OUR COURSES: From an introduction to backcountry ski touring, just out of the ski areas boundries, to learning the skills to climb and descend glaciated peaks, our trips offer something for everyone. These programs give skiers and boarders a solid foundation of skills and tools to make good decisions in the mountains, whether that consists of steep and deep backcountry descents, full-on ski mountaineering, or just dropping over the backside of your favorite resort. Our goal is to develop sound decision-makers and group members with the ability to read and respond to the changing winter mountain environment. The nature of backcountry travel in Washington State - with its vigorous weather, deep snowpack, and complicated glaciated terrain - lends itself well to training and rich winter ski and mountaineering experiences.  Participants will be given an active role and have a chance to test their skills and judgment while under the instructors’ guidance. And of course, plenty of turns will be had by all!

TRIP LOCATIONS: Classic descents, traverses, and courses can be held on mountains like Adams, Baker, Forbidden, Shuksan, Sahale, and the Spearhead and Chiwaukum Ranges.

World Class Guides and AIARE* Curriculum

Our Avalanche Instructors have over forty years of cumulative experience in professional snow safety and ski guiding around the world. Our staff has been certified or trained by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), which has developed courses taken by professional ski patrollers, mountain guides, and National Park and U.S. Forest Service Field Staff.

*AIARE was formed to address the lack of a nationally recognized curriculum for avalanche education in the USA. There are many avalanche courses and programs available but many course providers operate according to their own personal beliefs and ideas. AIARE standards and guidelines adhere to existing national and international standards such as those developed by the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA).

INTRODUCTION TO SKI TOURING


This is a complete introduction to backcountry touring. Enjoying the best combination of snow and weather in Washington, we take three days to learn how to develop tour plans, select safe terrain for uphill and downhill travel, and apply appropriate travel techniques. This course gives us time to get more in-depth, covering the basics as well as managing bigger and more complex terrain, identifying “decision points,” backcountry and powder skiing technique, and rescue scenarios. Participants will be given an active role, to have a chance to test their judgment while under the instructors’ guidance. And of course, plenty of turns will be had by all!

Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

Intermediate ski or boarding ability required.

2011 Course Dates: January 14-16; February 18-20 & 25-27; May 6-8 & 13-15

Course Cost: $475

Course curriculum includes:

• Selection of proper equipment
• Care and use of climbing skins
• Transceiver check
• Skinning and uphill travel technique
• Terrain Selection
• Terrain management and travel techniques (up/down)
• Group decision making
• Trip Planning and Prep
• Self rescue/Companion Rescue
• Simple snowpack tests
• Bonding Tests/Test profile

COST INCLUDES: Group climbing equipment, and guide services

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal ski and touring gear. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

COURSE ITINERARY:

Day 1: We will meet at 8 AM in the Stevens Pass parking lot, perform a gear check and introductions, and then we start our tour. We will learn how to use the gear efficiently, which includes learning more about skis, skins, transceivers, and shovels.

Day 2: We return to Stevens or Snoqualmie and continue our education by focusing on terrain management, track setting, and more advanced transceiver techniques. In the afternoon we will make several tour plans based on our weather observations.

Day 3: We bring all the skills together and get you out in front, leading the group and attempt a big tour. After earning our turns we wrap up the course at 4 pm at the cars.

NOTES ON ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Students will be advised of the location of their course within the 2 weeks prior to the start date, based upon current snow, route, and weather conditions.

WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges, the weather in the Cascades is unpredictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over adverse weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes made to save the trip from being completely cancelled.

QUALIFICATIONS: Intermediate alpine, telemark or snowboarding ability required. Previous backcountry experience is not required. However, 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.

