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| Length - 1 Day and Up |
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| Cost - 1:1 $325; 2:1 $225; 3:1+ $190 (prices are per day) |
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| Max Ratio - 4:1 |
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| Capacity - 8 |
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Location Washington |
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| Varies - based on level of ascent or tour |
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Guided Ski Ascents and Tours in Washington |
We offer ski ascents of four of Washington's most beautiful peaks and volcanoes - Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams - as well as ski tours to suit all skiing abilities. We can easily arrange a private trip just for you, for a group of friends, or we can work to match you up with a skier of a similar ability.
Your trip can be a series of day tours, a skills course concluding with an exciting ski ascent, or a trip that combines skills development or review with a series of ascents. Pricing on these courses is based on the ratio of climbers to guide. We hope you will join us this winter season and for many years to come!
Fresh tracks in the Mt. Baker backcountry. Lyle Haugsven
Guided Ski Ascents
Mt. Baker (3+ days)
Mt. Baker is the northern crown of the Cascade Range. At 10,778 feet it rises abruptly above the island dotted Pacific waters of Washington and British Columbia. Mt. Baker offers immense variety: with twelve major glaciers, spectacular ridges, huge open bowls, the chance to ski into an active volcanic crater, and big ski descents, adventurous skiers can easily spend a full week exploring the mountain.
Mt. Shuksan (3+ days)
Unique in many ways, Mt. Shuksan is one of the highest non-volcanic peaks in the Cascades, and it is among the most sought-after summits in North America. Mt. Shuksan is known as one of the world's most strikingly dramatic peaks, with steep, broken glaciers, hanging ice cliffs, and immense rock walls on three of its sides. But on the south side, it supports its two largest glaciers, the Crystal and the Sulphide, which provide superb skiing opportunities.
Mt. St. Helens (1 - 2 days)
On the morning of May 18th, 1980, Mount Saint Helens erupted. The entire north face of the mountain collapsed in on itself that morning, creating the largest landslide in recorded history, redefining the skyline forever. Over the last decade, Mount Saint Helens has become a major northwest ski mountaineering objective. With nearly four thousand feet of open terrain, the mountain offers an exciting run through the remnants of the mountain’s past. We descend down the Monitor Ridge on this trip.
Mt. Adams (2 - 3 days)
At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is the second tallest mountain in the state of Washington.
This enormous mountain is composed of a series of overlapping cones, which came together to create both the mountain’s flat-looking top as well as its massive base. The South Spur route on Mount Adams is considered to be one of the easiest and safest routes on a Cascade volcano. And with approximately seven thousand feet of vertical relief between the parking lot and the summit, the South Spur makes for an incredible ski mountaineering objective. From the top of the mountain there are a number of descent options.
Flying down a steep chute. Lyle Haugsven
Guided Ski Tours and Traverses
Day Tours - For most intermediate skiers, these tours can be completed in one day. Sign up for just one or spend multiple days in the Mt. Baker backcountry learning some new routes.
- Shuksan Arm
- Lake Anne Tour
- Mt. Anne Descent
- Mazama Bowl
- Coleman Pinnacle (Ptarmigan Ridge)
- Mt Herman
- Mt Herman (Anderson Creek Tour)
- White Salmon Glacier
- Table Mountain and the Blueberry Chutes
- Ruth Mountain
- Goat Mountain
- Church Mountain
- Coleman Glacier
Ski Traverses - depending on conditions, these tours are usually skied March through May
- Inspiration Traverse (4 - 5 days)
- Ptarmigan Traverse (5 days) - A breathtaking traverse for the advanced skier, includes many descents and challenging snow climbs
- Forbidden Tour (5 days) - An advanced alpine traverse high in the North Cascades National Park covering glaciers and rugged terrain
- Washington Pass Birthday Tour (2 days) - This is the perfect tour for the skier just introduced to backcountry travel - the 2-day loop includes one overnight
A skier ascends Ruth Mountain. Andy Bourne
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Follow Up Programs
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| Avalanche and Backcountry Ski Combination Course |
| 5 Days |
Beginner & Intermediate |
North Cascades, WA |
December - April |
| This course is for anyone planning on venturing into the backcountry without a guide. The 6-day course teaches a comprehensive understanding of avalanche awareness, snow stability, and backcountry skiing techniques. |
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| Avalanche Course - Level 1 |
| 3 days |
All |
Mount Baker backcountry and Bellingham, WA |
December - March |
| AAI's Level 1 avalanche course provides students with the tools, knowlege, and decision making skills necessary to travel safely in avalanche terrain. |
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| Avalanche Course - Level 2 |
| 4 days |
Intermediate |
Mount Baker backcountry and Bellingham, WA |
December - February |
| This course is designed for those who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of snow stability and snow stability factors. It is ideal for snow safety and guiding professionals and people interested in these and related careers. |
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| Avalanche Refresher |
| 1 Day |
Beginner to Advanced |
Mount Baker backcountry, Washington |
January - March |
| This 1-day Avalanche course is for those that already completed an avalanche education course and would like to refresh their skills. This field-based clinic provides an excellent review of the material and includes a discussion of industry updates. |
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| Introduction to Backcountry Skiing |
| 2 days or 5 days (see course descriptions) |
Beginner to Advanced |
North Cascades, WA |
December - April |
| Develop a good working knowledge of backcountry skiing equipment, techniques, and avalanche safety among the beautiful alpine slopes of the Mount Baker backcountry. |
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| Ski Mountaineering |
| 6 Days |
Intermediate |
North Cascades, WA |
January - May |
| Develop the good judgment and technical skills required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best skiing available in the lower 48 states. |
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| Ski the Alps - Haute Route |
| 9 days |
Intermediate |
Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland |
April-May |
| Our high route through the heart of the Alps is among the most scenic alpine tours in the world. We combine safety and avalanche training with glacier skiing techniques on this incredible ski traverse. |
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American Alpine Institute (AAI) |
1515 12th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 info@aai.cc |
© 2007 American Alpine Institute, Ltd. All Rights Reserved
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