Mount Baker Intro

New for 2023! Northwest Alpine Guides will offer a fixed camp on the southside of the mountain, climbers will only need to carry a 35 lbs. pack, eliminating the need to carry additional group gear (for climbs June thru September).

Our 3-Day Introduction to Mountaineering School on Mount Baker combines a summit ascent with an opportunity to learn the fundamental mountaineering skills to safely and successfully climb glaciated terrain with a guide. The course is designed for first-time, beginner climbers, or for those seeking to refresh their climbing skills. Mount Baker has it all: easy access to glaciated terrain, a remote wilderness setting, and big mountain esthetics. It is a superb choice for anyone who wants to discover mountaineering and ascend a large, heavily glaciated peak.

Where to Meet

Deposit and Payments

Guides

Our instructors are highly skilled professional guides who have been selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, patience, and supportive teaching styles. They are dedicated to a climbing lifestyle, and collectively have climbed throughout the earth’s major mountain ranges. Our guides are friendly, very willing to share their own experiences, and can help you develop a plan to achieve your own climbing ambitions. All our guides carry current certification in wilderness first aid.

Tipping

Our guides are dedicated mountain professionals who work hard to ensure your success and wellbeing on the mountain. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. An average tip is 10 – 20% percent of the cost of the program, usually $100 – $200. Your guide team will pool all tips.

Summit Attempt

Northwest Alpine Guides cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe. You or your entire party may have to turn around without reaching the summit. Failure to reach the summit due to a team member’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not NWAG responsibility and will not result in refund or reschedule.

Age Guidelines

Minimum Participants

Please note that a minimum of two participants is required to guarantee each departure at the advertised price.

Climber to Guide Ratio

We aspire to lead summit attempts on Mount Baker at a 3 to 1 climber to guide ratio. On occasion we lead climbs at a 4 to 1 climber to guide ratio due to operational needs.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend that all participants consider travel and trip cancellation insurance after making a deposit. Travel insurance offers the best protection in the event of a sudden, unexpected illness, an injury prior to or while traveling, or a possible family emergency.

If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. Northwest Alpine Guides does not insure you against these risks. We ask that you consult your travel insurance carrier directly with questions.

For more info about current coverage plans and quotes please visit.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

Travel, evacuation and rescue coverage designed for adventure travelers.

For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™

• Waiv­er for pre-exist­ing con­di­tions (must be pur­chased with­in 14 days of trip deposit)
• Option­al “Can­cel for Any Rea­son” cov­er­age (must be pur­chased with­in 14 days of trip deposit)

Global Rescue

We recommend Signature Travel Insurance. For travel insurance or Global Rescue membership.

For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Global Rescue

Date Changes

Date changes may be requested at any time up to 45 days prior to your departure date for a $100.00 fee per person. Date changes are subject to availability and apply only to the current climbing season. No date changes allowed less than 45 days before departure.

Cancellations

During the Mount Baker Intro Climb, Northwest Alpine Guides will provide group meals consisting of two (2) breakfasts and two (2) dinners. You will need to provide your own lunch and snack food on the mountain. Video Resource: Mountain Snack and Lunch Ideas

Mountain Lunches

Group Meals

Northwest Alpine Guides may provide and prepare one or more of the following items for group breakfasts and dinners:

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Toasted Bagels with Cream Cheese, Pop Tarts, Granola Bars

Dinner: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Cheese, Noodles, Spaghetti, Tortellini, Rice, Beans, Fresh Vegetables, Tasty Bite Indian Meals, Freeze-Dried Meals

Hot Drinks: Coffee, Caffeinated Tea, Herbal Tea

Meal Concerns

We can accommodate most common food allergies. We do not serve fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, milk or eggs. For vegetarian diets, we are easily able to leave out the meat before serving group meals. For those with other dietary concerns, we recommend bringing food to supplement the pre-planned meals we provide. The Guide Hut offers a wide variety of freeze-dried meals for purchase, including vegan and gluten free options.

Getting There

The small town of Sedro-Woolley, “The Gateway to the North Cascades,” is approximately 70 miles and a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle or Bellevue. Limited services are available in Sedro-Woolley. More extensive food, shopping and lodging options may be found nearby in the cities of Mount Vernon and Burlington.

The Guide Hut

Video Resource: What to Expect the Morning of the Climb

The Guide Hut serves as a meeting location, rental shop and retail store for guests of Northwest Alpine Guides.

