Northwest Alpine Guides offers guided ascents of Mount Baker in Washington State. Our climbs are led by our professional mountain guides, who provide skills instruction and carefully monitor the safety of every team member. Join us for an ascent of the second most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States!
Mountaineering
Backcountry Skiing
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3 Day Mount Baker Intro to Mountaineering Climb – Are you eager to experience the beauty and thrill of glacier mountaineering? In our three-day Summit Climb and Introduction to Mountaineering School you will learn the fundamental skills you need to climb Mount Baker successfully with a guide. This course is designed for first-time climbers and for those seeking to refresh their climbing skills. Mount Baker’s easy access to glaciated terrain and remote, wilderness setting make it a superb choice for anyone seeking their first mountaineering experience on a large glaciated peak. Breakfast, dinner and hot drinks are provided on the mountain.
2 Day Mount Baker Climb – At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker, also known as “Kulshan,” is one of the most picturesque volcanoes of the Cascade Range. It is home to the second largest glacial system in the Lower 48 States, exceeded only by Mount Rainier. Our two-day climb is best suited for those with previous climbing experience, or those with a high level of athletic fitness and the ability to learn climbing skills quickly. To maximize your chances of success, Northwest Alpine Guides will choose to ascend via one of two standard routes on Mount Baker based on mountain conditions at the time of the climb.
5 Day Mount Baker Glacier Mountaineering Course – Learn how to climb big mountains on the second most glaciated peak in the Lower 48 States! In this course, you will establish a foundation of essential glacier mountaineering skills and put them to use while ascending to the summit of Mount Baker. The curriculum is designed for climbers seeking to develop the skills they need to travel safely and independently in glaciated environments or climb larger objectives such as Denali, Aconcagua and the high peaks of the Himalaya. You will practice the fundamentals of glacier mountaineering and snow climbing, including crampon and ice axe technique, self-arrest, rope team travel, crevasse rescue and more. Breakfast, dinner and hot drinks are provided on the mountain.
6 Day Mount Baker Expedition Training Course – With the stunning terrain of Mount Baker as your classroom, you will learn how to prepare for expeditions in the great mountain ranges of the world, such as the Alaska Range, the Andes and the Himalaya. This curriculum includes an ascent to the summit of Mount Baker and emphasizes the technical and logistical skills needed to climb large peaks and move safely and independently in glaciated environments. During the spring season, we will travel with snowshoes and sleds and learn how to build a secure expedition snow camp. Your guides will teach you the fundamentals of glacier mountaineering and snow climbing, including crampon and ice axe technique, self-arrest, rope team travel, crevasse rescue, glacier navigation, snow and ice anchors and more. Northwest Alpine Guides’ 6-Day Expedition Training Course allows more time for you to develop advanced mountaineering skills.
2 Day Crevasse Rescue Course – Mount Baker is a superb mountaineering training ground because its glaciers can be accessed with just a few hours of hiking from the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead. This course introduces the skills essential to travel safely and independently in glaciated environments. The curriculum includes crampon and ice axe technique, essential knots and hitches and crevasse rescue. It is designed for any climber seeking to gain experience on glaciers, and will open the door to ascents of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and other large mountains.
2 Day Intro to Ice Climbing Course – The icefall on the lower Deming Glacier on the north side of Mount Baker is a superb training ground for alpine ice climbing because it can be accessed with just a few hours of hiking from the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead. On this course, you will practice fundamental technical and movement skills for glacier ice climbing. The curriculum will help you prepare you for ascents of classic climbs such as Mount Baker’s North Ridge and Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier.
3 Day Mount Baker North Ridge Climb – Mount Baker’s classic North Ridge is a spectacular challenge for climbers seeking to hone their skills on steeper glaciated terrain. The North Ridge is one of the best moderate “big mountain” alpine snow and ice climbs in the Lower 48 States.
3 Day Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring – Leave the crowds behind and learn to backcountry ski! During this course we introduce the essential skills and equipment that allow us to safely enjoy the vast and exciting world of backcountry skiing. During an overnight ski tour on the pristine south side of Mount Baker, we discuss gear and movement skills for uphill and downhill travel, placing an emphasis on avalanche safety and alpine touring equipment including climbing skins, boots and bindings – all while chasing powder turns in the Schriebers Meadow area and on the Lower Easton Glacier.
5 Day Mount Baker Glacier Ski Mountaineering – Are you interested in advancing your backcountry skiing skills in glaciated terrain? Mount Baker is the perfect setting to gain the knowledge and experience that is essential for taking on larger mountain objectives in the backcountry, as well as glaciated peaks. This five-day course serves to develop the skills needed for climbing and skiing on complex glaciated terrain. We will cover the fundamentals of backcountry skiing, including touring equipment, avalanche equipment and rescue, ascent and descent techniques, safety and navigation, and terrain selection.
2 Day Mount Baker Ski Descent – At 10,781 feet, Mount Baker, or Komo Kulshan (the “Great White Watcher”) is one of the most picturesque volcanoes of the Cascade Range. It is the ideal location for aspiring ski mountaineers, and those who want to explore skiing on glaciated peaks. It is the second most glaciated mountain in the Lower 48 States, exceeded only by Mount Rainier, and its ice-covered pyramid is an iconic sight rising in the distance above Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.