Dave was an excellent instructor, he covered every question I had. The course was 3 days, the class dialogue was extremely informative and paired perfectly with the field work. I really enjoyed atmosphere for team work and ability to ask questions. SWS was recommended to me by some friends that have taken other courses. Worth the drive from Carson city, NV. I look forward to returning for additional courses. The team has knowledge and experience in some many aspects of the outdoors. Very inspiring. Thank you SWS for a wonderful experience.

I took 2 courses here, Avalanche Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue, with David and was very satisfied. Mount Shasta itself offers a very good learning environment, and David - our instructor, is well known within the backcountry touring community. We learned a lot and practiced a lot over the several days of the courses. We would start the day with theory, use cases, discussions, and then head out to the wilderness to apply the new knowledge right away. The discussions were open, right to the point, to strengthen our learning and improve the skillset. With easy-to-understand material and practical advices accumulated from decades of touring experience by very dedicated instructors, the courses offered exactly what I need. You'd learn to love and respect the nature when you are heading out. I'll be having my future outdoor education here. Learn, Apply, Repeat.

Have done three classes with SWS and had a great experience every time. Guides knew the mountains and were excellent teachers. Highly recommend SWS for avalanche education.

Great trip, better guides.

I recently completed the 3-day Shasta climb via the Clear Creek route with SWS in September 2025, and it was one of my best hiking and climbing experiences. Before the trip, I had been in frequent communication with Caleb and Tim from SWS to ensure I had all the information needed for a successful climb. Although I have prior experience hiking high peaks like Whitney and Langley, I recognized that Shasta's more technical and challenging terrain required a professional organization. SWS came highly recommended, and they exceeded my expectations. My months-long communication with Caleb was instrumental in my decision to climb with SWS. On the mountain, our guide, Brede, was a true professional. He expertly guided my fellow climber and me to the summit and back safely. We had a fantastic time, enjoyed two nights at beautiful campsites, and created a truly memorable trip. I highly recommend SWS to any serious hiker or climber looking for a professional and unforgettable adventure.

Mount Shasta is one of the most difficult mountains in California, even though the Clear Creek route is considered one of the easiest and least technical routes. If you want to climb Mt. Shasta for the first time, I definitely recommend having a professional guide and emergency evacuation insurance. SWS Mountain Guides is the most reliable and knowledgeable team for mountaineering on such challenging peaks. I could never have successfully and safely reached the summit of Mount Shasta without a professional tour guide.

I had a great experience climbing with SWS. I was traveling solo and needed a guide to get me up on some routes. The quality of instruction offered by SWS was unparalleled. In just one day, Tim helped me grow as a climber and work through many of the challenges I had been encountering. I can’t wait to do another clinic with them!

First time with SWS and I couldn't be more pleased. Noah was our guide on the mountaineering route to Mt. Whitney. He handled three mature women very well. He was patient, helpful, and encouraging... exactly what I needed. We were joined with some help with backpacks by two delightful guides, Simran and Melina. I can't say enough good things about my experience.

SWS is the better of two companies we have used to do mountaineering. They are a legit company and great resource. Request Noah, he is a true expert and conservative in his approach which makes you feel safe. We have done two trips and had Noah on both, I will continue to climb when Noah is available.

I went on a three-day trip to attempt the palisade traverse with Noah and Sean. I had a great time! The guides were extremely knowledgeable, made sure I felt safe the entire time, and helped me tag 4 of the 5 peaks. I had an amazing adventure doing things beyond my level of technical knowledge and so simply could not do by myself. SWS' guides let me feel safe while pushing myself. I will happily use them again for future climbing trips.

This was our third time climbing with SWS Mountain Guides, and once again, the experience was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. Every interaction—from booking to post-climb follow-up—was handled with professionalism, care, and a genuine passion for what they do. The entire team is simply top-tier. On this trip, my brother-in-law and I climbed Mount Shasta with Brede and Creighton as our guides, and we truly couldn’t have asked for better. These two were phenomenal—completely focused on our safety, which allowed us to fully enjoy the climb and the experience itself. They were supportive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance between serious and lighthearted. We trusted them completely, and they trusted us. That dynamic created an amazing group atmosphere and made the journey even more memorable. And yes, we made the summit—but honestly, the climb would have been unforgettable either way, thanks to the way we were taken care of. What stands out most about SWS is that the excellence doesn’t stop with the guides on the mountain. Every person we've worked with at SWS over the years has been exceptional. This was our third climb with them, and each one has been just as incredible as the last. If you're thinking about booking a mountain adventure with SWS Mountain Guides—do it. You’ll be in the best possible hands.

The trip was superb. My guide, Finn, was a pleasure to spend 3 days with. For as much of a grueling adventure as this trip was, the service/support was exceptional. The planning was meticulous. We discussed and agreed to important goals and milestones so there would be no surprises. Even though there is inherent risk in climbing Shasta, I always felt safe. The mountain was spectacular. The stories were entertaining. And it all lead to a successful summit experience! This was my 4th trip with SWS Mountain Guides and I will certainly be back!

First of all wow what an adventure, the wilderness at Mt Whitney is so amazing! If you are new to mountaineering as I am or a novice to seasoned outdoors enthusiast I highly recommend guiding with SWS. Noah was my guide and is a consummate professional, very experienced, knowledgeable, passionate and loves what he does and will guide you with care every step of the way. I felt 100% safe and secure in his abilities. I did not summit for safety reasons(I felt my endurance was lacking a bit and wanted to be safe) however I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the challenge. Go check it out and ask for Noah to guide you. Cheers all and good luck!

Our tour of Ms. Shasta was our second experience with SWS Mountain Guides. I have always been very satisfied with their administrative responses and answers to all of the pre-trip questions and scheduling. All of their guides have been friendly, attentive to safety, and experts in the back country. I will tour with them again and strongly recommend them to all mountaineering enthusiasts.

I highly recommend SWS guides for your mountaineering trip. They were knowledgeable, experience, safety, oriented, and effective.

Great experience. Guides were personable and inviting. Always felt that safety was a priority and that preparation was good. Would use again!!