Burger Day, there’s no better post-summit reward than stopping at Yaks on the 5 for a burger after getting rimed up on the mountain. 🍔🏔️