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INTRO TO SKI TOURING: MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

This is an introduction to backcountry ski touring held in a series of either two or three day trips on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier National Park. This tremendous venue, with its easy winter access and fantastic ski terrain at all skill and commitment levels, is a ski tourer’s paradise! After going over the selection of proper equipment, we’ll discuss companion rescue, select terrain for uphill and downhill travel, and apply appropriate travel techniques while on a tour. Day two we’ll introduce trip planning and participants will play a more active role and be given a chance to test their judgment while under the instructors’ guidance. And of course, plenty of turns will be had by all! Intermediate ski or boarding ability required. This is an introduction to backcountry ski touring held in a series of either two or three day trips on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier National Park. This tremendous venue, with its easy winter access and fantastic ski terrain at all skill and commitment levels, is a ski tourer’s paradise! After going over the selection of proper equipment, we’ll discuss companion rescue, select terrain for uphill and downhill travel, and apply appropriate travel techniques while on a tour. Day two we’ll introduce trip planning and participants will play a more active role and be given a chance to test their judgment while under the instructors’ guidance. And of course, plenty of turns will be had by all!

Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

Intermediate ski or boarding ability required.

2011 Course Dates: Custom Dates (2 or 3 days)

Course Cost: $475 (3 days) or $320 (2 days)

Course curriculum includes:

• Selection of proper equipment
• Care and use of climbing skins
• Transceiver check
• Skinning and uphill travel technique
• Terrain Selection
• Terrain management and travel techniques (up/down)
• Group decision making
• Trip Planning and Prep
• Self rescue/Companion Rescue
• Simple snowpack tests
• Bonding Tests/Test profile

COST INCLUDES: Group climbing equipment (if necessary), student handbook, guide services, and instruction.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation, hotel accommodations, food, park entrance fees, gratuities for guides, and all personal ski and touring gear.

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INTRO TO SKI MOUNTAINEERING

This popular course is designed for individuals aspiring to learn the fundamental skills of snow, ice, glacier, climbing techniques, and the application of these skills toward the ascent and glisse-descent of major glaciated mountains. Our goal is to develop safe, self-reliant ski-mountaineers ready to climb and ski locally or in the great ranges of the world. This course is truly an excellent foundation for any skier seeking independence in the alpine arena.

Set in a spectacular environment that provides abundant learning opportunities, this comprehensive course is truly rewarding. The three days take place in the North Cascades where active glaciers, volcanic peaks, and breathtaking views create the ideal learning environment. A summit attempt on the last day of the course gives you the chance to put your newly developed skills to the test.

Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

2011 Course Dates: Please call for details!

Cost: $695

Course curriculum includes:

• Trip planning and preperation
  
• Terrain selection
  
• Travel techniques
  
• Snow climbing and use of ice axe and crampons
  
• Self arrest techniques - skis on, skis off
  
• Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
  
• Use of ski crampons
  
• Prussiking and team crevasse rescue practice
  
• Rappelling and rope management
  
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
  
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
  
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
  
• Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace Ethics .
  

COST INCLUDES: Ground transportation, all meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal ski mountaineering gear. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

COURSE ITINERARY:

Day 1: 6:30am orientation. After an initial meeting and equipment check, we drive from Seattle to the trailhead and begin our hike to base camp. This approach is very strenuous and can take from 4 - 6 hours depending upon the particular approach and the fitness of the group. (This is where all of your training pays off!) You'll skin through ancient forests and snow covered alpine meadows, enroute to our base camp. After establishing our camp, the remainder of the day will focus on the skills necessary for the proper use of an ice axe, traveling in balance, self-belay, self-arrest, placing various types of snow protection for use in the construction of snow anchors, as well as belay techniques. We will cap the day with a short evening ski run before dinner.

Day 2: You will begin the day by learning crampon use and climbing steeper snow. We then focus on the skills required for safe and efficient glacier travel including roped travel and self-rescue (prussiking) techniques. This will include the means for each team member to correctly tie into the rope including the proper spacing of climbers based on the number of team members. We will cover the difference in traveling with skis versus snowshoes or crampons, ie when you need to rope up. After learning the proper techniques for traveling as a rope team, we will then make a short glacial "tour", enabling us to practice and comprehend the day's lessons. We follow that lesson up with a few runs before skiing back to camp. Discussions late in the day will focus on navigation with the use of map and compass.

