We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:

• Push Your Limits - Why climb one when you can climb two? The True North Alpine Climbing week pairs the best climbing route on Mt Baker with one of Mt Shuksan's classics.


• The Routes
  
  The North Ridge of Mt 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 North Face of Mt Shuksan is 4 more days of classic Cascade alpinism. We approach the North Face via the Fisher Chimneys. Once above the Chimneys, we descend the White Salmon Glacier and climb back up to our camp near the base of the North Face. The next day we start early, climb ther exhilarating North Face and the summit pyramid before returning to Whinnies Slide to set camp. Finally, we descend the Fisher Chimneys and return to Artist Point.

* Non-Reserved Wilderness Dates mean that we do not currently have specific dates reserved with wilderness permits. We can usually get reservations for most dates and there are other camping options if we are unable to obtain a wilderness camping permit.

Here's the schedule for your trip:

• Day 0 - Dinner and 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 1 -Approach to 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 2 - The Climb and return to camp. - The North Ridge of Mt 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.


• Day 3 - Break Down Camp & Return to Glacier - We'll break down camp and pop back to town for pizza, beer and some quality sleep before packing up and heading back into the mountains to take on the North Face of Mount Shuksan.


• Day 4 - Fisher Chimneys - We approach the North Face via the Fisher Chimneys, which offers fun climbing on exposed rock. Once above the Chimneys, we'll set camp for the night and prepare for a descent down the White Salmon Glacier the following day.


• Day 5 - Descend the White Salmon & Climb to North Face Camp - Today starts with a descent down the White Salmon Glacier. Once at the bottom of the glacier, we'll climb to the base of the North Face where we'll set our camp for the night.


• Day 6 - North Face Summit - The next day we start early and climb many pitches of steep snow and glacial ice while enjoying views of Price Lake and the Mt Baker Wilderness before topping out on the Upper Curtis Glacier. From the Upper Curtis we have a multitude of options for gaining the summit, all involving 4th to low 5th class rock climbing. Once we're on top we descend via the Sulphide Glacier and take Hell's Highway back to camp just above Winnies Slide. It's a long day and we set up camp, make dinner and head to bed early


• Day 7 - Descend The Fisher Chimneys - Break camp and descend the Fisher Chimneys. The descent back to the trailhead involves down-climbing exposed 3rd and 4th class terrain before we hit the trail back to Artist Point.

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.


• 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!


• 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

Mountaineering Gear

• Ice Axe
• Crampons
• Climbing Harness

• Headlamp
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad