Welcome to the world of International Mountain Guides. We continue to be one of the most respected and active mountaineering and adventure climbing groups in the world. Since 1975 we have conducted over 300 expeditions to destinations around the globe, and the fact that most of our customers climb with us again and again tells us we're doing things right!

Each climb or trek that we offer is listed with the IMG Program Director organizing the trip, and IMG's programs are all directed by one of the three founders and owners of the Company: Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler, and George Dunn. This means that from beginning to end you deal directly with the person accountable to you for the quality of your trip, and that person is not only a highly experienced guide and mountaineer, but is also 100% committed to the long-term quality of IMG's programs. In addition to IMG's regularly listed programs, Eric, Phil and George are each available to work with groups or individuals to custom design a climbing trip or for instruction in Alpine skills.

Eric Simonson
Eric has been a professional guide since 1973 and has conducted over 70 expeditions around the world, including over 20 expeditions to the Himalayas. Eric conducts IMG's climbing programs to the world's 8,000-meter peaks, and also offers treks and climbs in Africa, Nepal, and Tibet. Eric's personal climbing and guiding resumé in the US includes 16 ascents of Mt. McKinley and over 260 ascents of Mt. Rainier. Internationally, he has participated in six expeditions to Mt. Everest, reaching the summit via the North Ridge in 1991, and other classic ascents including Mt. Vinson (Antarctica), Peak Communism (Tajikistan), Mt. Elbrus (Russia), Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Aconcagua (Argentina), and Cho Oyu (Tibet). Eric serves on the Board of Directors of the American Mountain Guides Association and is an AMGA Certified Alpine and Ski Guide.

Phil Ershler
Phil has been guiding full-time since 1971 and currently leads IMG trips to six continents. His Mexico and South America programs have become perennial favorites, as well as his trips to Africa, Sikkim, Russia, and New Zealand. Phil's major expeditions have included trips to Mt. Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga, including successful ascents of Everest and Kangchenjunga via North Side routes. In 1989, he became one of only a handful of mountaineers to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents, and he now also has over 365 successful climbs of Mt. Rainier. Phil is fully certified as an Alpine Guide by the American Mountain Guides Association. Telemark and alpine skiing complete his mountaineering interests.

George Dunn
George Dunn has made a lifetime career of mountaineering. A Senior Guide with Rainier Mountaineering since 1975, he holds the record for successful ascents of Mt. Rainier at over 390. His resumé includes major expeditions around the world including Mt. Everest, reaching the summit via the North Ridge in 1991, and the North Face of Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. George specializes in leading alpine climbs to Europe, Alaska and the Western U.S. He offers instruction in ice, rock and advanced glacier climbing. George is a fully certified Alpine and Ski Guide with the American Mountain Guides Association and is an avid nordic and backcountry skier.

Kilimanjaro Climb and Game Viewing Safari
Since 1988 we've conducted over 40 successful Kilimanjaro climbs and it continues to be a very popular program. We combine the challenge of the ascent with the fun of a Safari after the climb. Each trip has a slightly different itinerary designed to take advantage of the best wildlife viewing conditions. We climb Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet) via the more remote Machame route and descend the mountain via the Mweka route. During our seven day climbing expeditions, the Chagga staff carries all our group equipment and prepares all our meals, allowing us plenty of time and energy to really enjoy the mountain. Kilimanjaro is a great way to test yourself at altitude while requiring no technical climbing skills, so it's a fun program for everyone!

Cho Oyu Expedition
Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world and represents one of the most "climbable" of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. We have now done five Cho Oyu expeditions since 1995, each of them successful, and to date we have put over 40 persons on the top. If you are serious about wanting to try an 8,000'er some day, this is the climb for you. The trip to Base Camp includes entry via Lhasa and some fascinating touring in Tibet while we undergo the critical acclimatization process. Demand for this program grows each year, and we have trips scheduled for Autumn 1999, Spring 2000, and Autumn 2000.

Cho Oyu Trek
Our Cho Oyu trekkers join the Cho Oyu expedition climbers in Kathmandu, and then fly with the team to Lhasa for several days of sightseeing and acclimatization. The entire expedition group then crosses Tibet in Jeeps en route to Base Camp. After walking up to ABC (18,500'), trekkers can continue up with some rugged non-technical hiking as far as Camp 1 at over 20,000'. This trek is a great way to see Tibet, experience a little bit of what expedition climbing is all about, and get off the beaten path at the same time.

Cho Oyu Non-Guided Option
The non-guided option is only available to strong, experienced, self-sufficient groups of two or more who want to tap into our logistical program but can do the climb independently. We make our full Base Camp and ABC, communications, transportation, etc., available to you. Above ABC you are on your own.

Everest 2000 Summit Climb
We have done a lot of Everest trips over the years, and what makes it fun is that each trip is different. The Everest 2000 trip will be no exception. Our Everest 2000 climb will challenge the "classic" South Col route from Nepal. We are organizing a First Class climbing program with the goal of safely putting as many team members on the summit as possible.

Everest 2000 Khumbu Icefall Climb
We have had a lot of people tell us that they would love to climb Everest but they don't have the time, money, or skill to realistically attempt the summit. For the first time, we will provide a unique opportunity for a small group to climb to the Western Cwm. These climbers will follow the footsteps of Hillary into the incredible labyrinth of the famous Khumbu Icefall. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, not without significant risk, to experience an Everest adventure that has only been available to summit climbers in the past.

Everest 2000 Trek and Island Peak Option
Our Everest 2000 expedition will also offer treks to Base Camp for active travelers seeking a unique Everest experience. Our treks will be top quality, including dinner and an overnight stay at Base Camp with the climbing team. Finally, we offer the Island Peak Option (20,305') for persons who want to extend their Base Camp trek by a week to add on a climb of one of the most spectacular Himalayan "trekking peaks." This climb, while popular, is NOT a walkup! You'll need familiarity with an ice axe and crampons, and we'll fix several hundred feet of rope for the steep sections of the ascent.

Carstensz Pyramid
The highest peak in Oceania, Carstensz is located on Irian Jaya and rises to 16,023' . It offers the climber an amazing variety of experiences ranging from tropical rain forest to alpine climbing. The peak has been closed for a number of years, but is now opening back up to foreign climbers. The route follows a series of gullies up the north face for 1500 vertical feet of solid rock before breaking out on the ridge. Riddled with notches, the summit ridge undulates for a quarter mile. The rock is extremely good, rarely loose, and always provides good friction even in wet weather. The rock climbing difficulty on Carstensz is up to 5.8 for short sections, but most of the climbing is scrambling. It is important that you have basic rock climbing and are comfortable with rappelling and jumaring. Short technical sections will have fixed lines allowing you to either free climb or jumar. Our Carstenz climb will fly in and out by helicopter, with a couple days of jungle trekking (very rugged!) at each end of the trip. This will allow us to do the trip in two weeks roundtrip from Jakarta Indonesia.

Classic Climbs in the Alps: Jungfrau, Monch, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa
The Alps contain some of the best known peaks in the world, and we will climb four of the highest. This 'Classics' program is an excellent next step for those who have trained and climbed successfully on Mt. Rainier or other glaciated peaks in the U.S. This is a perfect vacation for non-climbing spouses as well. Spouses will accompany the group on all but the summit days, during which they have time to sight see, hike, shop and enjoy Europe.

Advanced Alpine Rock Course: Zermatt, Switzerland: The Matterhorn, Pollux and related climbs
For climbers who are competent following snow, ice, and easy 5th class alpine rock, we offer an eight-day course in the peaks surrounding the village of Zermatt. The culmination of the trip is an attempt on the Matterhorn. Due to the advanced nature of these climbs, only persons with competence on snow, ice, and alpine rock can be accepted for participation in this program. A pre-qualifying climb or climbs may be required to confirm your eligibility for these ascents.

Northern Italy and the Dolomites
We meet in Milan, Italy, then spend ten days traveling through Northern Italy sightseeing, exploring, and enjoying some climbing in a breathtakingly beautiful region. Our first stop is Gran Paradiso National Park, the first national park in Italy and a sanctuary for ibex and chamois. Here we make a two-day glacier ascent of the Gran Paradiso (13,123'), the only 4,000 meter mountain entirely in Italian territory. Next, we travel to the Dolomites, with a side trip to Venice for a day of culture. We ascend two of the prominent peaks: The Marmolada, the highest in the Dolomites (10,965') and Cima Brenta (10,335'). Both climbs involve rock climbing with an Italian twist. The routes are known as "Via Ferrata" or "iron ways". Mechanical aids are fixed into the rock: metal ladders, cables and bolt protection points. The climbing is exhilarating and spectacular, but no special rock climbing skills are required. Come join us on this fun vacation suitable for all levels of climbers. A great trip for non-climbing spouses as well.

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing Seminar
Joshua Tree is one of the best known rock climbing areas in the world, and for good reason. Warm weather, easy approaches, limited exposure and superb rock climbing add up to create the perfect destination. This seminar is designed for rock climbers of all levels, from the absolute beginner looking for a safe introduction to the sport, to the seasoned climber looking to improve technique. Instruction will be personal and fun, with a low student/instructor ratio. Students will be matched carefully according to their experience and comfort level. The group will meet and work out of a campground right in the Park. With easy access from Los Angles or Palm Springs, this is the perfect fall getaway.

Ouray Ice Climbing Seminar
Ouray, located in southwestern Colorado, is one of the few locations in the lower 48 states where quality ice climbing is virtually guaranteed in the winter months. A combination of good weather, easy access to superb climbing, and the small, picturesque old mining town setting have contributed to Ouray's nickname, "Ice Climbing Capital of North America." The Seminar is an excellent choice for those considering participation in an expedition or climb that requires confident cramponing in icy conditions. And ice climbing is a thrilling sport in its own right! For you skiers, Telluride is just an hour away. A typical seminar day will start with breakfast at the motel, and then we will shuttle the group directly to the training area for the day. At dusk we will head back to town to soak and relax in the hot springs pool, then finish with dinner at a casual restaurant as we relive our adventures.

Ouray Veteran's Seminar
A new course is being offered in 2000 for past participants of the Ouray Ice Climbing Seminar only. We will not necessarily be climbing at a more technical level. Rather, drawing on our past experience, the group will move past some of the basic training quickly so that we can visit different and more varied terrain. We will attempt to climb in a new area each day, as conditions permit. These areas may include the Ouray Ice Park, Dexter Slabs, the Camp Bird area and Horsetail Falls.

1999 Winter Climbing in Scotland
Come visit the land where ice climbing was invented! Scotland is a country of incredible rugged beauty. We plan to sight see, hike and climb in all conditions: snow, ice, and maybe even rain. The trip starts in the ancient city of Edinburgh, known for its art collections, castles and pubs. After a day of sightseeing in this fantastic city we will be ready to tackle some climbing. Almost all of the places we will visit are reached within an easy day's drive from Edinburgh. The weather and conditions change so fast that we need to be flexible with our itinerary. We plan to visit the following areas: Glencoe, Cairngorms, Ben Nevis.

Mt. Whitney, California
We choose to climb Mt. Whitney in the spring when the Mountaineer's Route on the East Side becomes a real alpine climbing challenge. What is a steep, loose rock gully in summer becomes a snow climb of up to 45 degrees in angle in early spring. This four-day climb has it all: a snowshoe approach, challenging climbing, and training in snow anchors and belays. Whitney is perfect preparation for an Alaskan climb like Denali, or just a great way to climb the highest summit in the lower 48 states. This is a step up from the standard climbs on Mt. Rainier.

First Ascent Expedition, Wrangell/St. Elias National Park
Come climb in this fabulous pristine wilderness before it gets "discovered." Wrangell/St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S. and has the greatest concentration of mountain peaks over 14,500 feet in North America, with very few visitors. In 1999 we will be making an attempt on the last and the most difficult of the 16,000-foot peaks we have climbed in the range, Mt. Blackburn (16,390'). The Northwest Ridge is similar in difficulty to Liberty Ridge on Mt. Rainier. The crux of the climbing will be sustained for almost 4,000 feet and will involve some fixed rope and running belays. The route demands confidence in cramponing on 45-degree slopes and may have some crux sections of ice and slightly steeper slopes. Previous experience in belaying, rappelling and using mechanical ascenders is required.

Mt. Logan, Canada
At 19,850 feet, Mt. Logan is the highest peak in Canada and the second highest peak in North America. It is remote, beautiful and immense in size. Twenty five miles long and rising more than two miles above its surroundings, Logan is possibly the largest mountain massif in the world. Our ascent is via the King Trench Route. This is the easiest way to the summit, very similar to Denali's West Buttress, but with no steep fixed rope section. The climb starts at 9,600 feet and is a 16-mile journey to the summit. We will take at least three weeks round trip from Anchorage, climbing the mountain expedition style in an incredible arctic environment.

Mexican Volcanoes Expedition
We have completely revamped our Mexico trip and it is now better than ever before. We are climbing Ixtaccihual (17,338') now that Popocateptl has become active. We do the Ayoloco route on Ixta making two camps on the way to the top. This is a remote and beautiful way to climb the mountain. Orizaba (18,880 feet) will be climbed via the Jamapa Glacier. In addition to the climbs, two nights are spent in Mexico City and one in the old Spanish colonial city of Puebla. We'll spend the night after climbing Orizaba with friends of mine in the country town of Tlachichuca. Each of the climbs involves several thousand vertical feet of snow and glacier climbing. This nine-day trip to Mexico is great as a first high-altitude climb or as an excellent way to prepare for Mt. McKinley. Basic climbing experience such as a climb of Mt. Rainier would be excellent training for the trip.

Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition
Ecuador has everything from 20,000-foot mountains to the rain forests of the Amazon Jungle. On our two-week trip, we will try to sample as much of this beautiful country as possible. Our two ascents will include Chimborazo (20,561 feet) and Cotopaxi (19,347 feet). These are heavily glaciated peaks of an intermediate difficulty level. They are an excellent 'next step' after a Mexico climb or a great first trip to altitude for more experienced climbers. Time will be spent in Quito before and after our ascents. We will also visit the famous Indian market in Otavalo. After our climb of Cotopaxi, we will spend two nights at the old hacienda of La Cienega. We will also stay in the town of Banos after our climb of Chimborazo and visit its famous waterfalls before returning to Quito. June is also an excellent time to climb in Ecuador, and our new June date now gives you two different climbing seasons from which to choose.

Bolivian Andes
The Bolivian Andes tower above the "altiplano" (high plateau) and offer the aspiring climber who is looking for some real altitude a great "next step." Our Bolivia programs include guided climbs of Huayna Potosi (19,870') and Illimani (21,201') and a unique Expedition Mountaineering Seminar. The Seminar is an 11 day program which will include extensive mountaineering and expeditionary instruction and will conclude with an ascent of Huayna Potosi. What a great way to include a solid mountaineering seminar with a big climb! The 14 day climbing program features an ascent of both Illimani and Huayna Potosi. Both programs meet in La Paz where we start our acclimatization while exploring this region's pre-Columbian treasures. The Huayna Potosi climb requires a drive to the base of the mountain, a full day of climbing to high camp, and a challenging but rewarding summit day. Our ascent of Illimani, Bolivia's highest peak, follows a similar schedule and this impressive summit offers the team one of the most spectacular of all Andean vistas.

Aconcagua Expedition
Aconcagua is simply the tallest peak in all of the Western Hemisphere. This makes it an excellent objective for our McKinley veterans and for any strong climbers wishing to reach the 7,000-meter altitude. We will be offering two expeditions to climb what we call the Polish Variation route. These climbs will approach the mountain via the Vacas and Relinchos River valleys. This approach is much less frequently traveled and much more aesthetically pleasing than the normal Horcones Valley approach. From our high camp at 19,000 feet, we head directly to the Independencia Hut at 21,000 feet where we intersect the normal route. We follow the normal route from this point to the summit. Aconcagua is always very demanding physically, but this gives us a route that is not technically difficult. Use of the ice axe, crampons and rope are still required.

Aconcagua Polish Glacier Expedition
We are also offering a special trip to climb the Polish Glacier proper. This trip will be open to only four very qualified team members and will be accompanied by two guides. This small team will be able to make a strong attempt on the Polish Glacier route. Advanced cramponing skills and prior altitude experience will be required of all team members. The Polish Glacier route on Aconcagua requires these advanced skills and a high level of determination for those of you who really want to push it hard!

Mt. Elbrus Expedition
Our two-week expedition is a great way to climb Mt. Elbrus (18,841 feet), Europe's tallest mountain, plus see some of Russia. We'll fly as a group to St. Petersburg. Our Russian hosts will meet us at the airport and handle all logistic arrangements within their country. We then fly to Mineralnye Vody and spend several days acclimatizing, training and making practice climbs in the Caucasus Mountains. We'll then spend several days attempting Elbrus. Summit day on Elbrus is strenuous but not very difficult technically. Basic cramponing, use of the ice axe and good conditioning are required. The trip ends by our flying from Mineralnye Vody to Moscow. We'll have a chance to see some of Moscow and will spend one night there.

New Zealand Southern Alps Climbing Traverse
This is a remote, difficult and exciting climbing traverse. New Zealand's mountains are steep and rugged on the South Island. You'll need all your mountaineering skills on this 15-day expedition. We leave from Christchurch and fly to the Top Butler Hut. Then we hike and climb for the next nine days until we reach the Mesopotamia Station on the East Side of the island. The route is pristine and untouched, which means that general mountaineering skills and good conditioning are required for this climbing traverse. Terrain will vary between snow, rock, ice, and off trail hiking. This is not the tourist route. This is the real New Zealand during the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer. Come with us and get a slice of Down Under.

Antarctica Mt. Vinson Expedition
The highest peak on the Antarctic continent, Mt. Vinson (16,067 feet) requires a solid mountaineering background and a true spirit of adventure. We fly to Punta Arenas, Chile where the trip begins. From here, we fly in a Hercules C-130 to the Patriot Hills then fly in a ski-equipped twin-engine Otter to the base of Mt. Vinson at 79 degrees S. Latitude, 700 miles from the South Pole. The trip will take 20 days and will be open to only eight experienced climbers. The climbing will consist of extensive cramponing on moderately steep slopes. The ability to camp and take care of yourself in extreme conditions is very important. Temperatures can range to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Our trip this year is scheduled to have us in Antarctica over the turn of the Millennium, maybe even on the summit on January 1st.

Trekking in Western Sikkim
Our first trip to Sikkim was a great success and we hope to return in the fall of 2000. The trek in Western Sikkim will take us to the East Side of Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Our good friend, Nawang Gombu Sherpa, will be organizing the trip and helping us throughout. Gombu lives in Darjeeling where he was Director of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Gombu is one of the most famous Sherpas alive today, and our ability to visit and work with him is an incredible plus. The total trip will take 21 days, with 14 days on the trail. The area is infrequently visited and famous for its views of Kangchenjunga, some of the world's oldest monasteries, numerous species of orchids, rhododendrons and wildlife. The highest altitude reached during the trek is a bit over 16,000 feet. The trip will be limited to 12 people so don't miss out.