When the weather is nice in the High Sierra Alpine, there's no better place to climb thanTemple Crag. With huge alpine rock routes spanning well over 1,500', Temple crag boasts some of the longest continuous climbing in the High Sierra. The 4 major routes on the north face of Temple Crag, known as the Celestial Aretes, range in difficulty and length.
We're pleased to announce that we are once again offering community focused scholarships for AIARE avalanche courses this season. In addition to the BIPOC Scholarship that we offered last year, we are including a women's scholarship in both Washington and California.
Looking to get fit for backcountry ski season? In this video article, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach and Certified Cross-Country Ski Coach, Martin Benes walks us through 5 Essential Bodyweight Exercises for Backcountry skiers and snowboarders to help you prepare for backcountry skiing this season.
Blackbird teams reached the summit of Mt Shuksan after climbing the Fisher Chimneys and Southeast Ridge. Led by guides Zeb Blais and Brandon Seymore, the climb went smoothly with fit climbers, excellent weather and a perfect route. Read on for great pictures and a summary of current conditions!
For a relatively small mountain, Mount Shuksan packs a big punch. Stretching only 9,131’ above sea level, one might easily overlook this gem of the North Cascades. Luckily for Mt Shuksan, mountain climbing is more than mere altitude.
Blackbird Mountain Guides made the summit of Mount Rainier during the Rainier Summit & Skills Expedition on July 20th. The summit was made during the 5 day skills seminar & after a number of days of mountaineering skills including crampons, ice axe arrest, glacier travel, knots, anchors, crevasse rescue & ice climbing
Whether you're new to outdoor rock climbing, sport climbing, trad climbing, or multi pitch climbing, check out our list of the best crags in the Tahoe area for beginner rock climbers! We've got the lowdown on all the best spots to learn rock climbing or build your rock-climbing skills in the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe Area. Read on for the scoop!
We woke early, knowing that if we wanted a chance to summit Tocllaraju, we were in for a long day. The morning started off like the evening: clear, cold and still. As we gained altitude on the glacier, the winds picked up and soon gusts were blowing snow into our faces and pushing us around. As we started the first steep pitch of climbing, the wind hurled loose snow grains from the surface down the slope into our faces and eyes, causing us to pause and shield ourselves from stinging ice pellets.
After a wild and windy summit on Urus Este, we were feeling well acclimatized, and ready for our next objective: the Ishinca Traverse. This is a classic climb in Peru's Cordillera Blanca and offers incredible views of Ranrapalca, Ocshapalca, Tocllaraju, Palcaraju and our last peak Urus Este.
After acclimatizing and refreshing ice climbing and mountaineering skills on Yanapaccha, our team took a well deserved rest day in Huaraz to prepare for our next objective: The Ishinca Valley. The Quebrada Ishinca, as it is known in Peru, is one of the Cordillera Blanca’s most famous valleys and is home to a slew of classic climbs from easy glacier ascents to bold, technical lines.
100% Success on 17,913' Yanapacha - Cordillera Blanca, Peru Two days ago all members of the Blackbird team stood on the summit of Yanapacha in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru. The weather was fantastic and the climbing conditions were fun and engaging, making it an unforgettable day.
Yesterday we started the process of acclimatizing in the Cordillera Blanca in Huaraz, Peru. We're preparing our bodies for the altitude we’ll experience while climbing peaks Cordillera Blanca, including one over 6,000m (almost 20,000'). Acclimatization is important for safety & performance in the Cordillera Blanca.
