Build your own Mt Baker summit climb or skills program
We can put together a full on expedition skills seminar or create a single push climb for your and your partners. Baker has a huge variety of routes and we're excited to share them with you!

• Our private programs are for just you and your team, so we move with the speed of your team.
• Ascent and descent options include: Coleman-Deming, Squak, Easton, and North Ridge routes.

If you choose a 1 Day Summit Climb of Mt Baker, please note that this is a massive undertaking. We'll climb 7,000 vertical feet in a continuous push to get up and back to the trailhead without camping or taking breaks longer than 15 minutes, with an exception for a longer stop on the summit.

Not looking for a private program? Check out our open enrollment Mt Baker Summit Climb

We're happy to build a custom itinerary for your group based on your objectives, skills, and preferred length of trip! Otherwise, here are some typical itineraries depending on the length of your climb.

Here's the schedule for a 3 DAY CLIMB: (Intermediate Level)

• Day 1 - Arrival & Tour to Camp - 8:00 am meetup with your guide in town. We'll do a quick gear check and review the plan for the day. Your guide will discuss the route up to camp and we'll make any final adjustments before we caravan to the trailhead. The rest of the day will be spent hiking to camp and learning about camp craft.


• 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 Gear
  • Ice Axe Techniques including Self Arrest and
  • Team Arrest (for Glacier Travel)
  • Crampon Techniques
  • Mountaineering efficiency including the Rest Step
  • Descending techniques for mountaineering
  • Basics of rope team 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. We’ll break down camp, pack up our bags, and descend to the trailhead.

Here's the schedule for a 2 DAY CLIMB: (Advanced Level)

• Day 1 - Tour to Camp & Mountaineering Skills Review - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead. We'll do a quick gear check and review the plan for the day then tour to and set up camp. 12:00pm Mountaineering skills review. 5:00pm Dinner and bed.


• Day 2 -Summit Attempt 3:00-5:00am early alpine start with a quick breakfast. 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 We’ll break down camp, pack up our bags and descend to the trailhead.

Here's the schedule for a 1 DAY CLIMB: (Expert Level)

• 3:00-4:00am - Early Alpine Start - Meet up with your guide at the trailhead for a gear check and review of the plan for the day.


• 12:00-3:00pm - Summit Attempt - We'll make a push for the summit, stopping only to refuel, rehydrate and adjust layers on our way. We will go as long as stamina and conditions allow.


• 2:00-4:00pm - Descent - Hard work and determination are handsomely rewarded as we enjoy the views and descend 7,000'+ feet back down to the trailhead!

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for a 2 or 3 Day Climb:

• 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 climbing


• 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.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for a 1 Day Climb:

• Intermediate Mountaineering Experience - Including ice ax, crampon, and basic rope skills. Build those skills ahead of the mission with our Intro to Mountaineering Skills


• Excellent Fitness - Able to spend 12-16 continuous hours outside, moving uphill at over 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-2 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 12-15 miles, climbing 3,000-6,000 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with excellent fitness typically have a strenuous workout 4-6 days per week. Be ready for a sufferfest!

Here's what's included with your trip:

• Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
• Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Permit
• Ropes & Gear
• SlingFin 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
• Transportation
• Personal Mountaineering Gear - ice axe, crampons, climbing harness
• Guide Gratuities

Washington Alpine Climbing Gear List

• Mountaineering Gear (ice ax, crampon, harness) - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird


• Other Mountaineering Gear (sleeping bag, pad, etc.) - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
  • Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham