Mount Baker
5 Day - Mountaineering 101
Program Overview:
Access the Alpine's 5-day mountaineering course is a comprehensive introduction to the world of mountaineering. Over the course of five days, you'll explore the stunning glaciers of the North Cascades and learn essential techniques for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, winter camping, and route-finding. You'll be guided by experienced instructors who will teach you the skills needed to safely navigate the mountain.
This course is based on Mount Baker and we commonly use either the Easton Glacier Route or Coleman Deming Glacier for our 5-days on the mountain.
Itinerary:
Day 0:
Zoom chat which will address any needed equipment, necessary training, and any other topics of interest before going into the course.
Day 1:
Meet at the designated trailhead in the morning and receive a comprehensive orientation from the course leader.
Hike to camp
Discuss safety protocols, equipment usage, and essential mountaineering skills.
Practice basic ice axe techniques and self-arrest drills.
Learn about glacier travel.
Spend the night at the base camp, getting to know your fellow participants and preparing for the days ahead.
Day 2:
Begin the day by reviewing the principles of roped glacier travel.
Learn about route finding, navigation, and assessing conditions on the glacier.
Practice various knot tying and rope management techniques.
Put theory into practice with a guided glacier trek, applying the skills learned throughout the day.
Return to base camp for dinner and rest.
Day 3:
Undertake a challenging glacier traverse, applying the skills mastered in the previous days.
Focus on snow climbing techniques, including step-kicking and using crampons efficiently.
Learn about proper use of mountaineering ropes and anchor systems.
Practice self-rescue and companion rescue scenarios on steeper sections of the glacier.
Return to the established campsite and celebrate the successful completion of the mountaineering portion of the course.
Enjoy dinner in the breathtaking alpine environment.
Day 4:
Prepare for a summit attempt of Mount Baker under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Ascend Mount Baker using a combination of mountaineering skills learned throughout the course.
Savor the incredible views and sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.
Descend to base camp, reviewing the course highlights and reflecting on the acquired knowledge and experiences.
Day 5:
Depart from base camp in the morning, heading back to the trailhead with newfound mountaineering skills and unforgettable memories
Curriculum:
Understanding glacial features and formations
Navigation and route planning on glaciers
Glacier safety and hazard management
Proper use of mountaineering equipment
Rope work and glacier travel techniques
Crevasses: identification, crossing, and rescue procedures
Self-arrest and ice axe techniques
Glacier camping and bivouacking skills
Strategies for acclimatization and altitude sickness prevention
Basic snow and ice climbing techniques
Glacier navigation
Emergency procedures and wilderness first aid specific to glacier environments
Leave No Trace principles for glacier environments
Costs:
$1200 per climber
A nonrefundable deposit of 30% is due to reserve the course.
Price Includes:
Tents
Group Climbing Equipment (Tents, Stoves, Rope, etc.)
Guide Services
Food in the Mountains
Price does not Include:
Airfare
Transportation
Hotel Accommodation
Restaurants in town
Personal Equipment (Available for Rent)
Travel Insurance with Trip Cancellation, Medical and Evacuation Policy
Guide Gratuities
Equipment:
Proper gear and equipment are the keys to a successful and safe adventure. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials for your upcoming mountaineering trip with Access the Alpine, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
If you are curious what you need please check out our guide to packing for a 5-day.
5-Day Mountaineering Course ★★★★★
“We had a fabulous climb up Mt. Baker with Brian last summer. We were first-timers on a glacier and he was just the right mix of preparing us with safety training and then letting us do our climb! He was full of interesting info and took lots of great pics that he shared! 😃 We would climb with him again, for sure!”
-Elaine
Access the Alpine holds a Temporary Use Permit within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mt. 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. To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).”
