Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue

Our Glacier Skills program is designed to give climbers hands-on experience with essential glacier mountaineering techniques. Over the course of three days, students learn the fundamentals of glacier travel, rope systems, and crevasse rescue while gaining practical experience on Mt. Baker’s glaciated terrain. The curriculum builds both technical skills and confidence, preparing climbers for future alpine objectives.

Students Will Learn:

• Gear selection, proper care, and use for glacier travel
• Basic knots and hitches (time permitting)
• Concepts of glacier travel, glaciation, mountain weather, and geology
• Rope work, including team travel and snow anchors
• Crevasse rescue systems, including hauling systems and rope ascending for self-rescue
• Continued practice and refinement of crevasse rescue techniques
• Navigation, glaciology, and geology lessons not covered on the first day

Prerequisites

• Overnight backpacking experience.
• Ability to cook for yourself on a backpacking stove
• Good physical fitness

If you lack overnight backpacking experience, you can add a 2-day Backpacking and Wilderness Skills course at a discounted price

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.

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Take your glacier skills to the next level by progressing into Alpinism 1 or Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership Part 1 (AMTL 1). While Glacier Skills focuses on building confidence and competence on glaciated terrain, these full multi-day courses combine that foundation with rock climbing, multi-pitch movement, and alpine expedition experience. Advancing to Alpinism 1 or AMTL 1 gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in a complete mountaineering environment, preparing you for bigger peaks and more complex alpine objectives.

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.