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Alpine
Glacier Mountaineering
Our four-day Glacier Mountaineering Course on Mount Baker is a technical course designed for recreationists seeking a concise and affordable approach to learning technical alpine climbing skills in glaciated terrain. The well scaffolded curriculum is designed to meet students where they are in their understanding of alpine climbing systems (be that complete novice or more advanced). Starting with the basics, students will engage with essential knots, hitches, anchor systems, self and team arrest, and roped team travel. Towards the end of course, the culmination of these skills will come to bear on learning and practicing crevasse rescue and a summit attempt of Mount Baker.
$1200 - $2200

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: Technical Fundamentals
Approach through old growth forest, wildflower fields and talus slopes to camp below the glaciated slopes of Mount Baker. Here, your instructor will cover the basics: gear, essential knots and hitches, anchor systems, and campcraft.

Day 2: Glacier Travel
On an appropriate practice slope, students will learn crampon and ice axe techniques including self and team arrest as well as snow anchors and setting up the rope for glacier travel. After gaining some comfort in these systems, students will then enter glaciated terrain for an instructor-led tour through crevasses to gain further proficiency on glacier travel techniques.

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue
At an appropriate site, students will learn how to perform complex crevasse rescue techniques. This includes learning mechanical advantage theory and haul systems, rappelling, and rope ascension. A hearty meal and early bedtime will prepare students for the big day ahead.

Day 4: Summit Attempt
You’ll leave camp at o’dark-thirty and begin the ascent toward the summit. Students will take turns leading the rope team on appropriate sections through glaciated terrain with mentorship from their instructor. Once the final steep pitches of the Roman Wall are climbed, the final stride across the summit plateau takes you to the summit of Mount Baker. After a celebration and a snack, we’ll reverse the route to camp, pack up, and exit!

*This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions, and participant skill level, among other factors.
Trip Details
Ratio
2-4 Guests Per Guide
Season
May-August, conditions dependent
Duration
4 Days
Skill level
Beginner +

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Skill Levels

Ski & Ride

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) toured in the backcountry before.

Intermediate

I’ve toured a bit and been exposed to a variety of conditions in the backcountry.

Advanced

I’m a strong rider with at least a few seasons of experience touring in the backcountry riding a variety of conditions.

Expert

Skiing/Riding is life. I tour in the backcountry 60+ days per year and have many years of experience.

Alpine

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been alpine climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a bit on snow as well as rock and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing snow, rock, and ice.

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing big mountain objectives in steep variable terrain.

Rock

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been outdoor rock climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a few outdoor multi-pitch rock climbs as a follower and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing multi-pitch routes outside (sometimes on lead).

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing and am comfortable leading up to 5.9 trad.

Program Rates
$1200 - $2200

Learn More

Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates
Overnight Rates
AIARE Courses
Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$600

$375

$325

$300

Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$650

$425

$375

$350

Ratio

Level 1

Level 2

Rescue

Mentorship

Price

$575

$575

$275

$100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges. 

Learn More

Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $600
1:2 $375
1:3 $325
1:4 + $300

Overnight Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $650
1:2 $425
1:3 $375
1:4 + $350

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
Level 1 $575
Level 2 $575
Rescue $275
Mentorship $100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges. 

Gear List
Glacier Mountaineering

Learn More

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kZ8kDoInLaqeM294bAdONcio4uQlnKhA/view?usp=share_link
*This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, route conditions, and participant skill level, among other factors.

Program Cost Includes: Ropes, Tents, Stoves, Fuel, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Program Cost Does NOT Include: Transportation

Trip Reviews
“I have skied with all of the guides at CMA and have had great experiences. They are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the experiences they provide. They know where to find the best skiing and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain.”
- Patrick

“They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent, great teachers, and always keep an eye on safety as every guide service must. What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN. Some of the best times I’ve ever had in the mountains are with this crew. I highly recommend them!”

- Chase

“I hired this guide crew for technical education and then returned for their recreational guiding services. I’ll continue to lean on Cascade Mountain Ascents to bring me further into the backcountry and advance my technical skills in the mountains.”

- Blake

“Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure no matter your skill level. From beginner to seasoned pro, Zack has you covered. His knowledge and skills of all-terrain and mountain situations had us feeling safe and confident all the way.”

- Adrian