U
Alpine
Mexico Climbing – Izta & Orizaba
Vamos a la cumbre! Join us for an unforgettable 10-day guided expedition to climb some of Mexico's most iconic peaks. Your journey begins with two days of exhilarating rock climbing in Peña de Bernal, a striking monolith that soars above the charming town of the same name. Next up is a three day climb of the formidable Iztaccíhuatl (Izta for short), Mexico’s third-highest peak and a symbol of Aztec mythology. After Izta, enjoy a food tour and rest day in Puebla. The expedition culminates with a climb of Pico De Orizaba, Mexico's highest peak. A rugged 4x4 jeep ride brings you to the base camp from which you'll make an early morning summit attempt. For the final night of the trip you’ll return to the historic climbers lodge at Servimont, located in a converted century old soap factory.
December 8th-17th, 2024 | $4200

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Querétaro and transport to Peña De Bernal. After checking into the hotel, the crew will do a thorough gear check before grabbing dinner, making a plan for the next day, and getting some rest.

Day 2-3: The crew will acclimatize by multi-pitch or single pitch rock climbing on Peña de Bernal, a striking monolith just above town. As you start to acclimate to the high-altitude environment, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the charming streets, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Day 4-6: Early on Day 4, the crew will transition to Iztaccíhuatl (Izta), Mexico's third-highest peak, and a hike to low camp at 12,800'. Day 5, you'll move to high camp at 15,000' before trying for the summit on Day 6. Iztaccíhuatl is Nahuatl for the ‘White Woman,’ referring to the mountain's significance in Aztec mythology. Scaling Itza is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor and will support the crew in continuing to acclimatize for the main objective - Pico de Orizaba. After an early-morning summit attempt, you'll drive to Puebla and enjoy a celebratory evening in town.

Day 7: Active rest day! Explore the beautiful city of Puebla, eat amazing local cuisine on a walking food tour, and rest the body. Later in the day, travel to Tlachichuca and spend the night at Servimont.

Day 8-9: On Day 8, the crew will take a 4x4 jeep ride to Piedra Hut and camp at 14,000' on Pico de Orizaba. After a short night of sleep where you hopefully are grateful for all the work acclimatizing, you'll get up early for your summit attempt on Day 9. After the summit attempt, you'll hike out and then travel to Servimont for one last night of good food, drinks, and company.

Day 10: The crew will take an early morning drive to Mexico City for evening flights home.

This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions and participant skill level, among other factors.
Trip Details
Ratio
1-2 Guests Per Guide
Season
December
Duration
10 Days
Skill level
Intermediate +

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Program Rates
December 8th-17th, 2024 | $4200

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Gear List
Alpine Mountaineering
This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions and participant skill level, among other factors.

Program Cost Includes: IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide, group climbing and camping equipment (ropes, tents, stoves, fuel), in country transportation, lodging and hotels, on mountain meals (dinner & breakfast), park and permit fees.

Program Cost Does NOT Include: Airline tickets & baggage fees, personal climbing equipment/rentals, in town meals, trip insurance.

Trip Reviews
“I have skied with all of the guides at CMA and have had great experiences. They are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the experiences they provide. They know where to find the best skiing and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain.”
- Patrick

“They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent, great teachers, and always keep an eye on safety as every guide service must. What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN. Some of the best times I’ve ever had in the mountains are with this crew. I highly recommend them!”

- Chase

“I hired this guide crew for technical education and then returned for their recreational guiding services. I’ll continue to lean on Cascade Mountain Ascents to bring me further into the backcountry and advance my technical skills in the mountains.”

- Blake

“Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure no matter your skill level. From beginner to seasoned pro, Zack has you covered. His knowledge and skills of all-terrain and mountain situations had us feeling safe and confident all the way.”

- Adrian

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Mount Baker Ski Descent

Fortune Peak Huts Backcountry Skiing

North Cascades Ski Mountaineering

North Cascades Ski Traverse

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Japan Backcountry Skiing

Rock

Custom Rock Trip

Mt. Erie

Vesper

Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

Twin Sisters

Alpine

Custom Alpine Trip

Mount Baker Easton Glacier

Women's Kulshan Climb

Mount Baker Coleman Deming

Mount Baker North Ridge

Shuksan Sulphide

Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

West Ridge of Forbidden

Ice Cap Slam

Olympus

Glacier Peak

Vesper

Pickets Traverse

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Ruth & Icy

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Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

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CoursesView All

Ski & Ride

Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

Steep Ski Mountaineering

Glaciated Ski Mountaineering

Rock

Custom Rock Course

Gym to Crag

Learn to Lead

Intro to Big Wall

Anchor Building

SPI Course

SPI Assessment

Alpine

Custom Alpine Course

Glacier Mountaineering

Crevasse Rescue

Women's Affinity Crevasse Rescue

Anchor Building

Avalanche

Custom Avalanche Course

AIARE 1

Women's AIARE 1

AIARE 2

Fortune Peak Huts AIARE 2

Women's AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue Course

Avalanche Alumni Mentorship Days

Skill Levels

Ski & Ride

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) toured in the backcountry before.

Intermediate

I’ve toured a bit and been exposed to a variety of conditions in the backcountry.

Advanced

I’m a strong rider with at least a few seasons of experience touring in the backcountry riding a variety of conditions.

Expert

Skiing/Riding is life. I tour in the backcountry 60+ days per year and have many years of experience.

Alpine

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been alpine climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a bit on snow as well as rock and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing snow, rock, and ice.

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing big mountain objectives in steep variable terrain.

Rock

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been outdoor rock climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a few outdoor multi-pitch rock climbs as a follower and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing multi-pitch routes outside (sometimes on lead).

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing and am comfortable leading up to 5.9 trad.

Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates
Overnight Rates
AIARE Courses
Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$600

$375

$325

$300

Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$650

$425

$375

$350

Course

AIARE 1

AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue

Mentorship

Price

$600

$600

$275

$100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges. 

INCOME BASED PROGRAMS

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That's why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA's Scholarship Program.

MINIMUM TUITION
REDUCED TUITION
STANDARD TUITION
50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.
Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $600
1:2 $375
1:3 $325
1:4 + $300

Overnight Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $650
1:2 $425
1:3 $375
1:4 + $350

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
Level 1 $575
Level 2 $575
Rescue $275
Mentorship $100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges. 

Income Based Programs

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That’s why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA’s Scholarship Program.

50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.