Intermediate Ski Mountaineering Camp

-Mount Baker, WA-

5 Day Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering Camp

Our 5 day Mt. Baker ski mountaineering program is designed for skiers and splitboarders ready to take their backcountry travel into more technical alpine terrain

Using the accessible slopes and varied conditions of Baker as our training ground, we build a strong foundation in crampon and ice axe use, efficient climbing and descending on firm snow, and safe movement in steep environments.

Each day blends hands-on practice with decision-making exercises, emphasizing mountain sense, creativity, and the judgment required to travel with confidence in bigger terrain.

We’ll emphasize ropes for glacier travel too. This program keeps the focus on essential skills and practical application—ideal for riders preparing for large missions, longer expeditions, or simply seeking greater freedom and safety in the alpine.

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Two climbers ascending a snow-covered mountain slope with climbing gear and walking poles.

  • Goals:

    1. Skills development: Hone in on key backcountry ski & splitboarding techniques such as steep snow climbing, navigation, and downhill riding. Focus on efficient transitions to maximize time moving.

    2. Winter Basecamp Management: Learn how to build a comfortable, livable, bad ass basecamp just like the movies!

    3. Safety Understanding: Recognize objective hazards, assess snow conditions, and learn techniques for reducing risks as well as group management and decision-making in the mountains.

    4. Navigation Skills: Gain proficiency in using maps and GPS for planning and navigating in backcountry areas.

    5. Environmental Knowledge: Understand environmental care and leave-no-trace practices to reduce impact on nature.

    Outcomes:

    1. Technical Skills: Participants will be able to navigate different terrain with skis or splitboards, including uphill travel and controlled descents.

    2. Safety Skills: Learn how to evaluate risks associated with moving trough dynamic alpine environments.

    3. Trip Planning: Learn how to plan and execute backcountry trips, using navigation tools and assessing weather and snow conditions.

    4. Confidence Boost: Gain confidence exploring backcountry areas, develop necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on practice.

  • Day 1: Pre-Trip Preparation, Hike In, Set Up Camp

    Day 2: Learning Objective

    Day 3: Learning Objective

    Day 4: Learning Objective

    Day 5: Morning Tour & Ski Back to Trailhead

    1. Backcountry Splitboard Experience:

      • Participants should have prior experience backcountry ski or splitboarding, including proficiency with skinning, uphill travel, and transitions.

      • Ability to ride confidently in variable snow conditions on ungroomed terrain.

    2. Physical Fitness:

      • A high level of fitness is required to endure sustained physical effort, including multiple days of uphill travel, carrying a heavy pack in challenging terrain.

      • Participants should be capable of 6–8 hours of continuous activity per day with elevation gains of 3,000–5,000 feet.

    3. Essential Gear and Skills:

      • Participants should bring appropriate backcountry ski & splitboard equipment, including alpine touring skis, splitboard, bindings, skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear.

      • Ability to efficiently manage gear transitions.

    4. Comfort in Cold and Remote Environments:

      • Willingness to spend consecutive nights in the backcountry potentially in harsh weather conditions, with the bare alpine necessities of life.

    5. Solid Teamwork & Communication Skills:

      • A collaborative mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to work as part of a group are essential for a successful expedition experience.

  • Included:

    • Friendly AMGA trained ski & splitboard guides.

    • Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.

    • Group rescue gear, first aid, rescue sled, GPS/Satellite phone.

    • Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.

    • 4 season tents

    • Ropes

    • Stoves

    • Fuel

    • Pots & pans

    • Water storage & treatment

    Not Included:

    • Ski/splitboard touring equipment.

    • Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.

    • Food/Snacks/Meals

    • Transportation

    • Guide Gratuities

A woman wearing outdoor gear, including a pink jacket, blue pants, and a white cap, sits on rocky terrain in a snowy mountain landscape under a clear blue sky, stretching her arm forward.

Skills Covered

  • Ice axe & crampon techniques for steep snow

  • Glacier travel systems & hazard recognition

  • Rope work: knots, anchors, running belays, team travel

  • Crevasse rescue (theory and hands-on practice)

  • Steep skiing/riding tactics in glaciated terrain

  • Expedition camping, kitchen systems & efficient camp craft

  • Leadership, communication & decision-making on big mountain objectives

Day 1 – Gear Check & Approach to Camp

  • Morning meet-up in Sedro-Woolley or Glacier, WA

  • Drive to our designated trailhead

  • Ski/hike to establish high camp (~6,500–7,000 ft on Easton Glacier or Coleman Glacier approach)

  • Instruction en route: efficient skinning with expedition packs, kick turns, pacing strategies

  • Afternoon session: campcraft & snow camping systems (tent platforms, kitchens, water melting)

  • Evening orientation: terrain overview, course goals, and Leave No Trace principles

Day 4 – Crevasse Rescue & Leadership on the Glacier

  • Hands-on crevasse rescue practice:

    • Arresting a fall into a crevasse

    • Building anchors and hauling systems (Z-pulley and variations)

    • Team coordination in rescue scenarios

  • Afternoon tour higher on glacier to taper off a day of learning

  • Evening prep: review for summit push

Person wearing hiking boots sitting on a rock in the snow, with a pair of red skis and ski poles lying in the snow nearby.

Price: $1,540.00

Dates: TBD

Day 2 – Ice Axe, Crampons & Efficient Movement

  • Skills focus:

    • Ice axe use (grip & self arrest)

    • Crampon techniques

    • Boot packing transitions with skis/splitboards on pack

  • Practice on progressively steeper slopes near camp

  • Afternoon ski/ride descent emphasizing line choice and efficient downhill travel

  • Evening camp session: expedition stove & cooking systems

Day 5 – Summit & Ski/Ride Descent

  • Alpine start (~1–3 a.m.) for summit attempt via Easton Glacier or Coleman-Deming route

  • Summit attempt of Mount Baker (10,781 ft), weather/conditions permitting

  • Ski/splitboard descent from high on the route, emphasizing safe line choice and group management

  • Return to camp, pack up, and ski out to trailhead

  • Final debrief: Course recap & feedback

Day 3 – Rope Systems & Glacier Travel

  • Technical instruction:

    • Knots & hitches for ski mountaineering

    • Rope spacing & team management for glacier travel

    • Running belays & snow anchors (pickets, skis, axe)

  • Scenario practice: simulated glacier travel and hazard recognition

  • Afternoon ski descent

  • Evening workshop: crevasse rescue systems overview

A person skiing on a snowy mountain slope with rocky terrain on either side, wearing a white helmet, dark brown jacket, blue pants, and carrying a blue backpack.