For those seeking their first or fifteenth big-mountain ski descent, look no further than Mount Baker.
Mount Baker, the highest peak in the North Cascades, is a fantastic mountain for climbers AND skiers. Not only are its two standard climbing routes (the Easton and the Coleman-Deming Glaciers) also wonderful ski descents, but under certain conditions the mountain’s harder snow and ice climbs are now considered “skiable” by a growing cadre of local ski mountaineers. While on the summit plateau, ski over to the edge of the Coleman Headwall, peer down to the north, and consider what must have been going through the heads of the young skiers who first skied this feature 10 years ago – and then turn around and ski over to the Roman Wall and enjoy the moderate and eminently skiable slopes of the Easton Glacier instead – a 7,500-foot / 2286-meter run!
For people with basic ski mountaineering skills and experience the Easton Glacier is the route of choice for a spring ski descent. Typically, the entire length of the approach and ascent can be skied – car to summit, and back down again. With a healthy snowpack, lots of terrain options and a southern exposure, the Easton has become a popular first big-mountain ski descent for folks from all over the country.
This course involves the following:
Skiing with both a day pack and overnight pack to 45 lbs
Intermediate-advanced level terrain with some slopes to the black diamond level
Glacier travel and steep snow climbing
Long days in potentially adverse weather
Skiers should be in excellent physical condition and competent on varied terrain
Note: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgment.
1
6:30 am 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. You’ll skin through ancient forests and snow-covered alpine meadows, en route to basecamp. After establishing camp, the remainder of the day will focus on the skills necessary for the proper use of an ice axe, traveling in balance, traditional self-arrest, and ski specific self-arrest. We will cap the day with a short evening ski run before dinner.
2
Summit day with a pre-dawn start between 3:00 and 5:00 am After 6 – 8 hours of climbing, we reach the summit, where gorgeous views of the Cascades reward you as you stand on the summit of the North Cascades’ 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.
Trip Package Includes
Professional guiding and instruction
Climbing/backcountry permits
Transportation from Seattle to the trailhead and back
All meals, stoves, fuel, and cooking equipment while on the trip
Tents
Group climbing gear
Campground fees
20% off service and 10% off rental at evo Seattle store
The Washington Cascades are part of the greater Cascade Mountain Range, extending from northern California to British Columbia. To offer flexibility and a diverse range of options to clients, Mountain Madness offers trip dates for this ski mountaineering course on Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier.
Mountain Madness has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. In the field, a face covering must be worn at times when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
This is an intermediate level ski descent. Level 1 avalanche training, intermediate ski skills and previous ski touring experience are recommended. It is open for telemark and alpine touring skiers, as well as split-boarders.
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
This is a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in excellent physical condition.
Who are the guides?
Mountain Madness guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, most highly trained instructors!
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Seattle store, as well as Mountain Madness. Please inquire for pricing.
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the Mountain Madness cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
More than 90 days from trip departure — non-refundable $200 registration fee.
89 days or less from trip departure – 100% of trip costMore than 60 days from trip departure — $75 fee registration fee.
60 days or less from trip departure – 100% of trip cost
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. Changes are determined at MMI’s discretion and if approved, must be accompanied by a new trip registration. Any change from scheduled trip departure can be extremely difficult and is subject to all incurred expenses as assessed by MMI. All date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from written change notification and receipt of new registration. A $200 date change fee will be assessed for all domestic trips.
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from Mountain Madness.
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 12 guests for this course.
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
We will accept participants 15 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
I need accommodations in Seattle. Do you have recommendations?
Yes, there are plenty of options, depending on your preferences. Near Sea-Tac Airport: Cedarbrook Lodge (4-star), Double Tree Hotel Seatac (4-star), Hampton Inn Seatac (3-star), Hilton Garden Inn Seatac (3-star). Near Mountain Madness: Georgetown Inn (2.5 star), The Grove (2-star).
Testimonials
The experience was awesome--great course, both professional and a lot of fun. Appropriate measures for Covid-19 were put in place.
Evan
Trip Guest
I’ve climbed all over the world with MM and couldn’t recommend them higher. Their guides are world class and are knowledgeable, appropriately cautious but eager to get you to the summit, amiable and yet able to challenge you to do things you didn’t think you could! Their front office is easy to communicate with and keeps you up to speed with everything throughout the whole process from pre-climb to post-climb. If you’re thinking about climbing, I would strongly and without reservation recommend mountain madness.
Andrew
Trip Guest
Jake was an awesome guide, super informative. MM was fantastic, had good options for renting gear, easy to work with.
Please fill out the traveler form below and proceed to checkout.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to pay a deposit now to hold your spot ({{ trip.DepositAmount | numeralCurrency }} per traveler) and pay the remainder later, please contact Customer Care