Day 3: After a pre-dawn wake-up and a quick breakfast, we climb our way toward the summit. Today your group will apply the skills they have been practicing toward our ascent of a major glaciated peak. Depending on conditions and the pace of your group, it will take from five to eight hours to reach the summit. After enjoying the views and a snack, and absorbing your accomplishments, students will navigate and lead their team back to high camp, enjoying a well-earned glisse descent. We will then break camp, pack up our gear, and head back to the trailhead.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced alpine, telemark or snowboarding ability required. Previous ski touring experience is required, but previous mountaineering experience is not required. However, 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. It is recommended that you have some camping and hiking experience prior to this trip. Because everyone is required to carry a share of the group’s equipment, be prepared to carry as much as 50 lbs. to base camp.

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. 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. It is also possible that the rain may not clear up and traveling to the east side of the mountains to go ski mountaineering is the best plan.

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 the Northwest brochure, visit our website www.mountainmadness.com or call 800-328-5925.

Ptarmigan Traverse
Spearhead Traverse
Mt. Elbrus Summit and Ski/Snowboard Descent
Mt Baker Descent
Mt Adams Descent
La Grave Adventure Week
Haute Route

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CHIWAUKUM RANGE TRAVERSE, CENTRAL CASCADES, WA

This 4-day ski tour starts in Icicle Creek near Leavenworth and finishes at Route 2 east of Stevens Pass - traversing Frosty and Deadhorse Passes, with a classic ski descent off Big Chiwaukum Peak (8081ft) possible along the way.

We consider this one of the premiere mid-Winter ski traverses in Washington state. With good access, varied terrain in a seldom travelled area, and significant descent options along the way, the Chiwaukum Range Traverse is bound to become a local classic!

2011 Date: Call for details

Skier/Guide Ratio: 4:1

Call our office for more trip dates and pricing! 1-800-328-5925









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PTARMIGAN TRAVERSE, NORTH CASCADES, WA

This majestic ski tour, 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 skiers this trip offers numerous descent opportunities, all in an incredible wilderness setting. Ski descents of Dome and Sinister on the Chickamin Glacier offer thousands of feet of wild alpine skiing in an unbelievable setting. This is a serious undertaking and applicants must be advanced skiers and able to carry at least 30-40 lbs. while skiing. Prerequisites: Level 1 avalanche course and a ski-mountaineering course.

Course curriculum includes:

• Trip planning and preperation
  
• Terrain selection
  
• Travel techniques
  
• Snow climbing and use of ice axe and crampons
  
• Self arrest techniques - skis on, skis off
  
• Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
  
• Use of ski crampons
  
• Prussiking and team crevasse rescue practice
  
• Rappelling and rope management
  
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
  
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
  
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
  
• Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace Ethics .
  

2011 Course Dates and Cost: Please call for details!

Student/Instructor Ratio: 4:1

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 ski mountaineering gear. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Park between mile 19&21 on Cascade River Road and start hiking and skinning toward Cascade Pass. Depending on the time of day and avalanche conditions, we will travel to Cascade Pass at 5400’ and try to continue up and over Cache Col and camp at Kool Aid Lake.

Day 2: Begin the day touring up the Red Ledges and dropping down on the Middle Cascade Glacier. Skin up the glacier to the Spider Formidable Col with the possibility of skiing off of Spider Mountain while enroute to Yang Yang Lakes for the evening.

Day 3: Tour up the LeConte Glacier and climb and ski LeConte and Sentinel. After summiting, ski down Lizard Pass and camp at White Rocks Lake.

Day 4: Skin up the Chickamin Glacier to climb and ski Sinister and Dome. Descend south onto Itswood Ridge and camp with view of Glacier Peak

Day 5: Hike out via Bachelor and Downey creeks to the Suaittle Rive Road.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced alpine, telemark or snowboarding ability and previous mountaineering experience is 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 30-40 lbs. for 6-8 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.

