Courses on Mt. Baker, Washington
Guided Mt. Baker Climbs with American Alpine Institute
At 10,780 feet, Mt. Baker towers over northwest Washington and southern British Columbia. This active, though dormant, volcano is a magnificent climbing objective, with gentle glacier routes, steep alpine ice climbs, and challenging, friable rock ribs and sub-summits. The dramatic, open crater allows climbers a view of fumaroles, thermal springs, and a main vent that emits sounds akin to those of a jet engine. Listed below is a selection of AAI programs that feature a Mt. Baker summit climb, including 3-day weekend trips, 6- and 12-day instructional courses, ski or snowboard ascents, and special programs for youth.
Courses on Mt. Baker, Washington
Guided Mt. Baker Climbs with American Alpine Institute
AAI climbers admiring the expansive glaciers of Mt Baker.This 3- or 4-day guided climb of Mt. Baker (Koma Kulshan) is for novice mountaineers who have limited time, but would like to experience the thrill of ascending immense glaciers to the mountain's 10,781-foot summit. Climb this beautiful volcano with the American Alpine Institute, the company that has put more people on the summit of Mt. Baker than all of the other guide services combined!
- Location:Mount Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 or 4 days
- Cost:$1175 (3 day option) $1525 (4 day option) Late Season Discounts Available for September Climbs
A mock victim waits in a crevasse on Mt. Baker as students build a Z-pulley system to perform the rescue. Dylan TaylorThis course provides a general introduction to the sport of mountain climbing, including one day of rock climbing and five days on Mt. Baker for a thorough introduction to glacier travel, crevasse rescue, self-arrest, and movement on snow and ice. The course culminates with a climb of Mt. Baker.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 days
- Cost:$1825
Climbers nearing the summit of Sahale Peak, with Sharkfin Tower and Boston Peak in the background. Gerry ChikeJournalists have called AAI's four-part mountain leadership program "the country's most respected and thorough rock and mountaineering course." Part one (12 days) introduces glacier skills and alpine rock climbing at a moderate difficulty level. After training on the Easton Glacier, we climb Mount Baker, make ascents in the Washington Pass area, and conclude with a student-led ascent of a major North Cascades summit.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - September
- Length:12 days
- Cost:$3495
High on the North Ridge of Mt. Baker. Alasdair TurnerThe first course offered by AAI in 1975, this intensive program provides thorough instruction in all the skills required on difficult alpine ice climbs. Through this curriculum, you will develop a complete repertoire of state-of-the-art high-angle snow and ice climbing skills and learn to apply them efficiently in all conditions. All of this instruction is located in America's top glacier training area, the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:May - August
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:$2055
A student sets up a Z-pulley system to extract a fallen climber from a crevasse. Dylan TaylorThis 3-day course is a thorough introduction to the bare minimum skills necessary to climb glaciated peaks in a party led by a more seasoned climber. Though the course is designed as a cost-effective introduction, it is also popular with experienced leaders as a refresher course. Continual improvement of our curriculum ensures that this course is a good way to keep up with the state of the art.
- Location:Mt. Baker, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:3 Days
- Cost:$925 Regular Season
A snowboarder enjoys white smoke powder. Liz DaleyThis is a skills- and objectives-based course in which we will climb Mt. Baker and have the thrill of skiing or splitboarding down. For people who have intermediate to advanced touring experience and moderate to advanced riding skills, a ride down Mt. Baker will be a ride you'll never forget!
- Location:Mount Baker, Washington
- Season:May - July
- Length:3 days
- Cost:$1150
Beginning the climb and six days of training on Mt. Baker, one of the most heavily glaciated peaks in the lower 48 states. Gerry ChikeAAI’s flagship youth leadership program focuses on situational judgment and decision-making in a mountain setting while providing a base of general outdoor know-how and mountain sense. Participants learn rock-climbing skills, glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, navigation and other skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker as well as on other peaks.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:July - August
- Length:6 or 13-Days
- Cost:6-Day: $2395; 13-Day: $5395- All Inclusive Pricing
A party of climbers nearing the top of Mt. Shuksan's spectacular summit pyramid, North Cascades, Washington. AAI CollectionThe glacier and rock ascents in the North Cascades offer beginners and experts alike the opportunity to experience some of the best alpine climbing in America.
- Location:Northern Cascade Range, Washington
- Season:May - September
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Price varies. See details.
A Women's Only Alpinism 1 descending the Easton Glacier on their way back to Bellingham. Lauren SmithWomen interested in climbing with other women are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a women-specific AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-women environment. Our women's programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies
A July 2024 Mt. Baker Womxn's Climb led by Queer guide Mia Mueller celebrates on the 10,786-foot summit.Queer folks interested in climbing with other queer folks are invited to take their rock climbing or mountaineering skills to the next level on a LGBTQ+ affinity AAI course. Learn to lead climb or summit a snow-capped peak in a supportive, all-LGBTQ+ environment. Programs include rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and custom trips.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-Round
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies with program
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