Ski Mountaineering Mount Baker

Location

Group Size

3 people per guide

Duration

3 days

Join WMG for a ski ascent and descent of Mount Baker (10,781 ft) — one of the premier ski mountaineering objectives in the North Cascades of the Pacific Northwest. This glaciated volcanic peak delivers breathtaking alpine terrain, steep snow slopes, and thousands of feet of untracked ski descent in spring and early summer.

Why This Trip Is Special

• Thousands of vertical feet of continuous ski descent from high on the mountain

• Expansive glaciers and classic ski mountaineering terrain

• Instruction and decision-making from experienced ski mountaineering guides

• A strong balance of education, efficiency, and aesthetic skiing

Typical Itinerary

Day 1 — Gear Check & Approach to High Camp
Meet at the trailhead for a full gear check and trip briefing. From there, skin up snow-covered terrain toward a glaciated high camp. Along the way, guides introduce glacier travel systems, skinning efficiency, and terrain management. The evening is spent preparing for summit day.

Day 2 — Ski Ascent to the Summit
An early alpine start takes the group upward via glaciated slopes toward the summit plateau. Depending on conditions, travel may involve skins, booting, crampons, and rope systems. After reaching the summit area and taking in sweeping views of the North Cascades, the group prepares for the ski descent.

Day 3 — Ski Descent & Exit
Enjoy a long, sustained ski descent down glaciated terrain, with routes chosen based on snow quality and group ability. Expect varied skiing, from smooth upper snowfields to long glacial runouts. After descending, return to the trailhead and conclude the trip.

Who This Trip Is For

This program is designed for skiers with prior backcountry experience who are comfortable skiing variable snow conditions. Participants should be confident on intermediate to advanced terrain and capable of skinning uphill for multiple hours. No prior glacier experience is required.

Season

• Best ski mountaineering conditions typically occur from April through June, depending on snowpack and weather patterns.

Included

• Professional ski mountaineering guides

• Instruction in glacier travel, snow travel, and risk management

• Group technical equipment such as ropes and glacier travel systems

• Trip planning, logistics, and on-mountain decision making

Not Included

• Personal ski touring or splitboard equipment

• Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)

• Food, lodging, and transportation