Itinerary
Mt. Baker Summit on Skis Itinerary
Please keep in mind that this is a standard, yet loose, itinerary. It is subject to change depending on conditions, weather, group dynamics, pace, and summit strategies.
Program Details
Experience the thrill of ski mountaineering on Mt. Baker Summit on Skis, a challenging Cascade classic that combines glacier travel, mountaineering skills, and rewarding high-altitude skiing. Climb toward the summit of one of Washington’s most iconic volcanoes with experienced guides who emphasize technical skills, sound decision-making, and mountain education. From navigating glaciated terrain to making turns on a spectacular descent, this is an unforgettable objective for skiers ready to take their mountain adventures higher.
Itinerary
Day 1
Rendezvous at the American Alpine Institute equipment shop and rock day
Plan to meet your fellow climbers and instructor(s) at the AAI Equipment Shop promptly at 7:00 am. Your Guide and an Equipment Specialist will take the time to go over your gear, finalize rentals and purchases, review the itinerary, and ensure everyone is adequately prepared.
Once everyone is ready, we will make the roughly 1 1/2 hour drive up to the glaciers of Mt. Baker and park at the trailhead. We will hike to basecamp, generally between 5400 feet and 6400 feet. Once we arrive, we will set up camp and spend the rest of the day discussing concepts of glacier travel, glaciation, mountain weather, and geology. We may start on snow skills today if time allows. The route that your group will ultimately take for your summit will be dependent on conditions, weather, guide choice, and group dynamics.
Day 2
Glacier Skills (7000ft/2133m)
On our second day, we will advance our knowledge of backcountry touring and skiing/snowboarding etiquette. We’ll go over skills of route finding, terrain selection for ascending and descending, and the evaluation of subjective and objective danger. If conditions are fit, we will practice using our beacons, shovels, and probes and assess the terrain for avalanche dangers. We will practice touring on all kinds of terrain and go over glacier travel and roping up while touring.
Day 3
Summit Bid and Ski Descent (10,778ft/3285m)
Summit day! Depending on the conditions, we will either leave camp at a relatively early hour or maybe wait a little to let the conditions improve. We will use our skills of hazard evaluation and efficient touring competence to navigate through a vast terrain of glaciers and make it to the summit! We will ride or ski back down to camp, pack up our things, and ride the rest of the way down, completing an amazing climb and ride! Something you’ll never forget!