CUSTOM Programs
ALPINE CLIMBING / MOUNTAINEERING COURSES
Custom alpine skills courses taught by professional guides.
Whether you are just starting out or ready to progress to the next level, our guides can help you achieve your goals in the mountains. We offer customized mountaineering courses for private groups, individuals, and organizations. The North Cascades is an ideal venue, with easy access to glaciers, snow, alpine rock and ice. Below you will find a few sample itineraries we have developed over the years, and these can be further customized to suit your needs.
COURSES | options
INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING
4 days | Mt. Baker | No experience necessary | Starting at $1300/person
Learn introductory skills including packing, gear selection, camp craft, snow climbing, efficiency techniques, ice axe arrest, cramponing, and rope travel. Course culminates with a summit attempt of Mt. Baker via the Coleman-Deming or Easton Glacier.
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ALPINE CLIMBING COURSE
6 days | Mt. Baker & Mt. Shuksan; Boston Basin | Some experience recommended | Starting at $2250/person
A comprehensive overview of alpine skills for snow, ice, and rock environments, in an applied learning format. This low ratio program (2:1 max) is tailored to the goals, objectives, and experience level of participants, including ascents of both Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Route options for those with more experience can include the North Ridge of Mt. Baker and Fisher Chimneys on Mt. Shuksan. For more of an alpine rock focus, this course can also be held in the Boston Basin zone of North Cascades National Park (Forbidden Peak, Sharkfin Tower, Sahale).
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GLACIER SKILLS COURSE
3-6 days | Coleman Glacier, Mt. Baker | Some experience recommended | Starting at $825/person
Learn the skills to climb glaciated peaks safely and self-sufficiently (without a guide). Topics covered may include but are not limited to: gear selection, knots & hitches, rope setup/management, snow anchors, belaying & rappelling, crevasse rescue systems, self-rescue, route selection, navigation, and decision-making. Additional days allow for more practice, advanced topics, and a summit attempt of Mt. Baker.
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ALPINE ICE COURSE
4 days | North Ridge of Mt. Baker | Previous experience required | Starting at $1500/person
Climbing the classic North Ridge of Mt. Baker in style is the goal of this course, with a focus on alpine ice skills. Learn movement skills for steep snow and ice, ice anchors, and multi-pitch rope systems. Refresh general mountaineering skills and experience ice climbing in a crevasse on the Coleman Glacier. Finish with an attempt on one of the most classic steep snow and ice routes in the Lower 48, the North Ridge of Mt. Baker.
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EXPEDITION PREP COURSE
4-6 days | Mt. Baker or Mt. Shuksan | Some experience recommended | Starting at $1300/person
Our guides have extensive experience leading high altitude expeditions, including Denali, Aconcagua and Mt. Everest. This course is designed to prepare you for a guided expedition, including a comprehensive overview of relevant mountaineering skills, and additional topics specific to expedition life: ascending and descending fixed ropes, self-rescue, winter camp craft, managing high altitude, avalanche rescue, mountain weather, and expedition medicine.
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PRE-TRIP INFO
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COST INCLUDES
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Guiding and instruction
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Group gear: tents, stoves, fuel, ropes, etc.
NOT INCLUDED
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Personal equipment, food and transportation.
ALPINE/MOUNTAINEERING
COURSES
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LOCATIONS
Mt. Baker, WA
North Cascades National Park, WA
Olympic National Park, WA
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, AK
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DATES
Custom, May-October
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COST
Varies by course, program length, and group size. Courses are available for private groups and individuals. Please contact us for more info and availability.