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

Patagonia Volcano Ski Descents

Japan Backcountry Skiing

Rock

Custom Rock Trip

Mt. Erie

Vesper

Mexico Climbing - Izta & Orizaba

Alpine

Custom Alpine Trip

Mount Baker Easton Glacier

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

CoursesView All

Ski & Ride

Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

Steep Ski Mountaineering

Glaciated Ski Mountaineering

Rock

Custom Rock Course

Gym to Crag

Learn to Lead

Intro to Big Wall

Anchor Building

SPI Course

SPI Assessment

Alpine

Custom Alpine Course

Glacier Mountaineering

Crevasse Rescue

Anchor Building

Avalanche

Custom Avalanche Course

AIARE Level 1

AIARE Level 2

Fortune Peak Huts AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue Course

Avalanche Alumni Mentorship Days

Olympus
The highest peak in the Olympic Mountains, Mount Olympus towers over Washington’s western shore and the rest of the range. The standard route is one of the most geographically diverse climbs in the Pacific Northwest and moves through stunning and varied terrain. The long approach through old-growth temperate rainforest starts near sea level and winds into the alpine, where climbers ascend the Blue Glacier to Olympus’s craggy summit. The Blue Glacier features moderate climbing for thousands of feet before a final rocky scramble to the summit, looking out over Puget Sound, the Cascade Crest and the Pacific Ocean. Beginner mountaineers with a love of backpacking and experienced climbers looking for a wilderness experience will all love an ascent of Mount Olympus.
$1350 - $2150

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: We’ll meet at the Hoh River Trailhead for our Gear Check and Orientation then begin the hike up the Hoh River Valley. We’ll get as far up the trail as possible before finding one of many beautiful campsites in the old-growth forest.

Day 2: We continue our approach to the high camp below the Blue Glacier. Here, we’ll set up camp, stretch out after the long approach, and review skills for the following day’s ascent.

Day 3: We’ll get an early start to ascend the lower slopes of Mount Olympus. The Blue Glacier provides moderate passage through icefalls to the final summit climb. A pitch of rock leads to the summit. Enjoy the unique views of the Cascades, the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the peninsula before reversing your route back to camp.

Day 4: On our final day we will leave camp in the morning to begin hiking out to the trailhead. Eighteen miles later and you’ll be back at the car for a final celebration of your trip. This long day can be broken into two for those looking for a more leisurely exit or more time in the Hoh Rainforest.

Trip Details
Ratio
1 - 3 Guests Per Guide
Season
June - August
Duration
4 - 5 Days
Skill level
Beginner +

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
$1350 - $2150

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

Program Cost Includes: Ropes, tents, stoves, fuel, 3 breakfasts, 3 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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”