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2011 Dates: July 23-29
Cost: $1450
Student/Instructor Ratio: 3:1
" It's hard to say what is more exciting: looking at the incredible pictures...or hearing Jack and Cole tell about their "excellent adventure" with Mountain Madness. From the guides to the views, I can't think you could have provided a more excellent tour. Thanks for reassuring us...and thanks for a lifetime memory for our two boys."
M/M Watts
Climbing Grade: Advanced Beginner
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National Geographic Adventure lists Mountain Madness' Ptarmigan Traverse as one of the World's Best New Adventures for 2007! Read about it at their website:
Mountain Madness on National Geographic Adventure
Not to be confused wit our ski traverse, this majestic summer high alpine traverse, considered the best in the Cascade Range, is the oldest and most famous high route in the Northwest. Four members of the Ptarmigan Climbing Club made the first crossing of this route in July 1938. For thirteen days, Calder Bressler, Bill Cox, Ray Clough and Tom Myers pioneered the entire crest route from Dome Peak to Cascade Pass and made many first ascents. Since the Ptarmigans never published their story, how they made their journey and what they saw remained a mystery, we do know that their route covered the Cascade Crest from Cascade Pass, in North Cascade National Park, to a valley just north of Glacier Peak, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness area, traveling over a series of ridges, cirques, and glaciers.
For climbers this trip offers numerous summit opportunities, all in an incredible wilderness setting. Ascents of Dome, Sentinel and Sinister are just a few of the climbs possible on this trip. Prerequisites: Backpacking experience and an Intro to Mountaineering or Glacier Mountaineering course.
On these climbs we will review:
- 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.
COST INCLUDES: Ground transportation between Seattle and the trailhead, all meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Seattle, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
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Jason Broman photos |
General Information
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QUALIFICATIONS: Backpacking experience and previous mountaineering experience are required. This trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the high mountain environment. Because everyone is required to carry a share of the group’s equipment, be prepared to carry as much as 40-50 lbs. for 7-10 hours a day.
WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges, the weather in the Cascade Range is unpredictable and adverse conditions can limit the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over these conditions and last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled. This may include waiting for the weather to pass as the best plan of action.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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Itinerary
View video of panoramic view of the North Cascades and the Traverse
Day 1: Park at Cascade Pass and start hiking toward Cascade Pass. We will travel to Cascade Pass at 5400’ and continue up and over Cache Col and camp at Kool Aid Lake.
Day 2: Begin the day climbing up the Red Ledges and dropping down on the Middle Cascade Glacier. Climb up the glacier to the Spider-Formidable Col enroute to Yang Yang Lakes for the evening.
Day 3: Tour up the LeConte Glacier and climb LeConte and Sentinel. After summiting, hike down Lizard Pass and camp at White Rocks Lake.
Day 4: Climb up the Dana Glacier and descend south onto Itswood Ridge and camp with view of Glacier Peak
Day 5: Today is reserved to climb Dome Peak, return to camp and enjoy the views.
Day 6: Hike out via Bachelor and Downey creeks to the Suaittle River Road and savor our accomplishments.
Day 7: Reserved for bad weather or more summit opportunities
NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our 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.
FLIGHT ARRANGMENTS: These should be made as soon as possible. We recommend Airbound 877 844 9686, ask to speak to Raoul and mention you going on a trip with Mountain Madness.
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, please refer to our brochure or visit our website www.mountainmadness.com or call 800-328-5925.
-Blanca Adventure Trek
-Island Peak
-Haute Route
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