About the Trip
Operated by AWE’s partner Climbing The Seven Summits
At 10,781ft above sea level, Mt. Baker offers the perfect introduction to mountaineering. Mt Baker is often considered the best glacier training venue in the US; a true wilderness outing, climbers carry gear to camp, spend several full days training, and summit via the beautiful Easton glacier.
About Glacier School 2 on Mount Baker
This instructional course/summit climb via the Easton glacier is offered in collaboration with Climbing The Seven Summits. It will teach you the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit. With an intimate climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for many more advanced climbs and expeditions.
What makes Mount Baker Glacier School 2 different than Glacier 1? We cover more advanced topics in our Glacier 2 school including expedition planning, crevasse rescue, more advanced rope work and technique. The 7-day itinerary also allows us time to dive into the skills and deepen our lessons in glacier and rope team travel, self-arresting and use of our crampons and ice axes. A longer itinerary also allows us a better window for weather and to experience glacier camping at its finest!
Check out Mount Baker Glacier School 1 to see where 5 days on Komo Kulshan can get you!
Please note that our Mount Baker Glacier School 2 is open both to adult women and girls aged 14 and up. We cherish the inspiration and mentorship that frequently emerges within teams that comprise a wide age range.
No mountaineering experience is required. Participants must be in very good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended but not mandatory.
Trip duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Max group size: 10 guests
Price: $2695
All reservations require a $500 deposit at the time of signup; balance of expedition fees typically comes due in two installments 60 and 90 days prior to departure. Ask us about flexible payment plans to space out payments further.
Trip Details
Trip Itinerary
All of our expeditions kick off with a welcome dinner on Day 1. Please plan to arrive at your destination by mid-afternoon of Day 1, with plenty of time to clear immigration and customs and/or check into your hotel prior to meeting your teammates for the welcome dinner, which typically starts around 7pm local time. If you are flying in for an international expedition, your flights should land no later than 3pm local time.
This is your itinerary for AWE’s Mount Baker Climb, operated by AWE's partner Climbing The Seven Summits:
- Day 1 Arrival in Seattle; gear check & welcome dinner
- Day 2 Transfer to Mount Baker, hike to basecamp
- Day 3 Skills practice
- Day 4 Skills practice
- Day 5 Resting and final skills before summit push
- Day 6 Summit push & return to town; final dinner
- Day 7 Depart
All itineraries are subject to change based on weather, team condition, and local logistics.
Packing List
You will receive a detailed packing list in your expedition handbook after reserving your spot on this expedition. AWExpeditions and AWE's partner Climbing The Seven Summits provide the team, cooking and emergency gear for this adventure including mountaineering tents and emergency communications; you are responsible for your personal climbing gear and attire including the following items:
- Mountaineering boots
- Ice axe & crampons
- Climbing helmet, harness, carabiners & belay device
- 65l+ backpack
- 20 degree (F) sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
- Expedition-weight down jacket
- Hardshell (GoreTex) jacket
A broad selection of rental gear is available through national brands such as REI or Kit Lender.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Hotel accommodation pre-and post climb in Seattle and/or Sedro-Woolley, double occupancy
- Welcome & final dinners in town
- Transfers from Seattle to Mount Baker and return
- Professional guide team including AWE expedition leader and Climbing The Seven Summits guide(s)
- Team gear including four-season tents (double occupancy), ropes, snow anchors & team medical kit
- On-trail real-time GPS tracking and communications
Other costs
- Flights or alternate travel to/from Seattle, WA
- Airport transfer in Seattle
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for expedition leader and guides
- Personal climbing gear and attire
- Personal medications
- Sodas & alcoholic beverages
- Personal trekking snacks (such as bars, trail mix, or beef jerky) for on-trail sustenance
- Medical, travel, and rescue insurance
- Single supplement - contact us to discuss availability and pricing
Trip FAQs
- How fit do I have to be? This is a beginner-friendly yet physically challenging mountaineering expedition. While you do not have to have prior mountaineering skills to join this expedition, you have to be in excellent cardio shape and able to hike for 6-8 hours with a 40 lbs pack without feeling utterly exhausted afterwards.
- How technically difficult is Mount Baker? Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route is a moderate glacier climb that entails moderately steep terrain and crevasse crossings; depending on the season, some sections can require exposed climbing moves. Summit day typically involves ~5-7 hours of continuous effort.
- How much weight will I have to carry? On the way to basecamp you will need to carry all of your personal & climbing gear, as well as an allotment of group gear; expect a pack weight of 40 - 50 lbs. For summit day you'll only be carrying layers, snacks and water -- typically no more than 10 -15 lbs.
- What types of conditions should I expect on Mount Baker? June through September typically show low precipitation on Mount Baker. That said, the North Cascades are known for precarious weather and fast-moving storms. Always be prepared for wet weather, and temperatures that can range anywhere from the eighties as low as sub-freezing. Your gear should be dialed for 20 degree temperatures.