Women+ Mountaineering Leadership Course 1

The goal of this course is for ladies to learn the essential skills in order to be independent in the mountains (and have loads of fun while doing it). This, in and of itself, is an empowering concept. This experience is not simply about scaling heights; it is about tapping into your inner strength and embracing the adventure of a lifetime, and just as importantly, opening doors for yourself to pursue mountain activities more independently in the future.

Due to the nature of changing weather and route conditions, we are leaving this course open to either Mount Shuksan or Mount Baker. On Mount Shuksan, we will be using the Sulphide Glacier Route. On mount Baker, we will be using either the Squak Glacier, Easton Glacier, or Coleman Deming Glacier Routes.

Part of learning how to succeed in mountaineering leadership is learning how to choose the best route for the given time frame. We will be using this as a learning experience.

One week before the start of the course, we will all be meeting on Zoom to discuss our final decision. While the mountains can have different conditions and climates, they are quite close to each other, so this should not affect lodging decisions too much. Staying between Mount Vernon and Bellingham offers access to both.

If you are a female identifying individual who wants to grow in your mountain skills, this trip is for you. You do not need to be an ultra-athlete. You do not need to worry about being the weakest link (as women often do). You do need to be able to hike 3,500 vertical feet with a 35lb pack on, and 5,000 vertical feet with a 10-15lb pack. This is an empowering space where your needs will be met, and you will not be expected to do more than what you are comfortable with.

If you have any concerns about being prepared enough for this course, please reach out via our contact page. Personal coaching and mentorship can be arranged to set you up for success.

• Introduction to glaciology, native lands, and mountaineering

• Crampon and ice axe techniques

• Self arrest

• Snow camping

• Navigation and route selection

• Glacier rope travel

• Crevasse Rescue

• Self Ascending

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

• Gear selection and packing

• Safety and hazard assessment/management

• Leave no trace principles

• Mindset setting, breath work

Day 1:

• Meet at a designated trailhead, check all gear, and have introductions

• Land acknowledgment

• Discussions: Leave no trace, safety protocols, establishing a mindset for our time together

• Hike in and set up our base camp for the course, and enjoy our first alpine meal together

• Navigation and route selection

Day 2:

• Extensively cover footwork in crampons, use of an ice axe, self arrest, and moving together on rope teams

• Discuss 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

• Return to base camp

• Group debrief and sharing over dinner

• Mindfulness exercises, time set aside for journaling, relaxing, and decompressing after a long day

Day 4

• Crevasse rescue

• 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

• Hike out and say our goodbyes

·      Wilderness permits 

·      Tents

·      Ropes

·      Stoves and cookware

·      Breakfast and dinner

·      Fun and excitement!!

After 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.