Things You'll Need:
- A grasp of basic mountaineering skills
- Mountaineering kit
- Experience needed depends on route chosen
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Step 1
Do some research on the mountain, and decide upon your route. The Avalanche Gulch route (also called the John Muir route) is by far the easiest, although also the most crowded. Several routes cross glaciers, and at least one requires ice climbing. The routes on the north face are the least popular.
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Step 2
Find a climbing partner. You do not want to attempt this climb alone.
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Step 3
If you have not already done so, assemble a complete mountaineering kit, including crampons, ice axe, avalanche poles, and a harness. In many places you should be roped to another person, or to an anchor, at all times.
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Step 4
Check the weather report, avalanche warnings, and mountain conditions when you get to the ranger station in the city of Mt. Shasta. Here you should also register your presence on the mountain with the rangers.
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Step 5
Climb to your base camp the first day. Plan on embarking around 3 AM the next day in order to summit before afternoon, when storms are less likely to occur.
