U
Alpine
Shuksan Sulphide
The Sulphide Glacier is a house favorite at Cascade Mountain Ascents. Mount Shuksan is among the most iconic peaks in North America, and for good reason. The Sulphide serves up moderate glacier travel, alpine rock climbing, and amazing camps. The route culminates with a climb of Shuksan’s epic summit pyramid where ascentionists are rewarded with an exciting summit and wild views into the heart of the North Cascades. Whether you’re a beginner mountaineer looking to add a little rock climbing into the mix or an experienced alpine climber seeking a classic ascent, get ready to love this rugged and aesthetic route.
Scheduled: $1200 Custom: $1200 - $1650

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: After a gear check and orientation in Bellingham, we’ll drive to the Shannon Ridge Trailhead and begin hiking up Mount Shuksan’s southern flank. It will take much of the day to reach the camp at the toe of the Sulphide Glacier. Once at camp, we will review travel techniques and technical skills required for the next days’ summit attempt, then enjoy dinner and turning in early for a good night’s rest.

Day 2: We’ll leave camp to ascend the rambling Sulphide Glacier to the base of the summit pyramid. Here, we’ll transition into rock climbing mode and ascend 800 feet to the stunning summit of Mount Shuksan. Take in the views of the North Cascades before reversing the route back to camp. Day 3: After a well-deserved late start and mellow morning breaking down camp, we’ll hike down the climbers train to the trailhead. Expect to be back to town in the afternoon.

Trip Details
Ratio
1 - 2 Guests Per Guide
Season
May - September
Duration
3 Days
Skill level
Intermediate +

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Program Rates
Scheduled: $1200 Custom: $1200 - $1650

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Learn More

Gear List
Alpine Mountaineering

Learn More

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eiXHIUY2X2C_ly8ylalwQNOWhLLp2dHm/view?usp=sharing

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

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Custom Rock Trip

Mt. Erie

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Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

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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

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Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

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Intro to Big Wall

Anchor Building

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SPI Assessment

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Custom Avalanche Course

AIARE 1

Women's AIARE 1

AIARE 2

Fortune Peak Huts AIARE 2

Women's AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue Course

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.