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 Northwest brochure, visit our website www.mountainmadness.com or call 800-328-5925.

- Forbidden Tour
- Mt. Elbrus Summit and Ski/Snowboard Descent
- Mt. Baker Ski Descent
- La Grave Adventure Week
- Haute Route




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SPEARHEAD TRAVERSE, Whistler, B.C. -
Rated "Top 25 adventures of 2005!" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine


This majestic ski tour, considered the best in the Coast Range, has been named the “Haute Route of the Americas," comparable to the famous traverse between Chamonix and Zermatt in Europe. We traverse this beautiful range over 3-4 days depending on terrain and conditions. We start the tour from the backside of Blackcomb Peak at the head of Hortsman Glacier and end on the Whistler Glacier near Whistler ski area. We use Blackcomb and Whistler lifts to get in and out of each area to access incredible descents, utilizing mountaineering skills learned as we go. This is a serious undertaking and applicants must be strong intermediate skiers and able to carry at least 30-40 lbs. while skiing. Prerequisites: Level I avalanche course and a ski-mountaineering course.

Student/Instructor Ratio: 4:1

2011 Course Dates and Cost: To Be Annouced!

Download Equipment List

COST INCLUDES: 1 night hotel accommodations, all meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, ground transportation between Vancouver, B.C. and Whistler, transportation within Vancouver, B.C., restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

Course curriculum includes:

• Trip planning and preperation
  
• Terrain selection
  
• Travel techniques
  
• Snow climbing and use of ice axe and crampons
  
• Self arrest techniques - skis on, skis off
  
• Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
  
• Use of ski crampons
  
• Prussiking and team crevasse rescue practice
  
• Rappelling and rope management
  
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
  
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
  
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
  
• Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace Ethics .
  
  ITINERARY:
  
  Day 1: Meet in Whistler/Blackcomb. For those who fly to Vancouver, British Columbia, we provide a 2-hour shuttle to Whistler/Blackcomb. Upon arrival and check in to our accommodations, we will then complete a comprehensive gear review, avalanche and rescue talks with your guide. At this meeting we will discuss the full plan for our ski tour and go over any questions that you may have. All clients are asked to bring their own avalanche transceiver. Overnight Inn of Cliff Top, Whistler.
  
  Day 2: Early departure for Blackcomb ski lifts. Send off over the backside of Blackcomb Mountain and start our tour.
  
  Day 3: On tour.
  
  Day 4: On tour and return to the Whistler ski area.*

          Day 5: Depart for home.

*Hotel night is not included on day 4.

NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Students will be advised of the location of their course within the 2 weeks prior to the start date, based upon current snow, route, and weather conditions.

WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges, the weather in the Coast Range is unpredictable and adverse conditions can roll in at any time, limiting 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.

QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced alpine, telemark or snowboarding ability and previous mountaineering experience is 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 30-40 lbs. for 4-6 hours a day.



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• Trip planning and preperation
  
• Terrain selection
  
• Travel techniques
  
• Snow climbing and use of ice axe and crampons
  
• Self arrest techniques - skis on, skis off
  
• Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
  
• Use of ski crampons
  
• Prussiking and team crevasse rescue practice
  
• Rappelling and rope management
  
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
  
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
  
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
  
• Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace Ethics .
  

COST INCLUDES: Ground transportation, all meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

COURSE ITINERARY:

Day 1: 6:30 orientation. After an initial meeting and equipment check, we drive from Seattle to the trailhead and begin our hike to Boston Basin. We will cap the day with a short evening ski run before dinner.

Day 2: You will begin the day by going up and over Sharkfin col. We then descend down and across the Boston Glacier and continue around Forbidden Peak by climbing over the North Ridge. Dropping down onto the top of the Forbidden Glacier, we enjoy the next 4,000 feet to Moraine Lake.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast, we ascend up to Klawatti col on the Inspiration Glacier. We set camp, and then go for an afternoon run down the McAllister Glacier.

Day 4: Today your group will make a summit attempt on Eldorado Peak. If conditions are good we will summit and ski off the top and all the way down Eldorado Creek back to the car.

NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control. Students will be advised of the location of their course within the 2 weeks prior to the start date, based upon current snow, route, and weather conditions.

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. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous mountaineering experience is not required. However, 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. It is recommended that you have some camping and hiking experience prior to this trip. Because everyone is required to carry a share of the group’s equipment, be prepared to carry as much as 60 lbs.

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MOUNT BAKER, EASTON GLACIER - SKI DESCENT

Mt. 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' Mt. Baker provides a scenic, challenging, and extremely rewarding mountaineering experience.

The upper mountain’s harsh alpine environment and the lower mountain’s close proximity to quality teaching and training grounds make Mt. Baker an ideal location to learn snow, glacier travel skills skiing in a glaciated terrain. Our goal is to give you hands-on experience, while teaching fundamental mountaineering skills and enjoying spring corn skiing. The experiences and skills developed on Mt. Baker will prepare you for long ski tours such as the Spearhead Traverse and the Mt. Elbrus Ski Descent.

Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

2011 Course Dates: May 7-9 & 13-15; June 4-6

Cost: Call for details (800) 328-5925

On this course we cover:

• Trip planning and preperation
  
• Terrain selection
  
• Travel techniques
  
• Snow climbing and use of ice axe and crampons
  
• Self arrest techniques - skis on, skis off
  
• Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
  
• Use of ski crampons
  
• Prussiking and team crevasse rescue practice
  
• Rappelling and rope management
  
• Glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
  
• Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
  
• Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed areas
  
• Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace Ethics .
  

COST INCLUDES: Ground transportation, all meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal ski mountaineering gear. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

CLIMB ITINERARY:

Day 1: 6:30 orientation. After an initial meeting and equipment check, we drive from Seattle to the trailhead and begin our hike to base camp. This hike is very strenuous and can take from 4 - 6 hours depending upon the particular approach and the fitness of the group. (This is where all of your training pays off!) You'll skin through ancient forests and sow covered alpine meadows, en route to our base camp. After establishing our camp, the remainder of the day will focus on the skills necessary for the proper use of an ice axe, traveling in balance, self-belay, and self arrest. We will cap the day with a short evening ski run before dinner.

Day 2: After an early morning breakfast, we discuss and practice in greater detail the essentials of proper use of ice axes and crampons , glacier travel, self-arrest, and crevasse rescue. You will have the opportunity to learn or review all of the skills necessary to make a safe ascent to the 10,781' summit. We will also have time to discuss in detail the aspects of the climb necessary for safety and efficiency. In the afternoon we will explore the glacier and make a few runs.

Day 3: Summit day with a pre-dawn start around 3:00 a.m. After 6-10 hours of climbing, we reach the summit, where gorgeous views of the Cascades reward you as you stand on the summit of the North Cascade’s highest volcano. Enjoy the views and a snack, then the real pleasure begins as we begin our descent. Upon reaching camp, we pack up and head down for a celebratory dinner.

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.

WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges, the weather in the Cascades is unpredictable and can roll in at any time. Mountain Madness has no control over these conditions and last minute decisions are sometimes

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LITTLE SWITZERLAND, ALASKA - SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Little Switzerland is the Alaska Range playground for climbing and skiing. Set on the Pika Glacier (a tributary of the Kahiltna), Little Switzerland is a small scale version of the nearby Ruth Gorge. This means we spend more time skiing than crossing flat glaciers. Base-camping in Little Switzerland gives us the full-range of options, from two-day loops, to long day tours, to lapping the slopes around camp.

