A 2 night, 3 day mission to summit and ski one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48. We'll skin into camp, set up our tents, and get in a ski lap before calling it a night. The following day we'll prep the skills we need for our summit attempt, including efficiency techniques, ice axe, crampons and rope skills and get to bed early before our alpine start for the summit push. On day three we'll get up early, head for the summit and ski back to camp before we tear down camp and return to the trailhead.
What to expect from this trip
This Mt. Baker trip will be an exciting foray into ski mountaineering (using ice axes, crampons and techniques) and will provide an inviting environment to gain skills and knowledge to further your backcountry skiing goals. While the trip is physically demanding, it's unimaginably rewarding and the experience is one that will be hard to forget!
You will come away from the trip with a slew of new skills, the experience of climbing and skiing one of the most glaciated peaks in the lower 48 and the confidence to tackle other big-mountain style ski descents.
We never guarantee summits, but our team will do everything we can to get as many skiers and riders to the top as possible while managing risks for the team.
Skills Covered in this Program
- Camp Craft.
- The Rest Step.
- Crampons (Ski and Boot Crampons).
- Ice Axe Techniques, including positions and self-arrest.
- Rope Techniques for climbing with a guide.
- Decision making in big-mountain terrain.
- Efficiency in movement.
Skier to Guide Ratio
Our maximum 3:1 skier to guide ratio means you'll get ample attention & coaching from our AMGA trained guides.
Routes
Ascent and descent options include: Coleman-Deming, Easton Glacier and Squawk Glacier Routes.
REQUISITE EXPERIENCE
Advanced to Expert Skiing Ability. You should feel comfortable on steep, off-piste terrain in variable snow conditions. The routes we will be steep and may have less than ideal snow surfaces.
Proficiency with Backcountry Skiing. You should have a solid level of backcountry skiing experience with the ability to ski and skin with a pack, layer appropriately for the conditions, and perform transitions from skinning to skiing/riding and vice versa. Ski Mountaineering Skills (including ice axe arrest, cramponing, rest step, ski crampons, etc) will be covered during the program and are not a prerequisite to participate.
Excellent Fitness. We'll ascend over 7,000' of elevation on variable terrain, using skins, ski crampons and boot crampons before skiing back down. All this will be with a backpack containing food, water, layering and technical equipment for the day.
If you are unsure about your level of fitness with regards to this program, please reach out and we can help determine if the trip will be right for you. With advanced notice, our partners at can help you build the fitness you need with mountaineering specific programming.
Snow Camping Experience. Basic experience with snow camping will make this trip much more enjoyable, but is not required!
