Glacier Mountaineering

Our four-day Glacier Mountaineering Course on Mount Baker is a technical course designed for recreationists seeking a concise and affordable approach to learning technical alpine climbing skills in glaciated terrain. The well scaffolded curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their understanding of alpine climbing systems (be that complete novice or more advanced). Starting with the basics, students will engage with essential knots, hitches, anchor systems, self and team arrest, and roped team travel. Towards the end of course, the culmination of these skills will come to bear on learning and practicing crevasse rescue and a summit attempt of Mount Baker.

Scheduled: $1500 Custom: $1200 - $2200

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: Technical Fundamentals
Approach through old growth forest, wildflower fields and talus slopes to camp below the glaciated slopes of Mount Baker. Here, your instructor will cover the basics: gear, essential knots and hitches, anchor systems, and campcraft.

Day 2: Glacier Travel
On an appropriate practice slope, students will learn crampon and ice axe techniques including self and team arrest as well as snow anchors and setting up the rope for glacier travel. After gaining some comfort in these systems, students will then enter glaciated terrain for an instructor-led tour through crevasses to gain further proficiency on glacier travel techniques.

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue
At an appropriate site, students will learn how to perform complex crevasse rescue techniques. This includes learning mechanical advantage theory and haul systems, rappelling, and rope ascension. A hearty meal and early bedtime will prepare students for the big day ahead.

Day 4: Summit Attempt
You’ll leave camp at o’dark-thirty and begin the ascent toward the summit. Students will take turns leading the rope team on appropriate sections through glaciated terrain with mentorship from their instructor. Once the final steep pitches of the Roman Wall are climbed, the final stride across the summit plateau takes you to the summit of Mount Baker. After a celebration and a snack, we’ll reverse the route to camp, pack up, and exit!

This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions, and participant skill level, among other factors.

Trip Details

Ratio
2-4 Guests Per Guide

Season
May-August, conditions dependent

Duration
4 Days

Skill level
Beginner +

Program Rates
Scheduled: $1500 Custom: $1200 - $2200

This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions, and participant skill level, among other factors.

Program Cost Includes:

Ropes, Tents, Stoves, Fuel, 3 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Program Cost Does NOT Include:

Transportation

Reviews

• Adrienne: “Climbing with CMA was a true reflection of mindful mountaineering. As a female mountain lover, I’m used to being the only lady in a group of dudes. Sometimes that doesn’t feel 100% comfortable, particularly when you feel like it’s all about the grind, no emotions allowed. With CMA I felt that I was part of a big bear hug of awesomeness. Guides often set the tone for the team, and Zack set a tone of kindness and respect for everyone. When the going got tough, his humor lightened the mood without jeopardizing the seriousness of what we doing. I will definitely be climbing with CMA again!”

• Chase: “They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent, great teachers, and always keep an eye on safety as every guide service must. What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN. Some of the best times I’ve ever had in the mountains are with this crew. I highly recommend them!”

• Blake: “I hired this guide crew for technical education and then returned for their recreational guiding services. I’ll continue to lean on Cascade Mountain Ascents to bring me further into the backcountry and advance my technical skills in the mountains.”

• Maggie: “Cascade Mountain Ascents is seriously raising the bar for avalanche education—Fun-loving, inclusive, knowledgeable, fantastic educators, and all around stellar folks! I would absolutely recommend taking a course or spending a weekend in the mountains CMA!”

• Adrian: “Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure no matter your skill level. From beginner to seasoned pro, Zack has you covered. His knowledge and skills of all-terrain and mountain situations had us feeling safe and confident all the way.”

• BRENNAN: “I’ve taken courses with the guides at CMA as well as gotten personal goals accomplished. Each time I’ve come away more competent, more confident, and inspired to take what I’ve learned into my next outing.”

• WOLFGANG: “Fifth time out there with Zack – and as always it was spectacular. Zack‘s calm guiding style – paired with perfect preparation and route planning – push you without ever overwhelming personal abilities and strength. Countless successfully climbed peaks and everlasting memories are the rewards.”

• PATRICK: “I have skied with all of the guides at CMA and have had great experiences. They are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the experiences they provide. They know where to find the best skiing and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain.”