Frequently Asked Questions
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• Do I need experience? No! Most of our clients have never climbed, although we guide and instruct all skill levels.

• Do I need equipment? Proper equipment gives best results! Exum provides all technical climbing equipment. However, clients need to bring their own clothing and footwear. We bly recommend using climbing shoes for adhering to the rock because simple running or hiking shoes slip on even gentle rock. You will need mountain boots for snow or ice routes. Boots for snow climbs and easy ice routes may be rented at Exum. Climbing shoes and mountain boots may be rented at Teton Mountaineering (307-733-3595) in Jackson or at Moosely Seconds Mountaineering (307-739-1801) at Dornan`s in Moose. Exum provides ice axe if required. The Exum Hut on the Grand Teton has sleeping bags, pads, cooking facilities, and technical climbing gear. See our Grand Teton equipment list for further details.

  

• Do I need reservations? Yes! Grand Teton climbs fill months in advance. School reservations should be made least three days in advance.

• What will the weather be like? Late May and June weather is variable but excellent for climbing snow routes. The warmest climbing months are July and August. September is Indian Summer. Rain, thunderstorms, or snow occur throughout the season. Winter is variable but many days are clear and beautiful.

• What about safety? Mountaineering has inherent risks. These risks are reduced at Exum because of the experience of our guides. Our safety record is excellent.

• What is the minimum age? Because of weight differences between children and adults (which hinders belaying), 14 is the minimum for group classes and climbs. We guide younger children on a private basis.

• How large are classes? Our group classes and guided climbs are limited to small numbers of clients.

• Where are your climbing schools? Grand Teton National Park instruction is at Hidden Falls on the west side of Jenny Lake. Teton Village schools begin with a ride up the Aerial Tram. Boat or Aerial Tram fees are included in the price of the activity.

• Am I expected to tip my guide(s)? If so, how much? Gratuities are not required, though they are an excellent way to show appreciation to your guide if you had a positive experience, especially if your expectations were exceeded. Tip amounts are at your discretion, but between $20 and $50 for schools and day climbs, and $20 and $100 for overnight climbs are typical.

• How should I prepare? Any aerobic exercise or sport is excellent. You need to be in reasonable physical condition.

• What if I have never climbed before? Our Multi-Pitch Mountaineering Level I (Basic School) provides an introduction to climbing for beginners who have never climbed. You can enjoy the fun of learning to climb, prepare for ascents, or just find out what climbing is all about!

• What if I am alone? We can arrange for you to join a group or you can hire a private guide.

• What can I climb after the schools?Multi-Pitch Mountaineering Levels I and II (Basic and Intermediate schools) are usually enough to prepare you for a guided climb of the Grand Teton or another major peak. If you want a shorter climb, your guide will suggest excellent alternative peaks and climbs. If you only have time for Multi-Pitch Mountaineering Level I (Basic School) we suggest the next day you climb Cube Point, a beautiful, short one-day technical climb with a magnificent view from its summit.

• If I have experience why do I have to do a checkout climb or school before doing a high peak or complex route? Our main concerns are safety and to provide you with a rewarding, quality experience. The high routes present serious alpine risks. We need to be confident of your abilities before we can guide you on the higher or more difficult routes. Sport climbing or experience in climbing gyms is excellent for developing technique but does not prepare you for alpine climbs or multi-pitch routes. See our Experienced Climber Programs for further details.

• What if I want an easy climb or trek and not take the schools? Exum has easy, non-technical ascents and treks for those who seek easier climbs or hikes into remote areas. See our Trekking Program for further details.

• What if I want a private guide? Exum provides year round private instruction and guided climbs.

• Can I learn to climb snow and ice? In early summer Exum offers one-day snow climbing schools at Teton Village reached via the Aerial Tram. From mid-July on, we conduct ice and snow climbing instruction on the glaciers.

• What about skiing and winter mountaineering? Exum offers winter mountaineering, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, and our famous Ski and Snowboard Mountaineering Camps.

• What if I am an advanced or expert climber? Our advanced instruction hones your skills. We guide all routes, including the most serious, difficult ascents. See our Elite Climber Programs for further details.

• What about accommodations? There is a wide range of accommodations. The American Alpine Club's rustic Grand Teton Climbers' Ranch, two miles south of Jenny Lake, is for climbers and has bunk facilities at nominal charge - you provide sleeping bag and food. See our travel page for further details.

• Which airlines serve Jackson Hole? United Airlines, United Express, Delta Airlines, SkyWest, and American Airlines serve Jackson Hole.

• What are Exum's office hours Exum`s summer headquarters are open daily 8:00am - 6:00pm between June 1 and September 10. Please call after 10:30am and before 4:00pm so that we can give your our full attention. Before and after this we are very busy checking climbers in and out. To make reservations and obtain information during the winter, call (307) 733-2297.

• Important summer Jackson Hole telephone numbers:

  American Alpine Club Climbers' Ranch (Accommodations)
    (307-733-7271)
  Teton Mountaineering (Equipment purchase & rental)
    (307-733-3595)
  Moosely Seconds (Equipment purchase & rental)
    (307-739-1801)
  Jackson Hole Central Reservations (Accommodations & activities)
    (800-443-6931)
  Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (Accommodations & activities)
    (307-733-3316)
  Jackson Hole Resort Lodging (Accommodations & activities)
    (800-443-8613)
  Spring Creek Ranch (Accommodations & activities)
    (800-443-6139)
  Wildflower Bed and Breakfast
    (307-733-4710)
  Alpine House Bed & Breakfast
    (307-739-1570)