Advice

I don't see any reason why you would need a guiding service to get you up any of the standard routes on Rainier, Baker etc. assuming that you are reasonably experienced Ski Mountaineer (it seems that way from your pictures) That time of the year will see a lot of people going up and down and it will not be exactly a pristine wilderness experience .Then again,you ski in Alps so that should be just like home . This site and cascadeclimbers.com would be a great source of information and  potential partners and I encourage you to check out other peaks in the area,including Canada (British Columbia) In case of traveling around and going to more than one place it might be the most convenient to have your own(and trusted) gear with. I wouldn't be surprised that way would be the cheapest as well. That way you can spend extra money on beer(some of the best beer in the world is brewed in Pacific NW)  You will need a car. There are no huts,(well, there are some, but not everywhere) so you'll need a tent (3 season) sleeping bag/pad, stove etc. This season started pretty odd(snow wise), but June/July is traditionally good time to ski/climb volcanoes.
I fully understand that you might have a ton of questions preparing for a big trip like that (I went climbing and visiting family in Croatia and and it took quite some time to decide what gear to take,even though  I grew up there ) . I don't mind answering some, as long as you take them with a grain of salt (they are just opinions after all)   Pred

@pred: Yes, you are right: From what I read at skimountaineer.com I need from the technical point of view not urgently a pro guide. I was more the idea, that I think a group of 3 - 4 persons would be on a glacier with many crevasses a good idea (we are at the moment two) and the guide brings at least is own person for the rope. Meanwhile I get the impression, what I will find a few partners at TAJ or cascadeclimbers.com (provided weather and snow are in a reasonable reasonable shape).

Michael.

Howdy! I have an apartment near sea-tac airport.I could possibly pick u guys up and r more than welcome to stay . If weather and all looks good I may want to climb and ski with u! Unless you guys are rich, I'd pass on guide. So much fun stuff around , I could at least help with itinerary options. Let me know if you want!cheers!

From my understanding the park service has essentially "banned" any guided ski mountaineering on Mt. Rainier. I believe the official ruling is no guided skiers/climbers are allowed to be unroped on a glacier. That means all skiing (including downhill skiing) has to be roped up.

This is an attempt to make things safer on Rainier but (in my opinion) accomplishes just the opposite. Sure there are times where roped skiing is safer, but often times it decreases safety.

Unfortunately these regulations are probably due to a regulator not fully understanding what they are tasked to regulate. (welcome to the United Sates mik68). I know their intent was admirable (decreasing accidents), but their method is a little questionable.

Hopefully you can find a good partner in the area.
Jeff