We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

• Push Your Limits - The North Ridge of Mount Baker is a one-of-a-kind alpine ice classic. With massive relief, expansive glaciers, pitched ice climbing and incredible exposure this climb is simply exhilarating. In terms of pure fun, this climb ranks at the top of the list.


• The Route - The North Ridge balances technical skill with endurance, and entails ascending over 5,500 feet of glacier, snow, rock and ice to the summit at 10,781’. An incredible challenge with equal rewards, this climb is not to be missed!


• Summit Attempt - This will be a long day, gaining over 4,000’ of elevation over various snow surfaces and steep slopes.


• Descent - After taking a few moments on the summit, it’s time to descend. The easiest way down is to reverse the ascent, and this is often as time consuming as the ascent. Be ready for engaging down-climbing and rappels.

Here's the schedule for your trip:

• Day 1 - Travel, Dinner & Gear Check in Glacier, WA - 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.


• Day 2 -Approach to Hogsback or Coleman Glacier Camp - We’ll get an early start, get to camp and scout the glacier approach to the base of the route before getting to bed early for the alpine start and summit attempt.


• Day 3 - 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 hike out to the trailhead.

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

• Intermediate Alpine Climbing Experience - Including basic rope skills, experience with belaying, rappelling and technical climbing on 4th and 5th class rock. Depending on the time of year, crampon and ice axe techniques may be required. Looking to build these skills? Join us for an Intro to Mountaineering course!


• 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

Baker North Ridge 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