• For "summit climbs" and "custom" trips, NOT "courses," all meals while on the mountain - guides do the cooking! 
  
• Professional guiding and instruction
• Transportation from Seattle to the trailhead and back, except on "custom" trips and as otherwise stated.
  
• Expedition-proven tents
  
• Stoves, fuel, and cooking equipment
  
• Group climbing gear

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF MY COURSE OR CLIMB?

• For "domestic" courses food, stoves, fuel and cook gear not included 
  
• Airfare and to, and transportation within, Seattle
  
• Hotel accommodations
  
• Restaurant meals
  
• Guide gratuities
  
• Personal climbing equipment
  

* All prices subject to change.

HOW QUICKLY DO THE TRIPS FILL UP?
Unfortunately, there is no way of foreseeing how quickly or which of our trips are going to fill up. It is always in your best interest to send in your application and deposit as soon as you have decided which trip date you want to join.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TRIP?
You will find an online application: http://www.mountainmadness.com/appreq/apprequest.cfm on our website or you may download it here: http://www.mountainmadness.com/pdf/mmapplication.pdf  Mail or fax your completed application to:

Mountain Madness

3018 SW Charlestown St.
Seattle, WA 98126
fax (206) 937-1772

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT AMOUNT TO HOLD MY SPACE?
Please refer to our trip application for specific deposits for each trip - domestic, international, Everest, Denali, etc.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
For Scheduled Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due prior to 30 days from departure.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, Mountain Madness must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the payment schedule as it is written in your trip application.


WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP?
All date changes must be received in writing along with a new application. There will be a fee of $100 for domestic date changes. Any date change can be extremely difficult and is subject to all additional incurred expenses as assessed by Mountain Madness. Date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from written change notification.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MOUNTAIN MADNESS HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the event that Mountain Madness must cancel a trip due to insufficient sign ups or other reasons beyond our control, you will receive a full refund for the value of the trip.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?
We highly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance. We suggest Travel Guard International at www.TravelGuard.com for protecting your investment. There are many companies to choose from and you may wish to do some individual research regarding which policy is right for you.

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE AND RETURN HOME?
We often get this question because most people need to know how much total time they need to take off work. Our Northwest trips (except Alaska) begin at 6:30 am in Seattle on the first date of your trip. You will want to arrive the day before your climb or course begins. Due to the nature of mountaineering, our return time to Seattle on the last day is often unpredictable. We suggest a hotel reservation for the night of the last day and plan to return home the day following the end of your course or climb.

WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE EARLIER OR DEPART LATER THAN THE TRIP DATES?
No problem. There is a lot to do in the Seattle area and we would be happy to recommend our favorite attractions, restaurants, and day trips.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN SEATTLE?
For our Northwest trips, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express, near downtown Seattle, which is our pick-up and departure point. For reservations you can contact them directly at (206) 674-6261. Let them know that you are climbing with Mountain Madness for our special group rate. There are other hotels nearby to choose from. A complete list of these is included with your trip confirmation.

HOW DO I GET TO WHERE I NEED TO BE?
For our Northwest courses and climbs, you should fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. You are then responsible for transportation to downtown Seattle (there is a convenient shuttle service). Your guide(s) will meet you at the Holiday Inn Express, our pick-up point, at 6:30 a.m. the first day of your trip. We will also make stop at Second Ascent for a gear check and equipment rentals. Your confirmation package will include all of the specific hotel and transportation information.


ARE MY SERVICES DIFFERENT ON A CUSTOM TRIP THAN ON A REGULARLY SCHEDULED TRIP?
Yes. The costs for a private trip include professional guiding services, tents, and mountain food only. Transportation and personal equipment is not included in the trip cost. For more information click here: http://www.mountainmadness.com/special/customtrips.cfm

WHO WILL MY GUIDE(S) BE?
All of our guides are highly skilled professionals who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, patient and supportive teaching styles, and great personalities. At a minimum, all of our guides have been Wilderness First Responder certified and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills- many hold full certification with the American Mountain Guides Association, the highest, recognized training available. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and successful summits on major peaks from the Cascades to Mt. Everest. Many Mountain Madness guides have educational backgrounds in fields such as natural history and cultural anthropology that can enhance your learning experience.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Mountain guiding is a service profession. Guides consider tipping an important part of their income. As in Europe, tipping your guides to recognize a job well done is standard. The amount of the gratuity depends on your level of satisfaction and length of the course or climb. Generally, a minimum of $15-25/day for the lead guide and $10-15/day for the assistant are standard.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year we review our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, thus giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Every list will come with a description of each item. Feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR A COURSE OR CLIMB?
Prior to departing on your trip, your guide or office staff will give you a call to discuss the particulars of your course or climb. At this time you can review the equipment you have selected and get their input. Before purchasing any equipment, you are welcome to call Second Ascent at (206) 545 -8810 and ask for ideas. Selecting the right gear can be a challenge and they are happy to help.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM MOUNTAIN MADNESS?
Yes, we have double plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, packs, gaiters, sleeping bags, helmets, and trekking poles. Quantities are limited and highly in demand during peak season so please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested. Click here for a complete list: http://www.mountainmadness.com/special/rentals.cfm

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
On North Cascades trips you will be required to carry a portion of the group gear and food, in addition to your gear. This should be taken into consideration when deciding what you will bring. A good rule of thumb is to try to keep your pack weight below 40 pounds and be sure to leave extra space to pack the group gear and food.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STORE EXTRA GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT I WILL NOT NEED?
In most cases, yes. There will be the option of storing extra gear and clothing at your hotel. There may be a small charge incurred, but typically it is free. You will also be able to leave a small amount in our vehicle at the trailhead (such as a change of clothes).

WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL THERE BE ON MY TRIP?
Our guides pride themselves in preparing amazing mountain cuisine. Our many years of mountain travel have provided us with well-tested and nutritious meal plans. Meals will consist of pastas, rice, soups, fresh, and dehydrated foods. Be sure to bring along your favorite munchies, energy food, and after dinner treats. If you have specific allergies/preferences, please note that on your application and your guide(s) will provide meals accordingly. Trip members will be expected to help with meal preparation and clean-up in order to become more familiar with the processes involved in expedition cooking.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON MY TRIP?
The North Cascades generate and attract their own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. Typically June, July, August, and September have the best weather, but optimum and adverse weather can occur at any time. You should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights and snowy and windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. These wide fluctuations make it especially important to bring everything on the equipment list. Because our climbs and courses take place in the unpredictable mountain environment, your guides will make decisions regarding the trip itinerary based on current weather and route conditions. Mountain Madness guides make every attempt to follow our trip itineraries, but the decision to amend an itinerary is always at the discretion of your guide. If you are unable to reach a summit because of weather or any other reason, Mountain Madness will be unable to provide a refund.

ARE MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRIPS RATED FOR THEIR LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY?
Yes. The following outline indicates how we rate our trips and what the recommendations are for participation on such a climb.

Climbing Grades Defined:

• Beginner - no previous mountaineering skills required.
  
• Advanced Beginner - basic mountaineering skills recommended including self-arrest, cramponing, ice axe use, rope and glacier travel experience.
  
• Intermediate - basic mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain consisting of 40-50 degree snow/ice slopes.
  
• Advanced Intermediate - intermediate mountaineering skills recommended and proven experience on technical terrain and high altitudes to 20,000 feet.
  
• Advanced - intermediate/advanced mountaineering skills recommended in addition to experience on technical terrain, including rock and ice climbing and ascents over 20,000 feet.
  

HOW PHYSICALLY FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
All of our courses and climbs are physically demanding, and your ability to enjoy your trip depends on your overall health and fitness. Your trip will be more rewarding for yourself and others if you prepare for it by conditioning properly. We believe that the best form of training is to simulate the activity you are training for and increasing the level of exertion as the routine becomes easier. For example, walking up hills and stair climbing are excellent ways to condition your lower body, heart and lungs for climbing. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, and eventually add weight as you increase your training pace. Then begin taking longer hikes several times a week with a weighted pack. We suggest that you use containers of water for uphill hikes and empty the contents for the descent to reduce knee stress. Supplement these workouts with running, swimming, bicycling, or other forms of aerobic activity. Additionally, we recommend that you incorporate a weight lifting regime into your training program to build upper-body strength. We suggest that you begin your daily training several months prior to your trip. If you would like to set up your own personal training program we suggest you visit BodyResults. Through carefully designed training programs, specific to mountaineering and trekking, the staff at Body Results will get you on the right track with online training and personal advice done remotely. They also offer a variety of books and dvd's to match your needs.

WHAT IF SOMEONE ON MY ROPE TEAM GETS SICK WILL I LOSE MY SUMMIT OPPORTUNITY?
Participants must keep in mind that they are part of a team and that the security of a team member is the highest priority. In the unlikely event that the entire group is required to get a team member down, they will be called upon to assist the guides. On specific trips may bring on additional guides to lower ratios on the summit day.

DOES MOUNTAIN MADNESS OFFER FAMILY TRIPS?
Yes, we currently offer trips that are specifically designed for families. Please call our office for details at 1-800-328-5925.

I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH MY SON/DAUGHTER. IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
We will accept participants 15 years or older on our regularly scheduled trips, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to participate in a Mountain Madness trip on your own. We will be happy to accommodate people under the age of 15 on custom trips only.



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