During open hours at the Guide Hut, you may pick up pre-reserved rentals, try on rental boots, and purchase last-minute items. Once the shop opens there is adequate time to pick-up items during the gear check the morning of the climb. The Guide Hut offers a selection of retail items, Northwest Alpine Guides logo wear, and a selection of climbing equipment. Please visit the online Gear Shop for a list of available merchandise and to pre-purchase items.

The Guide Hut exclusively serves Northwest Alpine Guides customers. It is not open to the public, and does not serve customers outside of scheduled operating hours.

Flight Travel

Most climbers will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before the program and rent a car for the hour and forty-five minute drive to Sedro Woolley, Washington. Please note that Seattle traffic is worsening and driving times from Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport may be significantly longer.

Our Northwest programs begin at the date, time and meeting location listed in the itinerary in your PreClimb Information. Meeting locations may vary depending on program destination. Climbers flying to Washington State must arrive the day before their program begins in order the meet the group for an early morning gear check and orientation. Return times on the final day of the program are difficult to predict. We strongly recommend that climbers book a hotel night following the final day of their itinerary and schedule departure flights on the following day. If departing on the last day of the program, we recommend booking a flight later than 10 pm.

Transportation

Transportation between the meeting location and the trailhead is not included in the price of the trip. Guides are not responsible for providing transportation to team members. We serve both local and out-of-town climbers in our Northwest programs, and many of our guests prefer to use their own vehicles. Team members are free to organize rideshares with other team members. With your permission, our office staff can share your name and contact information with other team members so that you can organize ridesharing. The NWAG office does not coordinate ridesharing or carpooling and we are unable to share customer or guide contact information due to privacy concerns. If you are trying to coordinate a ride, feel free to send an email to info@northwestalpineguides.com and we can forward it to your fellow climbers.

Trailhead Parking

You will need to obtain a NW Forest Pass or equivalent parking permit to leave your car at the trailhead lot. Single-use passes are $5.00 per day. They can be purchased in advance or the day of the gear check. A National Parks pass may suffice.

Driving Directions

Hotels

Lodging in Burlington and Sedro-Woolley, Washington. If you wish to stay close to the meeting location the night before your climb, we recommend the following options:

Three Rivers Inn Hotel
210 Ball Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Burlington
9384 Old Hwy 99 North
Burlington, WA 98233

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Burlington
1670 S Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233

Mountain Weather

For updated North Cascades weather forecasts, click here.

These items are required for our Mount Baker Intro to Mountaineering climb.

The Guide Hut offers a selection of mountaineering equipment and clothing for purchase and rent. Gear may be purchased from the Guide Hut in person on the morning of your climb, or in advance via our Online Gear Shop. Rental gear must be reserved in advance online at TheGuideHut.com. Please read our Guide Picks blog post for gear recommendations by specific brands.

Head and Face

• Warm Hat: Wool or synthetic. Must cover the ears.
• Buff
• Sun Hat or Baseball Cap
• Glacier Glasses: Essential eye protection at altitude. Wrap around style or side shields. A category 4 lens is required.
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+
• Lip Balm: SPF 30+
• Climbing LED Headlamp: Bring one extra set of batteries.

Upper Body

• Baselayer Tops: One synthetic long-sleeve shirts. Hoods for sun protection are strongly recommended. A second base layer is optional to bring if you prefer a change of clothes.
• Softshell Jacket: This is a breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket. Hoods are highly recommended. Alternatively, you could bring a mid- layer top such as a synthetic fleece or top to use in place of your softshell jacket.
• Hardshell Jacket: A fully waterproof shell. GORE-TEX© or equivalent. Hoods are required.
• Insulated Jacket: Medium weight down. 700+ fill or higher required.
• Check out our video resource on Down Jackets for more.

Note: Proper hardshell rain gear is required on all trips.
Note: Women may want to bring an extra sports bra in case one becomes wet.

Handwear

• Lightweight Softshell Gloves: One pair. Leather palms offer durability and grip.
• Heavyweight Gloves: Insulated glove or mitten with GORE-TEX© waterproof outer or DWR treatment.

Lower Body

• Baselayer Bottom: One pair. Synthetic, no cotton.
• Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated.
• Hardshell Pants: One pair of GORE-TEX© pants. Full-length side zips are required; you may need to take off your hardshell pants without removing your boots.
• Gaiters: Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots.

Footwear

• Mountaineering Boots: Full shank crampon compatible leather, synthetic, or hybrid boot depending on the season.

Note: Please read our Mountaineering Boots and Crampons guides for recommendations.

● Heavyweight insulated leather/synthetic/hybrid mountaineering boots are required for early season and late-summer climbs on Mount Baker. Also recommended for mid-summer climbs.

● Single-weight synthetic/leather mountaineering boots are adequate for mid-summer climbs on Mount Baker when conditions are expected to be dry.

X – NO backpacking or trekking boots are allowed above high camp on any trip. Climbing boots must be full shank and crampon compatible.

• Approach Shoes (Optional): Light hiking boots or sturdy trail running shoes may be adequate for late-season approaches to high camp after trails are free of snow. Must be sturdy enough to support your ankles while carrying a carrying a 35- to 45- pound pack.
• Mediumweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks.
• Heavyweight Socks: One pair of wool or synthetic socks for sleeping in and for summit day.

Sleeping

• Sleeping Bag: A warm bag rated 0ᵒ to 20ᵒ Fahrenheit depending on season.
• Sleeping Pad: A full-length closed-cell foam and/or inflatable pad. Foam AND inflatable pads are recommended for camping on snow during early-season climbs.
• Check out our video resource on Sleep Systems for more.

Packing and Backpack

• Backpack: One 65- to 75-liter pack for personal and group gear. Should have an effective waist belt, fit properly and provide good support while carrying 35+ pounds.
• Liner Bags: 1 large plastic contractor bag.
• Check out our video resource on Packing a Mountaineering Backpack for more.

Note: An adequately sized backpack is required. You are responsible to carry all of your personal gear and food, as well as a portion of group gear (tents, ropes, stoves, fuel, etc.). We do not recommend an additional pack for summit day. Backpacks smaller than 65 liters are not acceptable.

Climbing Gear

• Ice Axe: 55-75 cm mountaineering axe.
• Crampons: 12-point steel with anti-balling plates.
• Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
• Alpine Harness: Lightweight alpine harness with adjustable leg loops.
• Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible with snow baskets.
• Locking Carabiners: (2) Large pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners.
• Non-Locking Carabiners: (1) Wire gate non-locking carabiners.
• Prussik Cord: 6 mm, 30 feet

Hydration

• Water Bottles: (2) 1-liter, wide-mouth plastic bottles. NALGENE©

Note: CamelBaks and other bladder-style hydration systems may be used in addition to two water bottles, but are not sufficient. Bladders may pop and hydration hoses freeze in the cold.

Personal Health and First Aid

• Small personal first-aid kit with medications and blister kit
• Plastic bowl, insulated mug, and spoon
• Toilet paper
• Blue bag or wag bag
• Earplugs
• Camera
• Pee Funnel (for Women), optional
• Hand Sanitizer
• Personal Items

Note: Pack basic medical supplies in a compact package. We recommend basic painkillers, Moleskin, first-aid or athletic tape, Band-Aids, and anti-septic wipes or gel.
Note: All solid waste must be carried out of the backcountry. One waste kit per 1-3 days is typically sufficient.

Physical fitness is the foundation of every mountain adventure. A strong cardiovascular system, endurance, core strength, flexibility and balance let us safely enjoy the spectacular terrain and close camaraderie we find in the planet’s highest places.

Mountaineering is a strenuous activity that imposes unique demands on our bodies. Running, swimming, cycling and other sports may help you prepare for your climb, but they are usually not sufficient. Even strong runners may struggle to carry a heavy pack over steep, uneven terrain for hours at a time. Do not underestimate the importance of climbing-specific training.

The following fitness guidelines will help you prepare for your climb. For your safety and the safety of your rope team, you must be able to maintain the pace set by our guides while maintaining reserves of strength. Moving more slowly can be dangerous. As the climbing day lengthens, we become fatigued and dehydrated. We lose precious daylight hours and we expose ourselves to quickly shifting mountain conditions and weather.

Fitness Benchmarks

• You should be able to hike/climb for 1 to 2 hours at a time, punctuated by 10 minute breaks, for up to 12 hours.
• You should be able to ascend 5,000 feet per day while carrying 20-25 pounds on your back, and 3,000 feet per day while carrying 35-45 pounds or more on your back.

Training Resources:

Please read our Goals & Fitness guide for strategies to help you train for your climb.

Many climbers, particularly those who are new to the sport, will benefit from a workout plan designed to prepare you for the rigors of mountaineering. We recommend the following training resources:

Evoke Endurance
Mountain Tactical Institute