U
Alpine
Women’s Kulshan Climb
The Women’s Kulshan Climb is for women (queer, trans, cis-gendered) looking for a glacier mountaineering experience in an affinity space created for and by women who love spending time in the mountains. Designed to foster inclusivity and accessibility from the ground up, this trip offers a supportive environment for gaining a strong foundation in mountaineering skills and making a summit attempt on Kulshan, Washington’s northernmost volcano. This trip provides an introduction to essential skills for mountaineering in a relaxed and safety-oriented environment. We’ll take our time to cover the skills needed for a summit attempt, then make our way up the mountain as a team. This trip is appropriate for beginners and experienced mountaineers alike.
Income Based Program Rates: $600-1125+

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1 Gear Check and Approach: A stroll through Schreibers Meadow leads to old growth forest then up a series of glacial moraines that bring climbers to Sandy Camp. Here, your guide will cover the skills required for the next day’s summit push. A hearty meal and an early bedtime will prepare you for the day ahead.

Day 2 Summit Attempt: You’ll leave camp at o’dark-thirty and begin the ascent toward the summit. The climb ramps up to the steaming crater (although you’ll probably smell it before you see it!) where you’ll prepare for the final stage of your ascent up the steep Roman Wall.

After this final challenge, enjoy the traverse across the summit plateau and the summit celebration. After some photos and a snack, you’ll retrace the route to camp for some down time and rest.

Day 3 Exit: After a leisurely morning we’ll pack camp and return to the trailhead. Expect to be back in Bellingham in the afternoon.

This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, road conditions, and group considerations. You will receive a pre-course email in the weeks leading up to the course detailing exact meeting times and places.
Trip Details
Ratio
1-4 Guests Per Guide
Season
June-August
Duration
3 Days
Skill level
Beginner +

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Program Rates
Income Based Program Rates: $600-1125+

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Learn More

Gear List
Glacier Mountaineering

Learn More

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tVsXk27n2NjFOqUtmq4DxFzdkmTL5AOI/view
This general itinerary is subject to change based on weather, road conditions, and group considerations. You will receive a pre-course email in the weeks leading up to the course detailing exact meeting times and places.

Program Cost Includes: Program equipment: ropes, pickets, tents, stoves, fuel. Rental equipment: glacier harnesses, helmets, ice axes, crampons. 2 breakfasts and 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

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Custom Alpine Trip

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West Ridge of Forbidden

Ice Cap Slam

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Custom Ski & Ride Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Riding

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Custom Rock Course

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Anchor Building

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SPI Assessment

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Custom Avalanche Course

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AIARE 2

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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.