2011 Dates:

July 23-26
August 13-16


Custom Slow Boats dates available for Mt. Baker and other Cascade Peaks.

COST: Click here for details

Cost: $995


Client/Guide Ratio: 3:1


Climbing Grade: Beginner

Mount Baker, the highest peak in the North Cascades, is considered among renowned mountaineers as the most beautiful and pristine of the Cascade volcanoes. With its twelve active glaciers and breathtaking views, 10,778' Mount Baker provides a scenic, challenging, and extremely rewarding mountaineering experience.

If you have the desire to climb mountains, but realize that the dreams of Everest and Denali should be left to those folks perhaps a bit more youthful, then the slow boat to Baker summit climb is perfect for you. With a much more relaxed itinerary than our regular 3-day Baker summit climb, this 4-day trip requires you to carry only your own personal gear. All food, tents, stoves, fuel, and group climbing equipment will be carried by your guides and porters on your way up to base camp. This means that instead of a 60 pound Gorilla on your pack, you will be delighted to carry only 30-35 pounds.

Also, without the pressure to summit and return to Seattle the same day, your group will have more time to reach the summit and return to camp where rather than hurriedly packing up, you can sit back and relish the moment. The 3:1 client to guide ratio also allows more individual attention while on the mountain. And with a larger staff it means that there will be a guide to continue with the group to the summit if one member has to descend.

On this climb we cover:

• Selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots & harnesses
  
• Crampon use & snow climbing techniques, ice axe positioning, and self arrest techniques
  
• Roped glacier travel, rope team management, route finding, and crevasse navigation
  
• Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
  
• Camp construction, camp management, and cold weather camping skills.
  
• Discussions will include proper clothing and climbing gear for survival in the high mountains, mountain weather, alpine ecology, avalanche hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace ethics.
  

WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges the weather in the cascades is un-predictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Obviously, Mountain Madness has no control over this weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled. However, sometimes waiting for the weather to pass is the best plan of action and it is not unusual to sit in the rain for a few days.

QUALIFICATIONS: It is not necessary to have previous mountaineering experience. However, this trip is rated as strenuous and we can not over emphasize the importance of conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning, while being able to enjoy the high mountain environment. It is recommended that you have some camping and hiking experience prior to this trip.

NEXT STEPS: After completion of this trip, you may want to build upon your new skills and participate in a more advanced expedition. The following opportunities are logical next steps that will help you advance your abilities, or at least provide you with another exciting recreational adventure. For more information about these trips visit our website www.mountainmadness.com or call 800-328-5925.

Mt. Elbrus - Summits in Ecuador - Mt. Adams




Contact Us / Download an Application

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Seattle to the trailhead at Schreiber’s Meadow (3,200') on the south side of Mt. Baker. Approximate driving time is 2.5 hours. The hike to base camp at 5,500' takes about 4 to 6 hours. We will travel through lush ancient forests, high alpine meadows, and snow covered areas en route to our high camp. After setting up camp, we will perform an equipment check and skills assessment. If time allows, we will hold a brief snow school covering the use of crampons and ice axes.

Day 2: The second day is dedicated to teaching the essentials of glacier travel. The day begins with learning basic climbing skills, ice axe usage, self arrest, and balance positioning. We spend the afternoon learning and practicing ice axe technique and self arrest, roped team travel, route finding, hazard assessment with an introduction to crevasse rescue. The remainder of the evening is spent making final preparations for the next day’s summit attempt.

Day 3: The day begins early with an alpine start (12:00 - 2:00 a.m.) and a quick breakfast. We are up and climbing our way toward the summit as the sun begins to rise. Depending on conditions and the pace of the group, it takes from 8 to 10 hours to reach the top. Gorgeous views of the Cascades reward you as you stand on the summit of the North Cascade’s highest volcano. We return to base camp by early afternoon, and have the rest of the day to relax, eat and drink. Everyone will be able to get to bed early tonight after this long day.

Day 4: After a leisurely wake up time and a big breakfast, we break down camp and descend to our vehicle. We should arrive at the trailhead by 2:00 p.m. and Seattle around 5:00 p.m. Conditions beyond our control may cause a later return time.

NOTE ON THE ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of climbing in an alpine environment requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.





TOP