Mt Shuksan North Face in early winter

North Cascades Private Alpine Climbing

The North Cascades are known as the American Alps and live up to the name. Steep rock, hanging glaciers and beautiful meadows of heather are a few of the many highlights of this incredible National Park. This private alpine climbing program allows you pick the routes and time frame that is right for you and your team.
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear
ROUTES We can guide any route in the North Cascades National Park but we need to make sure you're up to the commitment grade of the route with physical fitness and technical skills. If this is your first time climbing with us, we'll need to review your experience and potentially do a less committing route first. Some of our favorite offerings are: Shuksan Fisher Chimneys Shuksan North Face Forbidden West Ridge Forbidden North Ridge Forbidden NW Face/NW Rib Torment SW Face Eldorado East Ridge Mount Baker North Ridge Mount Baker Coleman Deming Mount Baker Easton Glacier Mount Baker Coleman Headwall
We'll work with you to create a custom itinerary for your trip.
Generally, the routes of the North Cascades are for experienced climbers who move well on 3rd class rock terrain, steep, firm snow and are accustomed to challenge of climbing rugged terrain with a full pack. We do have a few options for climbers with excellent fitness that are looking to gain experience in alpine terrain.

  • AMGA Trained Guide
  • Climbing Gear: Ropes, Harness
  • Camping Gear: Tents, Stoves, Fuel
  • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

Not included: ice axes, crampons -

Mountaineering Gear

  • Ice Axe
  • Crampons
  • Climbing Harness
Overnight Gear
  • Headlamp
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

    • Know Before you go

    SKILL LEVELIntermediate Advanced Expert
    ELEVATION3,000-11,000'
    LocationNorth Cascades
    Price $470.00
    Private Programs
    Duration: 1-7 Days
    View Full Itinerary
    Private Programs

    Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

    Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

    SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

    Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

    Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

    PRIVATE PROGRAMS

    Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

    Contact us
    Full Itinerary
    We'll work with you to create a custom itinerary for your trip.
    ROUTES We can guide any route in the North Cascades National Park but we need to make sure you're up to the commitment grade of the route with physical fitness and technical skills. If this is your first time climbing with us, we'll need to review your experience and potentially do a less committing route first. Some of our favorite offerings are: Shuksan Fisher Chimneys Shuksan North Face Forbidden West Ridge Forbidden North Ridge Forbidden NW Face/NW Rib Torment SW Face Eldorado East Ridge Mount Baker North Ridge Mount Baker Coleman Deming Mount Baker Easton Glacier Mount Baker Coleman Headwall
    We'll work with you to create a custom itinerary for your trip.
    Generally, the routes of the North Cascades are for experienced climbers who move well on 3rd class rock terrain, steep, firm snow and are accustomed to challenge of climbing rugged terrain with a full pack. We do have a few options for climbers with excellent fitness that are looking to gain experience in alpine terrain.

    • AMGA Trained Guide
    • Climbing Gear: Ropes, Harness
    • Camping Gear: Tents, Stoves, Fuel
    • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
    • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

    Not included: ice axes, crampons -

    Mountaineering Gear

    • Ice Axe
    • Crampons
    • Climbing Harness
    Overnight Gear
    • Headlamp
    • Sleeping Bag
    • Sleeping Pad
    Clothing & Accessories
  • Technical Outerwear (jacket, bibs/pants)
  • Multiple Midlayer Options
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Beanie
  • Baseball Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
  • Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

    • Book Now
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    North Cascades Private Alpine Climbing
    Climber the Gullies Rappel on Mt Shuksan in Washington
    Climber climbing South Gullies on Mt Shuksan in Washington
    Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan above a lake
    Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan during a Blackbird Guides North Cascades Private Mountaineering trip
    Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan at sunrise
    Climber on the North Face of Mt Shuksan above a lake
    Mt Shuksan North side in early winter
    North Cascades Private Alpine Climbing

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    Awesome Experience

    Steve, California

    “Taking this course with Zeb was the best decision! He was extremely friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable and answered all our questions with great patience.

    An Exceptional Course

    Ellen, New York

    “I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some."

    Too Good For Words

    Andrew, Washington

    Just took the "lift-assisted" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. It was a great refresher and learning experience. Our instructor Evan was knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

    An Incredible Weekend!

    Jenna, California

    Completed AIARE 1 w/ Blackbird. Instructors were very knowledgeable, experienced, patient, attentive, and down-to-earth in relating to clients across a wide spectrum of ability. Highly recommended. Great group of people!

    Got Questions?

    We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!

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