Matt Eder’s baptism by fire into the world of mountaineering began in mid-February when he travelled from sea level in his home town of Portland, Ore., to Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, pulling on a heavy pack, cinching snowshoes tight, and trekking off into the wild.
As the winner of the Gear Junkie’s Choose-Your-Adventure Sweepstakes, Eder picked REI Adventures’ Sequoia Winter Mountaineering Clinic from five possible adventure-travel destinations. “I’m a resort skier who’s always been interested in the backcountry and out-of-bounds,” Eder said.
The REI clinic, a three-day trip in Sequoia National Park, combines instruction on snow camping, mountaineering, and backcountry travel skills along with the ascent of a bonafide 11,000-foot peak. It was a perfect introduction for Eder, who had never before handled an ice ax or strapped crampons on his boots.
In addition to winning the trip for himself and a friend (Heather Gough), Eder was outfitted head-to-toe by REI, including a generous package with REI’s Kilo Expedition -20 Sleeping Bag; Lite-Core 1.5 Pad; UL Flash 65 Pack backpack; Cirque ASL 2 Tent; Shuksan Jacket and Shuksan Pants; plus base layers, gloves, a hat, boots, and other items. “It was like Christmas when the shipment arrived,” Eder said.
The trek into Sequoia National Park — and eventually to the summit of the 11,204-foot Alta Peak — began Thursday, February 19, when the group — including Eder, his friend, Heather Gough, guide David Cressman, Courtney Coe, Tim Loftus, and myself — converged at a hotel in Three Rivers, Calif., a few miles west of Sequoia National Park. After introductions, Cressman went through trip itinerary and a gear check. We turned in early to prepare for the big trek the next day. Here’s a photo tutorial on the trip from there.
