5-Day Mountaineering Leadership Course

Join us for an exhilarating 5-day mountaineering leadership course where you will learn the fundamental skills necessary to approach glaciated peaks with confidence. This immersive program will cover everything from the basics of mountaineering, including traveling on rope teams, mastering the art of using crampons and ice axe, to more advanced techniques like crevasse rescue. Through a combination of hands-on training and expert guidance, you will gain the knowledge and practical experience to navigate treacherous glacial terrains safely. Our culminating objective is the awe-inspiring summit of Mount Baker, a challenging endeavor that will put your newfound skills to the ultimate test. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a skilled glacier mountaineer.

Mount Baker is a beautiful glaciated peak in northern Washington. It is the second most glaciated peak located in the lower 48. It has a rich native history, and is also referred to by its native name, Komo Kulshan. This name has several translations, one being “great white watcher.” This massive, rugged, and beautiful peak is etched with the history of our humanity. One of the many tribes that called this area home, the Nooksack Tribe, has an active reservation on the north side.  

There are two main climbing routes on Komo Kulshan – the Easton glacier and the Coleman Demming Glacier. We will use one of these routes based on relevant conditions. They are similar in difficulty, effort, and length.

• Introduction to glaciology, native lands, and mountaineering

• Crevasse rescue

• Self ascending

• Rock technique

• Crampon and ice axe techniques

• Self arrest

• Snow camping

• Navigation and route selection

• Glacier rope travel

• Expedition style trip logistics: Cookware selection, tent setups, shelter options

• Gear selection and packing

• Snow rescue drill

• Safety and hazard assessment/management

• Leave no trace principles

• Mindset setting, Breath work

Day 1

Meet at a designated trailhead at 8am, check all gear, and have introductions, as well as a native land acknowledgment

Hike in to our designated camp (4 – 5 hours / up to 3,000ft elevation gain)

Set up our base camp for the week and enjoy our first alpine meal together

Discussions: Leave no trace, safety protocols, mindset setting for our time together

Skills session: Navigation, route selection, setting up a base camp

Day 2

Snow school

Footwork in crampons

Use of an ice axe and self arrest

Rope team travel

Team arrest

Gear selection

Knot school: Learn the most helpful alpine knots

Running protection and fixed protection

Group stretching and a warm meal

Day 3

Apply the skills we learned in the previous days, and go for our summit climb. Expect 6 – 8 hours to reach the summit, with 5,000ft of elevation gain. Our descent will take 2 – 4 hours

Return to base camp

Group debrief and sharing over dinner

Relax and decompress after a long day

Day 4

Crevasse rescue

Rescuing a climber

Self rescue – rope ascension

Ropes and anchor systems

Return to camp, and celebrate our final night together on the mountain over a fresh meal

Day 5

Pack up base camp and hike out (3-4 hours from camp to trail)

Hike out, debrief, and say our goodbyes

·      Wilderness permits and guides

·      Tents

·      Ropes, pickets, ice screws, and group climbing gear

·      Stoves and cookware

·      Breakfast and dinner

Within one week of signing up, you will receive an informational packet of how best to train, a packing list, and other course information that will be helpful for you to review.