We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

• Push Your Limits -The Mt Baker Summit & Skill Expedition encompasses the skills you need to tackle big mountain objectives the world over!


• Route Options Include - Coleman-Deming and Easton / Squawk Glacier Routes.


• Mountaineering Skills Training - Including Camp Craft, Movement and efficiency, Ice Axe Self Arrest and Team arrest, Rope Team Travel, Snow and Ice Anchors, Crevasse Rescue, Fixed Line Travel


• Summit Attempt - At 10,781’ Mt Baker (aka Kulshan) is an incredible big mountain climbing experience and a great way to put the skills we've covered to use. The skills learned here are the perfect foundation for any big mountain climb, from Denali to Mount Everest.

This program requires at least 2 participants to run.

Here's the schedule for your trip:

• Day 1 - Arrival & Travel to Camp - Meet in Glacier, WA at 8AM. Our guides will double check that you have all the right gear for the trip and help you minimize weight, decide on the perfect layers, and choose how much food and water to bring. Approach to Hogsback or Coleman Glacier Camp and learn camp craft and knots!


• Day 2 - Mountaineering Skills Training - We'll get an early start on the day, having breakfast with hot coffee or tea, and prepare any food for the day before gearing up and heading out. In this course we'll cover:
  
  • Mountaineering efficiency including the Rest Step
  • Ice Axe Techniques including Self Arrest and Team Arrest (for Glacier Travel)
  • Rope Team Travel
  • Snow and Ice Anchors
  • Crevasse Rescue
  • Fixed Line Travel
  
  In the evening, we'll prepare an early dinner and head to bed

• Day 3 -Summit Attempt 3:00-5:00am quick breakfast followed by an early alpine start. Your guides will set the start time based on warming for the day and the weather forecast. Prepare for a long day, where we gaining over 4,000’ of elevation over various snow surfaces and steep slopes. Once we reach our high point, we’ll descend the route back down to camp.


• Day 4 -Additional Skills, Breakdown Camp & Return to Trailhead We'll cover any additional skills that need fine tuning, then break down camp, pack up our bags, and descend to the trailhead.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Basic Mountaineering Skills - Including ice axe, crampon, and basic rope skills are encouraged, but not required. Build those skills during the program or attend our Intro to Mountaineering Skills course prior to attending and spend more time on advanced skills


• Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week.


• Mountaineering Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us

Here's what's included with your trip:

• Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
• Ropes & Gear
• Tent
• Stove & Fuel
• Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
• Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

• Meals
• Ice Axe, Crampons, Climbing Harness
• Guide Gratuities

Washington Alpine Climbing Gear List

• Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird


• Ski/Split Touring Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
  • Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham