Three-Day Komo Kushan / Mount Baker Mountaineering Course in the North Cascades
This Mount Baker mountaineering and glacier climbing course is designed for individuals seeking to build essential skills in snow, ice, and glacier travel on one of Washington’s most iconic glaciated peaks. Students learn proven mountaineering techniques for safe ascent and descent, preparing them for successful climbs on glaciated mountains in the North Cascades and beyond. The goal of this course is to develop confident, self-reliant mountaineers ready to explore Mount Baker and other major alpine objectives independently. This program offers an excellent foundation for mountaineers to gain independence in the alpine environment.
Set in the dramatic alpine terrain of Komo Kushan / Mount Baker, this three-day course provides unmatched hands-on instruction in a real glacier environment. Active glaciers, variable snow conditions, and sweeping views of the North Cascades create an ideal learning setting for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering skills. The course typically concludes with a Komo Kushan / Mount Baker summit attempt, giving participants the opportunity to apply newly developed skills on a classic Pacific Northwest alpine climb.
Mount Baker Climb and Mountaineering Course Overview
Course Level & Prerequisites
This is an intermediate to beginner-level Komo Kushan / Mount Baker mountaineering course designed for mountaineers looking to expand their skills in glaciated alpine terrain. Participants should be prepared for the physical and technical demands of ski mountaineering on Mount Baker’s glaciers and steep snow terrain.
Physical & Technical Requirements
This course involves challenging terrain and demanding conditions commonly found on Komo Kushan / Mount Baker and other North Cascades peaks, including:
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Hiking with a day pack and overnight pack up to 45 lbs
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Travel in intermediate to intermediate alpine terrain
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Glacier travel and steep snow climbing
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Long days in potentially adverse mountain weather
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Strong fitness and confidence skiing variable snow and terrain
Mountaineers should be in excellent physical condition and capable of moving efficiently in complex alpine environments.
Komo Kushan / Mount Baker Climb and Mountaineering Course Curriculum
Instruction focuses on the practical skills needed for safe and efficient travel on Mount Baker’s active glaciers, with an emphasis on real-world application.
Terrain Management
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Hazard assessment, efficiency, and movement speed
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Uphill track setting and terrain management
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Downhill terrain evaluation and decision-making
Snow & Glacier Travel Skills
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Snow climbing techniques and ice axe positioning
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Self-arrest techniques
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Crampon use for snow and ice climbing
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Roped glacier travel and route finding through crevassed terrain
Technical Mountaineering Systems
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Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
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Prusiking and team crevasse rescue
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Rappelling and rope management
Mountain Awareness & Navigation
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Glacier formation, glaciology, and crevasse pattern prediction
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Navigation using maps, altimeters, and compasses
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Mountain weather, alpine ecology, hazard assessment
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Leave No Trace ethics in alpine environments
Gear List
Base Camp Equipment list
- Shovel
- Probe
- Transceiver (3-antenna)
- Ski touring skis or splitboard
- Skins
- Personal repair kit specific to your equipment
- Ski touring boots/snowboarding boots
- Ski poles
- Headlamp
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Personal first aid supplies
- Toque
- Minimum 1L water bottle or Thermos
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) jacket
- Gore-tex (or equivalent) pants
- Puffy jacket
- Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
- Thick gloves
- Spare gloves
- Lightweight harness (if possible otherwise climbing harness will work)
- 3 locking carabiners
- 1 triple action captive eye locking carabiner
- 3 non-locking carabiners
- 240cm sewn sling (or 5m of webbing)
- 5m x 6mm accessory cord
- Personal prussik
- Micro-traxion (optional)
- Tibloc (optional)
- Ice screw (between 12-22cm)
- 40L backpack
- Ice Axe
- Ski crampons
- Lightweight crampons
- Puffy pants (recommended for around camp)
- Warm layers for upper and lower body
- Socks x 2-3
- Spare underwear
- Sleeping Bag (at least -18 degrees)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Foam sleeping pad
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Down/synthetic booties for wearing around camp
- Fork/spoon
- Large bowl
- Drinking mug with lid
- Toiletries
- 4-season tent (rentals available)
- Cloth grocery bags (or stuff sacks) to anchor tent in snow
- Guy lines for tent
Mount Baker Climb and Mountaineering Glacier Climbing Course Price
Course Price
Price
MOUNT BAKER Climb and MOUNTAINEERING COURSE
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$1,245 – 3 Days
- Dates June 6-8, 2026
- June 27-29
- July 18-20
- August 15-17
Price Includes
- Guide services
- Group Climbing Equipment
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Price Does Not Include
- Meals on the mountain
- Personal ski and touring gear
- Beacon, probe, shovel
- Gratuities for guides
- Mt Baker / Komo Kulshan Weather
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