Team Asha: CLIMB – FAQ
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FAQs are organized by the following categories

General: Asha, Program, Expectations, Communication modes
Logistics: Dates, Deadlines, Carpool, Transport, Tent-sharing
Training & Technical: Fitness, Nutrition, Weight / Load, Snow, Ice, Weather, Safety
Stuff: Apparel (wearable), Gear & Packing
Costs: Asha cost, Guides, Transport, Food, Stay, Managing Budget
Fundraising: Overview, Where do funds go ?, How-to, Tips & tricks
Biology & Gender: Apparel, Extras, Sweat, Loo needs, Chafing, Periods etc.

Please do not allow this page to overwhelm or worry you. There was no FAQ library for the first 15 years of the Asha Seattle Climbing Program. Answers will become apparent to you through climbing and your own experiences. Not all questions or answers will apply to you. The FAQ page exists to offer reassurance rather than reduce it, and to reduce email queries for program organizers.

This page will continue to be a WORK IN PROGRESS. Some answers may be applicable to specific peaks or program years. Feel free to contribute to improvement by submitting your suggestions by clicking the link to the right

Climbing Leads & Volunteers for the current year

Submit a suggestion for the FAQ page

Who can / should join Team Asha

Team Asha athletes are from all walks of life: professionals from the hi-tech industry, doctors, lawyers, students, stay-at-home moms, college students or accomplished athletes.
One does not have to be an accomplished athlete, or at peak fitness level to join the team. In fact, majority of our athletes are new to any of of these endurance sports.
Both men and women participate in our program and range from 18 to over 60 years of age.
The only criteria is a commitment to the program and its expectations: training, fitness, classroom learnings, communication & fundraising.

What are the important dates and deadlines?

Please see the Dates & Deadlines Section for the current year.
Click to see 2026 Dates and Deadlines

Is carpooling available for training hikes?

Yes. Carpooling is encouraged for training hikes and typically coordinated via group chats.

How do we get to the climb location?

Transportation logistics vary by peak. Climbers may:

Carpool
Drive individually
Use arranged transport (if applicable)

Details are shared closer to the climb date.

Do we share tents during the climb?

Yes, tent-sharing is common and encouraged to reduce weight and costs. Tent assignments are coordinated in advance, with comfort and preferences taken into account.

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Some basic Fundraising FAQ’s (Where does the money go, Support for fundraising, How to fundraise, First-timer fear etc) are answered for all three Team Asha disciplines. See Facts & Fundraising details on the Team Asha page here.

I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise 1000+ dollars?

This is a very valid concern that every new member of Team Asha has. We will help you with ideas, materials, fundraising clinics etc to help you with your fundraising. Till date, more than 80% of our athletes have raised more than the minimum fundraising targets.

What happens if I am unable to meet my fundraising target?

Team Asha mentors and other Asha volunteers will work with you throughout the program and beyond to help you honor your pledge of raising the target amount. Please see this program as a means of supporting and encouraging the underprivileged children and not simply an endurance training program. Without your fundraising efforts, it would be difficult for Asha to continue supporting these projects. We urge you to do your best to honor your commitment in helping these children. If in the end you still fail to reach the target then you are required to cover the balance by yourself.

Where do the funds I raise go?

See ‘Where do the funds go?’ tab here.

How about registration process and any fees associated with it?

We encourage you to look at our individual program and event page for FAQs on that.