Curriculum

Our Glacier Peak Skills and Climb combines a summit attempt with essential mountaineering instruction. You’ll learn glacier travel, rope team skills, crevasse rescue, and efficient campcraft while putting it all into practice on a multi-day climb. This program is perfect for climbers looking to gain experience on a remote, glaciated peak while building the skills for bigger alpine objectives.

  • Selection and use of personal equipment
  • Selection and use of ropes, knots, and harnesses
  • Selection and use of snow and ice anchors for belays & intermediate protection
  • Belaying techniques for snow and ice
  • Principles of glacier travel & route finding
  • Self-arrest; rappelling, & prusiking
  • The concept and application of the self-belay
  • Individual & team crevasse rescue techniques
  • Leave No Trace travel, camping, and climbing​

 

Details

Prerequisites

  • Excellent level of fitness
  • Ability to carry a 45 – 55 lb backpack for multiple hours
  • Stamina to hike for over 8 hours (including breaks, and with a lighter pack weight)
  • Ability to cook for yourself on a backpacking stove
  • Overnight backpacking experience

Glacier Peak is a true backcountry peak, and participants will need to cover a lot of terrain in order to get to Glacier Peak itself to study mountaineering skills and to make a summit attempt.

If you don’t have backpacking experience, it is possible to take AAI’s 2-day Backpacking and Wilderness Skills program prior to the start of the Glacier Peak Skills and Climb.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions: Included in the course cost are group technical climbing equipment like ropes and pickets, transportation to the climbing areas from AAI headquarters, all permits and camping fees, and the guide fee.

Exclusions: Not included in the course cost are all personal clothing and climbing gear, rentals, gratuities to the guide, meals, or travel insurance.

 

Course Options

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

The content of this program is very similar to that of an Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering program. The difference between this program and the Alpinism I program is that this program does not have an introduction to rock climbing day built in. This is the perfect program for an individual who is looking to transition from backpacking to introductory-level mountaineering.

Those who have completed an Alpinism I course and are not interested in rock climbing may find this course to be an excellent follow-up and review.

Navigate with Confidence

While this program includes backcountry navigation, time on the mountain is limited. Many climbers choose to expand their skills by adding our dedicated Backcountry Navigation Comprehensive program. This add-on gives you extra practice and confidence with route-finding, map reading, and glacier navigation, ensuring you’re fully prepared to move independently and efficiently in the backcountry.

When to Climb in the Cascades

Every month in the Cascades tells a different story. Early, mid, and late summer each bring unique conditions that affect your climb. See how the season you choose can shape your route, snow conditions, and overall experience in this article.