SWS Mountain Guides

06/16/2026

California Mountain Guides Blog: Over the past two decades, climbing gyms have transformed the sport. More people than ever are discovering climbing through brightly colored holds, padded floors, and professionally set r... https://f.mtr.cool/vvtwuezuco

06/13/2026

Ready for a different side of Mount Shasta?

Most climbers know Mount Shasta, but not all know some of the mountain's most rewarding terrain lies far from the crowds.

The Hotlum-Bolam Ridge on Shasta's northeast side is one of our favorite routes to guide. It offers an alpine experience with expansive views, and a level of solitude that's increasingly hard to find elsewhere. Climbers need to be comfortable using an ice axe and crampons, but the route does not require advanced glacier skills. This makes it a perfect objective for those looking to build experience beyond beginner mountaineering.

Many of the skills developed on Hotlum-Bolam transfer directly to larger objectives, which is one reason we often recommend this route to climbers preparing for international expeditions.

Speaking of bigger goals, we're excited to share that we already have two Mexico expeditions confirmed for 2026.

Training for a future adventure? Simply looking for one of the best climbs on Mount Shasta?
This is the route you want.

📍 Mount Shasta, California
🏔️ Hotlum-Bolam Ridge
🧗 Intermediate Mountaineering
🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/hcrgzkibnb

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!