ON THIS TRIP WE WILL COVER:
• Glacier travel: using ropes, knots & harnesses; crevasse rescue, prussicking, anchors, route finding through crevasses.
• Winter camping: camp construction, cold weather camping skills
• Ski touring: skinning technique, track setting, trip planning,
• Avalanche assessment: stability tests, terrain selection, travel techniques, decision making
• Discussions: tour planning, whiteout navigation, mountain weather, Leave No Trace ethics, strategies for light and fast

TRIP COST INCLUDES:
• Guide services
• Ground transportation within Alaska
• All meals while on the mountain
• Tents
• Stoves
• Cook kits
• Group climbing equipment (ropes, pickets)

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Airfare to Anchorage or Talkeetna to Pika Glacier
• Hotel accommodations
• Restaurant meals
• Gratuities for guides
• All personal ski mountaineering gear

YOUR GUIDE—JOE STOCK
Joe has been climbing and skiing around the world for 24 years. His highlights have been long alpine climbs in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, limestone rock climbing in Thailand, mixed climbs in Colorado and spring ski mountaineering in Alaska. Joe's true passion is adventure ski mountaineering traverses across remote ranges in Alaska. At the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, Joe began his undergraduate degree in geology then finished in physical geography. Later he received a graduate degree in watershed science (snow science focus) from CSU in Fort Collins, Colorado. He became an internationally-licensed mountain guide by the IFMGA in 2009 after completing all three disciplines - alpine, rock, ski mountaineering - within the American Mountain Guides Association. In addition to guiding, Joe also works as a writer, photographer and hydrologist. He lives in Anchorage with his wife Cathy.

CLIENT TO GUIDE RATIO PRICE/PERSON
• 1:1 - $550/day
• 2:1 - $400 /day
• 3:1 - $300/day

DATES: May – June, 2011

TRIP ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Meet in Anchorage. We will meet in Anchorage at 2pm at the your hotel for introductions and gear check. If you need to need to purchase additional items, REI and Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking are a 30-minute walk from downtown Anchorage. Alternatively, we can stop at REI and AMH before the welcome dinner at the Bear Tooth Grill—Anchorage’s favorite restaurant.

DAY 2: Fly into Base Camp. After breakfast, we’ll meet at 7 am and drive two hours to Talkeetna Air Tax in the small town of Talkeetna. There we’ll load our gear into a bush plane and make the half-hour flight into the Pika Glacier in Little Switzerland. Establishing base camp on the Pika Glacier will take several hours, then we’ll have time for a few laps on the surrounding slopes before an early dinner.

DAY 3: Skills review day. Little Switzerland is heavily glaciated—all of our touring will be on glaciers. To prepare for the following five days of ski mountaineering, we need to review our glacier travel skills. We will cover harnesses, knots, biners, snow anchors, belaying, crevasse rescue, crevasse self rescue (prussiking) and moving roped-up.

DAY 4-8: Touring. The options are endless for our five days of touring around Little Switzerland. We have the option of day-touring to passes around camp to make descents into the Pika Glacier or we can make day, or multi-day loops on the vast glacier systems around Little Switzerland. Of course the slopes surround our Pika Glacier base camp are perfect for laps and logging vertical at the end of the day.

DAY 9: Fly out, return to Anchorage. By 9 am we will be packed and ready to fly back to Talkeetna for a huge meal at the West Rib Grill. From Talkeetna you have the option of staying the night and enjoying this buzzing climbing town, or returning to Anchorage for your flight home. To allow for weather delays, please make your return flight reservations no earlier than the evening of Day 10.

NOTE ON ITINERARY: There is an extra day scheduled into this itinerary to allow for bad weather or other unforeseen problems. This gives us a little flexibility and a greater chance for excellent skiing. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, the very nature of skiing in alpine environments requires flexibility. This itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.

QUALIFICATIONS: Good physical conditioning. Advanced resort ski ability and previous ski mountaineering experience required. For those interested in obtaining basic ski mountaineering skills prior to the trip, join our guide for a three-day Intro to Ski Mountaineering course in the North Cascades or Chugach Mountains. For more details or other training ideas visit our ski page.

WEATHER: Like all mountain ranges, the weather in the Alaska Range is unpredictable 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.

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