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Japan Backcountry Skiing

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Custom Rock Trip

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Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

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Custom Alpine Trip

Mount Baker Easton Glacier

Mount Baker Coleman Deming

Mount Baker North Ridge

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Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

West Ridge of Forbidden

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Glacier Peak

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Eldorado East Ridge

Ruth & Icy

Dorado Needle

Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

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Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

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Glaciated Ski Mountaineering

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Custom Rock Course

Gym to Crag

Learn to Lead

Intro to Big Wall

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SPI Assessment

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Custom Alpine Course

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Anchor Building

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Custom Avalanche Course

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Rock
Intro to Big Wall
It’s okay, it’s totally normal to dream about climbing really big walls. And if you’re a solid trad climber, we have the perfect entry into the dark arts of big wall and aid climbing. Our four-day program is designed to take the competent outdoor lead climber and introduce the specific techniques needed to spend some real quality time in the vertical world. This course covers all of the basics of wall climbing like jugging and hauling, setting up a portaledge, and the progression of leading pitches of aid climbing.
$1100 - $2000

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: Systems. We’ll meet at Mount Erie and get the grunt work out of the way up front. We’ll go through the process of jugging a fixed line, hauling bags, and setting up the ledge. Getting this foundation early on will set you up for success on the rest of the course.

Day 2: Gear and cleaning. We’ll head back at Mount Erie for another day of skills work. We’ll practice placing a variety of gear, both familiar to the experienced trad climber and likely a few new tricks as well. We’ll also go over more complex following scenarios like traverses, steep pitches and lower outs.

Day 3: Leading progression. We’ll head to Index, WA to practice our aid leading. This day will focus on mock-leading full pitches and cleaning while jugging. By the end of the day, you’ll be putting together the full progression of a big wall climb

Day 4: Practice climb. We’ll select a multi pitch route to use as a practice big wall! We’ll go through the works here, transitioning between leaders, leading and cleaning pitches, and hauling the pig. We might even set up the ledge! At the end of the climb, we’ll take turns rappelling with the haul bag to round out the big wall skill set. We’ll close the course with feedback and suggestions for next steps that will help you continue to learn beyond the course.

Trip Details
Ratio
1 - 2 Guests Per Guide
Season
May-October
Duration
4 Days
Skill level
Advanced +

Learn More

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
$1100 - $2000

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
Rock Climbing

Learn More

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MscURzx0giQuCFV6BT8rOp-QEdiAHFXz/view?usp=sharing

Program Cost Includes: Ropes, protection, anchors, aid and wall gear.

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