$2,650 per person

Based on a group of 3+ people.

This expedition includes acclimatization hikes, private transportation, lodging, certified Mexican mountain guides, base camp accommodations, meals on the mountain, park access fees, and personalized pre-trip support from Ash to Altitude.

Included

• One-on-one pre-trip coaching and advice from Ash to Altitude (including but not limited to training, gear, and general mountaineering advice)
• Private Accommodation in Hotel in Mexico City before and after the mountain with transport to and from the airport
• 2 nights in shared accommodation in San Miguel Hidalgo
• Team Dinner on April 17th
• Lunch & Dinner on April 18th
• Breakfast Lunch and Dinner April 19th, 20th and 21st
• Breakfast and Celebration Lunch on the 22nd
• Accommodation (tent or bunk) at Base Camp
• Mexican Certified Mountain Guide for Summit Day, with Ash to Altitude founder Nicole Otake climbing alongside the team and providing on-route support, mentorship, and continuity throughout the ascent and descent
• Park Access & Fees

Not Included

• Flights
• Snacks
• Food in Mexico City outside of Team Dinner
• Personal Equipment
• High-altitude rescue insurance (Global Rescue / Ripcord / AAC)
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not listed in the included section

Who This Is For

This expedition is designed for individuals who are ready to take on a serious high-altitude objective and want to do it in a way that is intentional, well-supported, and rooted in strong preparation.

Pico de Orizaba is often considered a “next step” mountain—it’s ideal for those who have hiking or endurance experience and are looking to transition into high-altitude mountaineering. While the climb is non-technical, the altitude, cold, and length of summit day require a level of fitness, discipline, and mental resilience that goes beyond a typical hike.

This is a strong fit if you:

• Have a consistent fitness routine (running, hiking, skiing, or similar)
• Are comfortable moving for multiple hours at a steady pace
• Are motivated to train and prepare in advance of the climb
• Want to gain experience on snow and glacier terrain
• Are building toward larger objectives like Denali or the Seven Summits

You do not need prior mountaineering experience—but you should be ready to learn, adapt, and stay engaged throughout the process.

This is not designed for someone looking for a casual or last-minute challenge. The experience is built for those who care about doing things well—who are willing to prepare, pace themselves, and fully commit to the process from start to finish.

Fitness & Prep

Pico de Orizaba is a physically demanding high-altitude climb. While non-technical, success depends on your ability to move efficiently for long periods, recover well, and manage effort above 18,000 ft.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete—but you do need a strong aerobic base, good leg strength, and the discipline to pace yourself consistently over a long summit day.

Minimum Fitness Expectations

You should be able to:

• Hike or move uphill for 6–8 hours with a 20–25 lb pack
• Gain 3,000–4,000 ft of elevation in a single effort
• Maintain steady movement at a conversational pace without long stops
• Recover well and repeat effort over multiple days

What Makes This Climb Hard

• Altitude: Summit is 18,491 ft—most of the challenge is above 16,000 ft
• Summit Day: ~12–14 hours round trip, starting around midnight
• Terrain: Sustained snow climbing with crampons on a glacier
• Cold: Sub-freezing temperatures, especially overnight

This is not a technical climb—but it is a serious endurance effort.

How to Prepare

The most effective training focuses on:

• Endurance: Running, hiking, or uphill movement 2–4x per week
• Vertical Gain: Regular efforts with elevation (or incline treadmill if needed)
• Strength: Lower body and core (step-ups, lunges, squats)
• Loaded Movement: Training with a pack to simulate summit day

Consistency matters more than intensity.

Support From Ash to Altitude

You won’t be figuring this out on your own.

We provide:

• Personalized training guidance based on your starting point
• Gear recommendations tailored to this specific climb
• Ongoing support leading up to the expedition
• Clear expectations so you arrive confident and prepared

The Not-So-Fine Print

Any signs of AMS, HACE, or HAPE will result in immediate descent. Summit attempts are at the discretion of the certified guide.

Turnaround time will be set by the guide based on conditions; reaching the summit is never guaranteed.

Cold/wind can extend summit day past 14 hours.

Fatigue at 18,000+ ft is common even with acclimation.

Ash to Altitude coordinates logistics and provides skills coaching; all guiding/lead decisions on summit day are made by the certified Mexican guide.

Rope systems and technical protection used on summit day are managed by the certified guide.

Guide-to-client ratio: 1:2

Minimum fitness requirement: Participants must be able to hike 6–8 hours with a 20–25 lb pack at altitude and be comfortable moving on steep snow in crampons.

Weather or conditions may require schedule adjustments, including an earlier or later summit attempt, or no summit attempt at all.

Weather, Conditions & Summit Attempts

Mountain weather and conditions are unpredictable. Summit attempts are not guaranteed.

No refunds will be provided for:

• Inability to summit due to weather or route conditions
• Decisions by the certified guide to turn around or cancel a summit attempt for safety
• Fatigue, altitude illness, or inability to continue
• Route changes or schedule adjustments made for safety

Cancellation or Changes by Organizer / Guide

In the unlikely event that the trip must be canceled due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, park closures, guide unavailability, or safety concerns):

• Participants will receive a refund of payments made minus non-recoverable costs.

Insurance Requirement

All participants are required to carry:

• High-altitude rescue / evacuation insurance covering up to at least 19,000 ft

Proof of evacuation insurance must be provided prior to departure. Failure to provide proof may result in removal from the trip without refund.

Acknowledgment of Risk

By submitting payment, participants acknowledge the inherent risks of high-altitude mountaineering and agree to abide by all decisions made by the certified Mexican mountain guide for the safety of the group.

Gear List

• Base Layer Top
• Base Layer Bottom
• Insulated Mid Layer top (synthetic)
• Fleece pants
• Down Jacket
• Shell (waterproof) Jacket
• Softshell or Shell (waterproof) Pants
• Buff/Balaclava
• Warm Hat/Beanie
• Sun Hat
• Glacier Glasses
• Helmet
• Harness
• Crampon-compatible, Insulated, Single or Double Boots
• Wool Socks
• Gaiters
• Trekking Poles
• Summit Day Pack (30-40L)
• Sleeping Bag (10 Degrees or Warmer)
• Sleeping Pad
• Crampons (steel)
• Ice Axe
• Liner Gloves
• Spare Gloves
• Expedition Mitts
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Ear Plugs
• Eye Mask
• Headlamp & spare batteries
• Prusik or micro-traction
• Belay device (ATC or ATC Guide) & locking carabiner
• Personal first aid kit
• Personal medications
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm w/ SPF
• Electrolytes
• 2× water bottles or insulated bladder
• Thermos (recommended for summit day)

Please email nicole@ashtoaltitude.com for any equipment rental needs.