Glaciated Ski Mountaineering Course | Baker Mountain Guides

Overview

Baker Mountain Guides Glaciated Ski Mountaineering Course is designed to equip skiers and snowboarders with the technical skills required to ski and ride the volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, as well as other glaciated objectives. The course covers glaciated ski mountaineering specific skills, such as crevasse rescue, and answers the question: “how and when do skiers and snowboarders use the rope?”

Baker Mountain Guides backcountry tech courses are designed for those seeking a concise and affordable approach to learning technical backcountry skiing and riding skills. From introductory skinning techniques to rappelling into couloirs, our tech series has you covered.

Questions? Speak with an Instructor

Itinerary

Baker Mountain Guides offers scheduled 4-day Glaciated Ski Mountaineering Courses. Custom dates available upon request.

Day 1: Mount Baker Approach

Students and instructors will meet for gear check, then travel to Mount Baker proper. If necessary, snowmobiles will be used to shuttle the group to the trailhead. Participants will approach Mount Baker and establish a winter high camp.

Day 2: Ropework & Backcountry Touring

Instructors will introduce ropework fundamentals for glaciated ski mountaineering. Topics will include gear, knots, hitches, coils, and ski anchors, as well as rigging a rope for glacier travel. The day will finish with a backcountry tour and efficiency techniques.

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue

Students and instructors will engage in a full day of crevasse rescue drills. Instructors will teach concepts of mechanical advantage and demo skier and snowboarder specific crevasse rescue. Students will team up for practice scenarios.

Day 4: Mount Baker Ski Descent

Students will take turns leading the group to the summit of Mount Baker. Along the way, we’ll practice identifying and mitigating glacier hazards via route-finding and ropework. Students will again lead on the descent, and instructors will demo glaciated downhill travel techniques.