Which Mount Baker trip is right for me?
Here at Northwest Alpine Guides, we’re often asked whether the 2-Day Mt Baker Climb or our 3-Day Mt Baker Intro to Mountaineering is the right fit. If you’ve been trying to decide between the two, then this resource is for you! Here we’ll highlight the similarities and differences between the trips, as well as the types of climbers each is geared toward.
What do they have in common?
Both programs include a guided summit attempt on Mt Baker via one of the standard routes, typically the Easton or Coleman-Deming glaciers. Due to the massive size of Mt Baker’s glaciers but relatively straightforward standard routes, the summit push offers a unique opportunity to gain experience and confidence over a lengthy climb in a safe and beginner-friendly environment.
On both trips, Northwest Alpine Guides provides group gear including stoves, fuel, shovels, climbing ropes, snow protection, and mountaineering tents. Additionally, we offer top-notch rental equipment and retail options through The Guide Hut covering much of the mountaineering-specific gear you need to bring; from ice axes to crampons, mountaineering boots, helmets, harnesses, and more, we’ve got you covered. This minimizes the cost to you in terms of the gear and supplies you need to purchase for your first mountaineering adventure.
What are the differences?
Our 3-Day Intro to Mountaineering includes a snow school which covers mountaineering footwork, crampon and ice axe techniques, alpine knots and hitches, movement fundamentals for rope team travel, and an introduction to basic snow anchors. In short, the 3-Day Intro to Mountaineering will teach you what you need to know to be a safe member of a guided rope team on a glaciated peak. Breakfasts and dinners in the field are also included on the 3-day.
Additionally, the 3-day itinerary allows extra flexibility with the timing of the summit attempt. Depending on what the guides believe will give each group the best chance at the top, a summit attempt might be made on day two or three, with the skills instruction split between days to accommodate the climb. The 3-day itinerary provides more “active rest” periods as well, which can make it more physically forgiving than the 2-day climb, although excellent physical fitness is still required. For more information, read our pieces on Goals and Fitness and Training for Mountaineering.
In contrast, the 2-Day Mount Baker Climb has a 90-minute skills refresher focused on footwork, crampon and ice axe techniques, and fundamentals for rope team travel. This trip is primarily a guided summit attempt and is more often chosen by climbers with some prior climbing experience who are looking for a focused climb itinerary.
So, how should I decide which trip is for me?
We encourage you to think about your goals and priorities for this adventure to help you decide:
If this is your first mountaineering adventure the 3-Day Intro to Mountaineering is probably right for you. The skills training offered on this trip will set you up well to join us for guided ascents of other mountains such as Glacier Peak, Eldorado Peak, Mt Shuksan and Mt Rainier in the future.
If you have some prior climbing experience, and would prefer a straightforward summit climb, the 2-Day Mt Baker Climb may be the better choice. Prior climbing experience might include glacier mountaineering, or it might be non-technical snow climbs such as Mount St Helens winter route or the Mount Adams South Spur route. Experience moving efficiently uphill in mountaineering boots and crampons will maximize your success on the 2-day climb itinerary.
Still have questions or are you not sure if either trip is right for you? Contact our team and we’ll be more than happy to help. We look forward to climbing with you!
