I already posted this on Twitter and Facebook, but if you’re interested in learning more about tackling the tallest mountain in the lower 48, you’ll want to head to the Santa Monica REI tonight at 7PM for a free presentation on the basics, including gear, food, routes, and how to best snag one of those elusive permits.

If you can’t make tonight’s presentation at REI, Adventure 16 will also have Mount Whitney introductions in all of their Southern California stores the first week of February. If you want an idea of why people need lectures to get a permit for this mountain, take a look at the Inyo National Forest’s Mount Whitney Lottery page. Before your eyes glaze over, you’ll see more terms and conditions than you’d see on most credit card applications.

I know it’s the new year and many of you are still flush with resolutions – and Whitney may be among your goals this year. If so, do yourself a favor and attend one of these classes if you can – they’ll keep you on the right track and hopefully inspire you to keep heading toward the summit … and, if I can get out of work in time, you might see me there, too!

Image of Mount Whitney from the east by Alan Vernon.

Tags: Adventure 16, Clinic, guide, lecture, mount whitney, REI