Name: Ski Mountaineering Skills Camp
Brand: Kaf Adventures
Price: 1159.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Location

Washington

Oregon

Learn fundamental ski mountaineering skills and summit an iconic peak in the Cascades! Spend three days and two nights camping out on Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, or Mt. Hood. During that time, you and your teammates will learn critical ski mountaineering skills. These include: snow camping, ice axe and crampon use, self-arrest, mountaineering knots and hitches, rope team travel, navigation skills, anchor-building, belay & rappel skills, and more. After learning the basics, the team will make an attempt at the summit.

The Cascades offer a climbing experience you can only get in a few parts of the world. Whether your course is held on Mt. Baker, Mt. Hood, or Mt. Shuksan, you’ll be climbing one of the most iconic peaks in America and gazing in awe into the vast expanse of snow-capped and rocky peaks that make up the Cascade Range. Ski mountaineering skills are crucial for exploring mountainous terrain in the Cascades and the techniques you will learn on this course will serve you well on all of your future alpine adventures.

This course will take place on either the Coleman-Deming, Squak Glacier, or Easton Glacier routes on Mt. Baker; the Sulphide Glacier on Mt. Shuksan; or the Eliot Glacier on Mt. Hood depending on conditions. You can expect to be challenged physically and mentally and rewarded for your efforts with a summit attempt on one of the tallest mountains in Washington or Oregon’s tallest peak.

As a small, community-focused guide service, Kaf Adventures cares deeply about our guests’ experiences. We keep our group sizes small and follow a maximum 3:1 client to instructor ratio to prioritize your learning experience and maximize your safety. Our professional instructors will ensure you have an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling accomplished and ready for the next climb.

Duration

3 days
2 nights

Season

Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

3:1 Mt Baker/2:1 Mt. Hood

Minimum Participants

2

Day 1 - Arrive at your designated meeting location by 8am to go over equipment, distribute group gear, and finish loading your packs before driving to the trailhead. The approach to basecamp is 3-5 miles and up to 4,000 feet of elevation gain. You will skin or hike as conditions warrant. After setting up basecamp, you'll spend the afternoon working on proper footwork and crampon techniques and getting comfortable with an ice axe. Celebrate all your hard work so far and rest up for what's to come with a hot meal and a good night's sleep.

Day 2 - This is a full day of skills practice: more crampon use, self-arrest, glacier rigging, rope team travel, belay & rappel skills, anchor-building and more. We will practice both on skis and on foot and discuss some nuances in technique depending on your mode of travel. After a long day of new information, you will be happy to go to bed early to get some rest for the final day and summit attempt!

Day 3 - Leave camp around 4am to start the summit attempt. Depending on the route/conditions/weather and a myriad of other factors, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours to reach the summit. Enjoy several thousand feet of sweet turns back to camp. You earned it! After a bit of a rest, break down camp, and head back to the cars. You can expect to be back to the trailhead around 6pm.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue certificate within the past 3 years.
AIARE Level 1 is recommended.
Backcountry Ski/Split Beginner Course or equivalent experience.
At least 2 full years of ski/splitboard touring experience.
Advanced skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride black diamond runs in all snow conditions).
Any additional backcountry or mountaineering experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
Ability to hike for 6-8 hours and ascend 3000' with a 30-40 lb pack.

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
Plan to attend a virtual pre-trip meeting in the evening a few days before your course begins. This is required and a great opportunity to meet your guide, review gear, discuss your trip plan, and ask any last minute questions. The exact time of your meeting will be set by your instructor and noted in their welcome email.
Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. Upon arrival, we'll distribute any group gear and finish loading our packs. From there we will caravan to the trailhead.
All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This trip will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

The special equipment needed for ski mountaineering and how to pack it.
Mountaineering knots and hitches.
Glacier rigging, rope team travel and rope management.
Use of navigational tools.
Using crampons and ice axe on steep slopes.
Self-Arrest and self-belay.
Building snow anchors.
Belaying and rappelling.
Decision making and communication in a small group.
Tent and/or snow cave construction.
Cooking in a winter environment.
Self-care in the mountains.
Mountain weather.
Mountain hazards and safe travel practices.
Route planning and summit planning.
Basic emergency response.

PLUS:

A fun experience you’ll remember forever!
A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Equipment List

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs