Mountain climbing can be unpredictable weather conditions can change in a moment and one wrong step can lead to an injury. You will need two (2) breakfasts, enough lunch and snack food for three (3) days, and two (2) dinners. Some of the skills include route planning, hazard identification and practical skiing techniques. Whether on skis or asplitboard the climb and descent offer acomplete experience. Hood National Forest, 5-day Backcountry ski tour on Mt. A weekend seminar focused on telemark and radonee skiing. We lead the Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course at a 4 to 1 skier to guide ratio to ensure that you receive personal attention and hands-on instruction throughout the tour. The Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course is our state of the art modern approach to glacial ski touring. Day 1 - Students and instructors will meet for gear check before traveling to Mount Baker. We then return to camp, pack up, and descend to the trailhead. Our Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course is the perfect course for the already experienced back country skier who is interested in exploring ski mountaineering in glaciated terrain. The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please note that a minimum of two participants is required to guarantee each departure at the advertised price. Guide was very experienced and very patient with us. Snow was in a good condition. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue &evacuation can be very expensive. Please read ourGuide Picksblog postfor gear recommendations by specific brands. Skinning uphill requires aerobic fitness, while descending demands powerful, lower-body, ski muscles. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibilityfor any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. 2022 Explore-Share - All rights reserved. We lose precious daylight hours and we expose ourselves to quickly shifting mountain conditions and weather. Team roped travel through the crevasse field on the Coleman Glacier-Photo Mark Allen, All breakfasts and dinners on the mountainAll group camping equipment (Tents, Stoves, Fuel)All group ski mountaineering equipment (ropes ect)Guide guaranteed to be working with in their Scope of PracticeEmergency communication, Personal climbing equipmentPersonal clothing and camping equipmentTransceivers, shovels, probesTouring equipmentLunches and snacksTransportation to and from the meeting location. - Ensure that they are compatible with your bindings, Avalanche Transceiver - single frequency, 457 kHz only, Shovel - compact, lightweight, metal blade preferred, Probe - dedicated probe only, ski poles do not suffice, Boot Crampons Ensure they fit your boots, Climbing Harness - lightweight, (no padding; ex: Petzl Altitude, Black Diamond Couloir). Baker - NW Mountain School Photo courtesy of John Scurlock, P.O. Leave the crowds behind and learn how to backcountry ski! We recommend the following training resources: Uphill Athlete When weather and glacial conditions are right, the ascents can be an extremely rewarding challenge and non-technical. If approach shoes are worn, ski boots may be on outside of pack as well, Sleeping Bag - down or synthetic, 15-20 F or warmer, Sleeping Pad - closed cell foam or self inflating (or both), 2 Water Bottles - liter bottles, wide mouth recommended, Bowl and Cup - bowl is optional if eating from freeze-dried meal bags, Personal Toiletries - keep it simple: toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, hand sanitizer, Small Personal First Aid Kit - just the basics: blister care, ibuprofin, prescription meds, etc. Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include: For scheduled courses and climbs, you should fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). Overall pretty satisfied and thankful! One or two 10-minute snack breaks while ski touring. If you wish to stay close to the meeting location the night before your climb, we recommend the following options: Three Rivers Inn Hotel If booking a domestic trip that is over 30 days away or an international trip that is over 60 days away, you can book your trip by paying a 20% deposit. We will cap the day with ashort evening ski/snowboard run before dinner. All minor climbers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the entirety of the program. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day, Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide, waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent, moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect. Even though this course is an introductory course, you should still have some prior skiing experience. Our alpine guides will meet you for team introductions, gear check, and group gear distribution. Suggested food items: Alpine Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, Pop Tarts, dried fruit, granola bars, bagels, peanut butter, cream cheese. 4580 Klahanie Dr SE #220 Every tour has a carefully thought-out guide-to-customer ratio. With one of our AMGA certified guides, you can enjoy a full day introductory course on Mount Baker in the Cascades of Washington. Participants age 15 and younger: May only participate in private climbs and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Learning while doing is a fantastic way to pick up new skills, while improving upon the ones you may already have. One year backcountry experience required and ability to ski proficiently in varied terrain and conditions. Turn left onto F & S Grade Road, The NWAG Guide Hut is the first building on your left, Take I-5 South towards Burlington to Cook Road in Skagit County. Ability to carrying a heavy pack (35-to-45 lbs), Sample Gear List - Overnight Ski Mountaineering, Making high camp on the Glacier. Note: An adequately sized backpack is required. Participants age 16 & 17: May participate in fixed-date group itineraries if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Get The Latest Updates On Mountaineering News & Upcoming Trips, 4-Day Ski Mountaineering Course - Mt. We did Camelback mountain climbing and he knew all about it and the other nearby mountains. Backcountry skiing is a strenuous activity that imposes unique demands on our bodies. Go someplace you never imagined before, Featured Each team member will be assessed throughout the ski school. You should also be in good physical condition as well. Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Admire the beauty of the Cascades in the state of Washington. Specially crafted adventures in the most spectacular mountain settings around the world. Let's plan your perfect route together. Date changes are subject to availability and apply only to the current climbing season. After an initial meeting and equipment check, we drive from Seattle to the trailhead and begin our hike to base camp. Our guide Lizzie was THE BEST. I had quick replies from my coordinator and guide whenever I asked something; 2. Transportation between the meeting location and the trailhead is not included in the price of the trip. The course works on refining skills in the lift area but also includes opportunities to try some off-piste skills using the Mount Baker ski area where it is ungroomed. Instant noodle soups and rice are also popular. In the USA we offer trips in California, Colorado, Maine, Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Montana, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Vermont. I took my two boys, 9 and 11 years old plus climbed myself (44 years old). We recommend a selection of sweet, sour and salty food. We are a committed equal opportunity outdoor recreation service provider. Skis are the perfect tools for climbing (and descending) peaks as they allow us to move quickly and cover a lot of terrain. With dramatic glaciers, record-setting snowpack, and the potential for more than 7,000 vertical feet of riding, Mount Baker offers some of the best skiing in North America! Burlington, WA 98233, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Burlington We approach via the Schreibers Meadow Trail and establish our camp at 6,000 feet near the base of the Easton Glacier. You will need two (2) breakfasts, enough lunch and snack food for three (3) days, and two (2) dinners. Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. This mountain is great for the experienced backcountry skier looking to expand their experience to big mountains. Guide cancelled within 48 hrs and I was unable to find someone else and so far Ive not been refunded. for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. With Mount Baker as our home turf we hone our craft to provide unparalleled mountain experiences here at home and throughout the world. Price based on 3-4 skiers. Five to six 15-minute snack breaks during the ski tour on the Easton Glacier. Tell us what you want to do, and we can create a customized plan for you. Day 3 - Summit Day! No glacier experience is required. With an adventure sport like mountaineering, safety is paramount. For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Global Rescue. No refunds will be provided if you cancel your trip for ANY REASON (this includes but is not limited to illness including CoVid-19, injury, or work-related issues) within 30 days of the start of domestic trips or 60 days of international and Alaska based trips. Neil was our guide and he was amazing! From our tents, we enjoy easy access to abundant terrain to practice our glacial riding skills, all with excellent views of the Twin Sisters Range, Mount Rainier and the snowy, serrated skyline of the North Cascades. wired straight-gates are recommended, 4' of perlon accessory cord for prussik materials (6mm diameter), 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case, A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun, lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work, Gore-tex or equivalent (trips before July), One pair Gore-Tex or equivalent, with textured palms and taped seams. 1670 S Burlington Blvd ), Trailhead parking fees (Northwest Forest Pass), Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit), Optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of trip deposit), Small personal first-aid kit with medications and blister kit. To native residents of the area, Mount Baker is Koma Kulshan, the White Watcher who looks out over the Salish Sea. Please prepare your meals prior to your climb. Baker, 4-Day Mountaineering Course - North Cascades, AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Snoqualmie Pass, AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Crystal Mountain, Click here to learn more about difficulty ratings, Internal Frame Pack - 50 Liter/3100 cu.in. Youll skin through ancient forests and snow-covered alpine meadows, en route to base camp. This hike is very strenuous and can take from 46hours depending upon the particular approach and the fitness of the group. For travel insurance or Global Rescue membership. We learned alot and he tried to fit in all the knowledge he could in one day, super awesome. In February or March depending on the snow year. Thank you!! All our instructors have advanced avalanche training, wilderness medical training, and will instruct you how to be self-reliant in the mountains. No cotton! Two to three 15-minute snack breaks during the ski tour. are AMGA Certified Rock, Alpine, and Ski Mountaineering Guides, We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with. Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. Book a trip or join us for a course and take your mountaineering to the next level! The Guide Hut offers a selection of mountaineering equipment and clothing for purchase and rent. Northwest Alpine Guides cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. The Guide Hutserves as a meeting location, rental shop and retail store for guests of Northwest Alpine Guides. My guide was cool. The vendor who provided the actual tour shared with Explore-share that heavy rains prevented them from doing a substantial section of the tour. There are also a number of great spots to admire on the peak as well. Ability to ski/ride downhillin controlon steep slopes in highly variable snow conditions. For aquote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance or call +1415-4810600. Glacier Mountaineering Course -crevasse rescue, summit of Mount Baker, and more, Featured In addition to professional instruction in climbing skills, most importantly, you will learn skills that will keep you safe in the mountains. The goals of the group were a little different. At 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the climb, we meet at the Guide Hut in Sedro-Woolley, WA for equipment check and orientation before heading to the trailhead. Some courses involving snow travel will automatically enroll you as a student inAvalanche AwarenessorAIARE Level 1. Meet at our Guide Hut in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest andMt. Flexible dates allow you to book your trip when conditions are ideal. Day 1: Two to three 15-minute snack breaks while ascending to high camp. LINKSContact UsThe Bureau BlogGuiding RatesTerms and ConditionsFor GuidesFair-Trade-Living-WageCOVID-19 Information, Our GuidesPartnersAdvocacyOur PilotsTrip InsuranceFitness TrainingOutdoors@Cascadia Splitfest. Location: Mount BakerRatio: 4:1 climber to guide (max. Northwest Alpine Guides makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. North America Please read our Goals & Fitness guide for strategies to help you train for your climb. Note:Pack basic medical supplies in a compact package. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. If either the minor climber or the guardian needs to descend at any time during the program, both climbers must descend together. Enjoy a Northwest Alpine Guides adventure and learn to backcountry ski. Click to read general Frequently Asked Questions. Single-use passes are $5.00 per day. Dinner in high camp. The policy is intended to protect participants who have otherwise committed time and resources to the departure. Mount Baker, known to the Salish people as Kulshan, is the highest peak in the North Cascades and the 3rd highest summit in the state of Washington. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited. For your safety and the safety of your team, you must be able to maintain the pace set by our guides while maintaining reserves of strength. We strongly recommend that climbers book a hotel night following the final day of their itinerary and schedule departure flights on the following day. Day 2: Breakfast in high camp. We highly recommend that all participants consider travel and trip cancellation insurance after making a deposit. Northwest Mountain School owners John Race & Olivia Cussen While skiing or riding off the summit is an unforgettable experience, this course is decidedly skill-focused with ample time spent learning and practicing the skills necessary to plan and execute a trip in glaciated terrain. Since we encounter a wide range of snow conditions in the backcountry, all participants must be strong resort skiers. Level 1avalanche training, intermediate ski skills and previous ski touring experience are recommended. During this course we will introduce the critical equipment and skills that allow us to safely enjoy the vast and exciting world of backcountry skiing. Northwest Alpine Guides holds a Special Use Permit and is an authorized outfitter guide within Mt. Climb to the summit of Mount Baker and experience the challenge and thrill of ski mountaineering as you ride down the second most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States! 10% Off purchases and 20% Off rentals for Pro Guiding Service guests, Certified Professional Guides & All Access. We recommend Signature Travel Insurance. We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. 210 Ball Street Our Northwest programs begin at the date, time and meeting location listed in the itinerary in your PreClimb Information. You are responsible for your transportation to downtown Seattle. 4. Enjoy a full day introductory back country skiing course on Mount Baker. Rainier where students will practice roped travel and crevasse rescues. It is also suited as a preparation for multi-day ski tours that are not hut supplied. Northwest Alpine Guides will provide you with a detailed PreClimb departure book upon registration including personal gear list, meeting location and driving directions. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest andMt. Redpoints Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance is designed for adventurers. Limited services are available in Sedro-Woolley. You will meet as agroup with your guide(s) at 7:00 am for an orientation meeting and equipmentcheck. We look forward to teaching you and guiding you. Note: CamelBaks and other bladder-style hydration systems may be used in addition to two water bottles, but are not sufficient. In April by our Seattle branch. The course takes place on the north side of Mount Baker on the Coleman Glacier. Backcountry Ski Touring - Efficient Movement. Cold drinking water will be available in high camp. We take privacy seriously. Featured Northwest Alpine Guides Intro to Backcountry Skiing is designed for intermediate inbounds skiers seeking to transition from resort skiing into the backcountry. Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care,etc. How can we keep doing this? We then switch venues for to Mount Baker or Mt. You must be able to ski or board the equivalent of an ungroomed single black diamond slope with a weighted day pack whose weight is the equivalent of a glacier rope and crevasse rescue gear. Registration generally begins in February. You will need to demonstrate adequate fitness and proficiency in skiing skills as your safety is our priority. A National Parks pass may suffice. We will choose our ascent and descent routes to maximize learning opportunities, fun and safety. Do not underestimate the importance of mountain-specific training. To join us on this day trip, just a send a request. You will travel and learn from experts. NCMG operates under Special Use Permits with the Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, and is an equal opportunity outdoor recreation service provider.. The small town of Sedro-Woolley, The Gateway to the North Cascades, is approximately 70 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle or Bellevue. Photo: Mark Allen. To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making adeposit. Plan to depart the day after the program ends. The Guide Hutoffers a wide variety of freeze-dried meals for purchase, including vegan and gluten free options. Women's History Month, Get Your Turns With a7,500-foot / 2286-meter Ride down the Great White Watcher. Moving more slowly can be dangerous. Warm air, sun reddened faces with goggle tans, firm melt freeze crust on southerly slopes and facet pow hiding out in the northerlies are a welcomed sign. During open hours at the Guide Hut, you may pick up pre-reserved rental items, try on rental boots, and purchase last-minute items. If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Ski and Snowboard Mountaineering is offered in mid November by our Foothills Branch with the option of including the AIARE course. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Travel insurance offers the best protection in the event of a sudden, unexpected illness, an injury prior to or while traveling, or a possible family emergency. Splitboard and ski touring trips and AIARE courses based in our backyard at Mount Baker. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible. Skiing Time: 7+ hours. Dinner: Freeze-dried dinners are easy to prepare but do not always taste good and may affect your stomach. Click to read more about the Peaks of the North Cascadesin Washington State. Need help choosing a trip? Learn about our COVID-19 protocols Learn More. As the skiing day lengthens, we become fatigued and dehydrated. All of our guides have the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate. Northwest Alpine Guides does not insure you against these risks. This course demands strong physical fitness as all participants must skin up to high camp carrying a backpack with overnight gear. Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best, or lightweight fleece if necessary. Learn about the fundamentals for safe and successful back country skiing. Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91days or more before the departuredate, No refunds will be provided 90days or less before the departuredate, A completely integrated program with asingle point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims, Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice, Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, andmore, Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events. Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Group equipment (including tents, stoves, etc. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy, Glacier Mountaineering Course -crevasse rescue, summit of Mount Baker, and more, Skinning with aday climbing/skiing pack and overnight pack to 45lbs, Intermediate-advanced level terrain with some slopes to 40 degrees on exposed terrain, Glacier travel and steep snow climbing, Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy, $400 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $200 non-refundable registrationfee, The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a3% convenience fee. Mount Baker, the highest peak in the North Cascades, is afantastic mountain for climbers AND skiers and snowboarders looking for achallenging descent on glaciers. We usually arrive back at our cars by mid-afternoon and conclude our adventure in Sedro-Woolley. Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest. Private trips are ideal for those who desire a one-on-one or private group experience. Tax ID: 27-3009280. If you cancel for any reason 30 or more days before domestic trips or 60 or more days before international and Alaska trips, we will refund everything you have paid minus half of your deposit. When it rains it pours but when it snows it dumps. Travel, evacuation and rescue coverage designed for adventure travelers. When sleeping on snow make sure to purchase pad rated to do so, Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing, Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos, under 57 use 60cm, 57-62 use 60 or 65cm, over 62 use 70cm, Steel 12-pont. If departing on the last day of the program, we recommend booking a flight later than 10 pm. You or your entire party may have to turn around without reaching the summit. This is a true backcountry experience. Baker Ranger District, In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. ), are not NWAG responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule. For a true backcountry touring experience, we stay overnight in mountain tents or an historic fire lookout when available. as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides. Mount Baker is a perfect big mountain ski adventure for aspiring ski mountaineers. Ski tour below the second most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. Rolling alpine start from High Camp ascending the glaciers to the summit with light summit packs. Both open for registration in mid fall and cover similar curriculum. If you prefer to transfer funds electronically, please send gratuities throughpaypal.me/mountaingurus. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions. Check out our discounts on rentals and purchases when you book a trip or course with us. The tour to high camp takes 4 to 5 hours using climbing skins. During this trip you will get to learn a number of important skills and fundamentals that you can not only use on Mount Baker, but in future back country adventures you may have. Ended up with an awesome day with an awesome guide. Team members are free to organize rideshares with other team members.

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