U
Alpine
Women’s Mountain Mentorship Program
Learn climbing skills, gain confidence in the mountains, and build community through our women’s mountain mentorship program. We know that competence takes practice and solid partnership is paramount; that’s why we’ve created a season-long course to develop skills over time with a supportive group. Over the course of four weekends between May and August, you’ll learn the skills you need to climb in the mountains and travel on glaciers.. We’ll start by working on climbing fundamentals at a local crag, then take it to the snow for a weekend of snow travel and crevasse rescue. After learning the basics, the group will make a summit attempt of Komo Kulshan. At the end of the season, we’ll put it all together during a student-led summit attempt on an alpine route in North Cascades National Park. The mentorship program is for women (queer, cis, and trans) and gender expansive folks who want to immerse themselves in the Cascades. Each weekend will build on the last, giving you a solid foundation in mountain leadership. Join us this summer to form new partnerships, learn skills, and get to know your home range.
Cost: $3000

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

May 10th - 11th: Climbing Fundamentals at Mt. Erie The program will start with a couple days at our favorite local crag, where instructors will introduce the climbing techniques you need to head into the mountains. Skills covered include knots and hitches, belaying, rappelling, rope ascension, and anchor building. We’ll also do some rock climbing and spend some time getting to know one another!

June 7th - 8th: Snow School and Crevasse Rescue at Heather Meadows On snowy slopes near the Mount Baker Ski Resort, students will learn crampon and ice axe technique including self arrest and team arrest. They will also practice building snow anchors and setting up ropes for glacier travel.

On the second day of the weekend, students will learn how to perform complex crevasse rescue techniques. This includes mechanical advantage theory and haul systems. As part of the rescue system, we’ll also revisit rappelling and rope ascension skills.

July 4th - 6th: Kulshan Summit Climb Putting all of our new skills into practice, the group will make a summit attempt of Mount Baker via the Easton or Squak Glacier Routes. Students will learn about backcountry camping and Leave No Trace principles, snow camping, glaciology, glacier navigation, and risk management in the mountains.

August 1st - 3rd: Student-led Summit Climb During our final weekend together, the students will become the leaders, taking over navigation, terrain management, and decision making. With instructor guidance, participants will lead teams on a summit attempt of Sahale Peak in North Cascades National Park.

This program is for women (queer, cis, and trans), and gender expansive folks who feel comfortable in spaces that center women. The general itinerary is subject to change, based on weather, route conditions, participant skill level, among other factors.
Trip Details
Ratio
1-5 Guests Per Guide
Season
May - August
Duration
10 Days (4 Weekends)
Skill level
Beginner +

Learn More

Program Rates
Cost: $3000

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Learn More

Gear List
Glacier Mountaineering

Learn More

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kZ8kDoInLaqeM294bAdONcio4uQlnKhA/view?usp=share_link
This program is for women (queer, cis, and trans), and gender expansive folks who feel comfortable in spaces that center women. The general itinerary is subject to change, based on weather, route conditions, participant skill level, among other factors.

Program Cost Includes: ropes, snow anchors, tents, stoves, fuel, emergency equipment, backcountry permits, breakfasts and dinners during overnight climbs.

Program Cost Does NOT Include: personal climbing and camping gear, snacks and lunches, 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

TripsView All

Ski & Ride

Custom Ski & Ride Trip

Baker Backcountry Skiing and Riding

Mount Baker Ski Descent

Fortune Peak Huts Backcountry Skiing

North Cascades Ski Mountaineering

North Cascades Ski Traverse

Icefall Lodge Fly-In Backcountry Skiing

Boulder Hut Fly-In Backcountry Skiing

Rock

Custom Rock Trip

Mt. Erie

Vesper

Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

Twin Sisters

Alpine

Custom Alpine Trip

Mount Baker Easton Glacier

Women's Kulshan Climb

Mount Baker Coleman Deming

Mount Baker North Ridge

Shuksan Sulphide

Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

West Ridge of Forbidden

Ice Cap Slam

Olympus

Glacier Peak

Vesper

Pickets Traverse

Eldorado East Ridge

Ruth & Icy

Dorado Needle

Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

Twin Sisters

CoursesView All

Ski & Ride

Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

Women's Affinity Intro to Backcountry Skiing

Steep Ski Mountaineering

Glaciated Ski Mountaineering

Rock

Custom Rock Course

Gym to Crag

Learn to Lead

Intro to Big Wall

Anchor Building

Alpine

Custom Alpine Course

Glacier Mountaineering

Crevasse Rescue

Women's Affinity Crevasse Rescue

Women's Mountain Mentorship Program

Anchor Building

Avalanche

Custom Avalanche Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

AIARE 2 Avalanche Course

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

Women's AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

Women's AIARE 2 Avalanche Course

Women's AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

Fortune Peak Huts AIARE 2

Avalanche Alumni Mentorship Days

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

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

Course

AIARE 1

AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue

Mentorship

Price

$600

$600

$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. 

INCOME BASED PROGRAMS

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That's why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA's Scholarship Program.

MINIMUM TUITION
REDUCED TUITION
STANDARD TUITION
50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.
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. 

Income Based Programs

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That’s why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA’s Scholarship Program.

50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.