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Perfect Late Season Conditions on Mt Shuksan

A late season conditions report from Mt Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys as our team reached the summit of this classic climb of the North Cascades.

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    From Dubious Weather to an Epic Summit of the Matterhorn

    A Blackbird team fought new snow and uncertain weather on the Matterhorn to reach the summit. Read on for details!

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      Blackbird Team Summits the Matterhorn via Hornli Ridge Route

      Blackbird teams reached the top of the Matterhorn with perfect weather and Route conditions on Friday!  

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        Mont Blanc Summit Climb via the Pope Route

        The Gonella Hut, center of the photo, is the starting point for the Pope Route Climb.  Photo: Zeb Blais   Mont Blanc Summit by the Pope Route July 3, 2025 Mont Blanc 4,810m Our team...

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          Blackbird Teams Summit Gran Paradiso

          The last push to the summit of Gran Paradiso in the Italian Alps. Photo: Zeb Blais   Gran Paradiso Summit!  July 1, 2025 Gran Paradiso 4,061m   Blackbird Mountain Guides reached the true summit of 4,061...

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            Summit of Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts Route

            The sun rising behind the Swiss and French Alps.  In the foreground, climbers ascend the north face of Mont Maudit (4,465m / 14,645') on their way to the summit of Mont Blanc via the Trois Monts...

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              Gran Paradiso Climb – Guided Summit with Blackbird Mountain Guides

              Blackbird teams made the summit of Gran Paradiso again this week, summiting with clear skies and firm snow conditions!

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                Blackbird Summits the Highest Peaks in France, Italy

                Views from the top of Italy.  4,061m Gran Paradiso, June 15, 2025.  Photo: Zeb Blais   First Alps Summits of the Season! Mont Blanc 4,810m & Gran Paradiso 4,061m   Blackbird teams summited the highest...

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                  Matterhorn Summit | Hornli Ridge

                  Blackbird teams led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais reached the summit of the Matterhorn via the Hörnli Ridge this week. Conditions were near perfect given the stormy start to the season and the snow remaining on the route.
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                    Mont Blanc Summit | Trois Monts June 27 2024

                    Topping out on the Maudit Shoulder on Mont Blanc.  Photo: Zeb Blais Mont Blanc Summit via Trois Monts Traverse 2024-06-27  |  Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit, Mont Blanc Blackbird teams reached the summit of Mont Blanc via the...

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                      Gran Paradiso Summit

                      Climbers approaching the summit of Gran Paradiso in fat springtime conditions earlier this week. Photo: Zeb Blais ~ With an unsettled weather forecast, we wasted no time getting to Italy to have a crack at climbing Italy's highest...

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                        Mt Baker & North Cascades Access & Conditions

                        Skiers skinning up Mt Baker in Coleman Glacier.  Photo: Brandon Seymore.   Mt Baker / North Cascades Access & Backcountry Skiing Conditions Update 2024-05-21  |  Mt Baker / Cascade River Road / HWY 20 The North Cascades and Mt...

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                          Summit Success on Mont Blanc

                          Blackbird teams led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Zeb Blais scored 100% success on Mont Blanc this month.  All members from each team made it to the top and back down safely.  Read on for routes and pictures!
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                            Solo Summit of the Matterhorn via Hornli Ridge

                            A jagged tusk of gneiss towering at an elevation of 14,692' (4,478m), the Matterhorn might be the most recognizable mountain in the world. From Zermatt, the small Swiss town below, it looks impossibly steep.  Surprising as it might seem, the Matterhorn is relatively easy in terms of technical difficulty.  But let's be real, it's no cakewalk. Read on for the lowdown!
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                              Summit of Mont Blanc via The Goûter Route

                              My first trip to Mont Blanc this season was via the Gouter Route and began in a rainstorm.  Not exactly how anyone wants to begin a trip, but with hut reservations at the Tete Rousse and Gouter Huts and an improving forecast, we made moves up the mountain.  
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                                Mt Shasta Ski & Climbing Conditions 2023-06-19

                                Summit season is in full swing up on Mt. Shasta. Conditions around the mountain are highly variable by aspect & changing quickly.  It pays to know some of the link ups to connect the best snow to avoid volcanic scree scrambling. Record snowfall came with high winds on the upper mountain adding some challenges to skiing & climbing.
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                                  Mt Shasta Ski & Climbing Conditions - 2023-06-05

                                  The bottom line is that the ski season on Mt Shasta still has some life left and the climbing conditions are quite good! This weekend, Blackbird teams skied and climbed the West Face and Avalanche Gulch.  
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                                    Mt Shasta Ski & Climbing Conditions - 2023-05-25

                                    Don't believe everything that you read! Some are saying ski conditions are less than optimal on Mt Shasta, but our teams found a different story this week. Read on for current ski and climbing conditions on Mt Shasta.
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                                      Summit of Mt Shuksan via Fisher Chimneys / SE Ridge, Current Climbing Conditions

                                      Blackbird teams reached the summit of Mt Shuksan after climbing the Fisher Chimneys and Southeast Ridge. Led by guides Zeb Blais and Brandon Seymore, the climb went smoothly with fit climbers, excellent weather and a perfect route. Read on for great pictures and a summary of current conditions!
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                                      Mount Shasta: Current Climbing and Skiing Conditions 2022-05-15

                                      Skiing Mt. Shasta via Hidden Valley and the West Face proves to be a very secluded and highly rewarding adventure! Despite less than ideal skiing conditions, this is an adventure that can't be overlooked! Snow is melting out quick. If you want to ski Mt. Shasta this season, now is the time!
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                                      Mount Shasta: Current Climbing and Skiing Conditions 2022-05-06

                                      NEW UPDATE May 13, 2022. The corn skiing is in prime condition on Mount Shasta right now, but it might not last long! Our blog details current conditions on Mount Shasta and shows how easy approaches can turn into nightmare descents in just one day!  Check out our most recent Mount Shasta conditions report!
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                                      Mount Shasta: Current Climbing and skiing Conditions 2022-04-26

                                      Huge snowfall, high winds and extreme cold have been the most defining characteristics recently on California’s Fifth tallest mountain. What has all this stormy weather meant for current skiing and climbing conditions on Mount Shasta? Find out in our Mount Shasta Current Conditions report!

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                                      Gift Guide | Winter 2022

                                      Need ideas for what to get the backcountry skier or splitboarder in your life this holiday season? Wondering how to fill your own winter with adventure? Or maybe you are planning ahead to climbing season? Our Backcountry Gift Guide for Winter 2022 delivers all of the courses, trips, and gear to keep you or your special someone adventuring safely and in style this coming year.
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