The Ultimate Guide to Skiing Mt. Baker: Routes, Timing, Gear & Tips

Photo: Mt Baker as seen from the southeast at Boulder Creek

Introduction: Why Mt. Baker Is a Must-Ski Objective

At 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker (Kulshan) is one of the most iconic and sought-after ski mountaineering objectives in North America. With massive glaciers, long fall-line descents, and a legendary snowpack that lasts well into summer, Baker offers a true alpine experience for backcountry skiers looking to take the next step. 

With multiple summit routes, massive glaciers, and deep spring snowpacks that often last into July, skiing Mt. Baker is as rewarding as it is demanding. Whether you’re training for Denali, the Alps, or simply chasing a high-alpine ski descent in the Northwest, Baker delivers.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know for a Mt. Baker ski descent, including route options, season timing, and how to prepare.

Why Ski Mt. Baker?

• Full glacier ski mountaineering experience without leaving the lower 48

• Massive vertical (up to 7,000 ft) and incredible fall-line descents

• Multiple routes and aspects for different skill levels and snow conditions

• A great warm-up for expedition skiing, with big mountain decision-making and glacier travel baked in
  

Best Routes to Ski on Mt. Baker

Baker offers several classic ski descents, depending on where you start and what kind of terrain you’re after. All of them involve glacier travel across several of Mt. Baker’s 11 glaciers.

Map: The 11 Glaciers of Mt Baker (Kulshan)

1. Coleman-Deming – The Classic Ski Descent

• Start Point: Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead, 3,665 ft. (North Side)

• Vertical Gain: 7,000 to 8,500 feet, depending on snowline

• Best Time: May–early July

• Difficulty: Moderate–Advanced

• Glacier Travel: Yes
  

The Coleman-Deming route is Baker’s most popular ski line, and for good reason. It starts in the deep forest on the mountain’s northwest side, passes through Hogsback Camp at 6,200 ft., winds up the Coleman Glacier, crosses the Deming Glacier, and culminates in a rewarding climb up  the steep Roman Wall. From the summit, enjoy a more-than-6,000-foot ski descent through big, rolling glaciated terrain.

This is the go-to option for a guided Mt. Baker ski descent, offering both challenge and manageability, with dramatic views of the mountain’s north face. You'll need solid fitness, glacier travel experience (or a guide), and strong ski mountaineering skills.

2. Easton Glacier – Smooth Spring Skiing

• Start Point: Schriebers Meadow Trailhead, 3,345 feet (South Side)
  

• Vertical Gain: 7,500 to 8,500 feet

• Best Time: Late April–June

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Glacier Travel: Yes

Approaching from the south side, the Easton Glacier route offers the smoothest, direct ski descent off Baker. It’s ideal for those seeking long, consistent corn skiing in the spring. The Roman Wall serves up a final steep push to the summit, and a thrilling top section on the descent.

This is also a great route for intro-to-glacier skiing trips.

Photo: Camping at the bottom of the Easton Glacier is one of the highlights of any ski expedition on the south side of Mt. Baker

3. Squak Glacier – Less Traveled, Highly Skiable

• Start Point: Schriebers Meadow Trailhead, 3,345 feet (South Side)

• Vertical Gain: 7,5000 to 8,500 feet, depending on snowline

• Best Time: May–June

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Glacier Travel: Yes

Slightly less traveled than Easton, Squak Glacier offers a similar profile: wide open terrain, moderate pitches, and one of the mountain’s longest fall-line descents. It can be a great option when other routes are crowded or when snow conditions favor this aspect.

Photo: Skiers ascending up the Squak Glacier towards Sherman Peak, a subpeak of Mt. Baker

Best Time of Year to Ski Mt. Baker

Pro Tip:

Mt. Baker’s weather is highly variable and storms roll in quickly. Aim for May to early June for the best combo of stable snow and clear skies.

Fun Fact:

In 1998-1999 the Mt. Baker Ski Area set the US record for the greatest annual snowfall of 32 meters (105 feet)!

Photo: Snowdrifts during the winter of '98-'99

What a Guided Mt. Baker Ski Trip Looks Like

Most guided Baker ski trips are 3 days long, giving you time to:

• Approach and set up a glacier base camp

• Review crevasse rescue, roped skiing, and glacier systems

• Attempt a summit with an alpine start

• Enjoy a long ski descent, then return to the trailhead
  
  

Sample Itinerary – Coleman-Deming Route

Day 1: Meet at Heliotrope Ridge, approach to Hogsback Camp at about 6,200 ft.
Day 2: Alpine Skills training + glacier systems review
Day 3: Alpine start, summit via Coleman-Deming, ski descent, and exit

Gear You’ll Need for Mt. Baker Skiing

Baker is full-on glacier ski mountaineering, so bring the right tools:

Ski + Technical Gear

• Touring skis (95–110 mm underfoot) or Splitboard

• Tech bindings + ski crampons

• Ski touring boots or Snowboard Boots

• Helmet, harness, glacier rope

• Crampons + ice axe

• Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe

• Glacier gear (prusiks, carabiners, slings, etc.)
  
  

Camp + Weather Gear

• 4-season tent 

• Sleeping bag rated to 15–20°F

• Inflatable Sleeping Pad (e.g. Thermarest X-Term) 

• Stove + high-calorie food

• Goggles + glacier glasses

• Waterproof outer layers + warm mid-layers

• Navigation: GPS (e.g. Garmin InReach), and map

➡️ Check out our full gear list for Mt. Baker ski descents.

Permits + Access

• Northwest Forest Pass – Required for trailhead parking

• No Summit Permit required – But you must follow Leave No Trace principles + pack out trash and waste

• Early Season – Trailhead access roads may have low-elevation snow—plan accordingly as you may have to walk and/or skin a bit farther.
  

What Our Clients Say

“Baker felt huge and intimidating at first, but our guide made it feel smooth and doable. The descent off the Roman Wall in spring corn was pure magic.”

– Mike H., Seattle

Key Takeaways

• Coleman-Deming is the classic guided route with big vertical and smooth skiing

• Easton Glacier offers consistent spring turns and easy access

• Squak Glacier and technical routes add variety for advanced skiers

• May–early June is the sweet spot for weather, corn, and access

• Skiing Baker requires glacier travel and strong backcountry systems—go guided for safety and success
  

FAQ: Skiing Mt. Baker

❓ Do I need a guide to ski Mt. Baker?

If you’re unfamiliar with glacier travel or do not have solid crevasse rescue skills then yes. A guided trip includes route management, rope systems, and summit planning.

❓ What’s the best ski route on Mt. Baker?

Coleman-Deming for classic terrain and summit skiing. Easton Glacier for smooth, spring corn laps.

❓ Can I ski Mt. Baker in one day?

Fit, experienced teams sometimes do, but it’s a big day and physically demanding. Most skiers benefit from a 3-day trip with glacier camping and training.

❓ What is the avalanche risk like on Baker?

Significant in winter and early spring. Most ski descents happen after the snow becomes more stabilize in late April through June, but route choice and timing are always key.

About the Author

Andrew Richardson is an AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, AIARE Course Leader, and seasoned backcountry guide with over 30 years of experience in the mountains. Based in the Pacific Northwest since 2007, he guides ski mountaineering trips, teaches avalanche safety courses, and helps clients build the skills and confidence to explore the backcountry safely. A lifelong skier raised in Northern California, Andrew has skied everything from the couloirs of the Tetons to the flanks of Denali. When he's not guiding, he’s a strength and endurance coach with Samsara Experience, training athletes to perform at their peak in the mountains and beyond.