Summit and Ski Mt. Baker
Summit and Ski Mt. Baker
Summit and Ski Mt. Baker
Summit and Ski Mt. Baker
Summit and Ski Mt. Baker
Summit and Ski Mt. Baker

Summit and Ski Mt. Baker

$749.00
/

2026 SCHEDULE COMING SOON

The Cascade volcanoes provide the perfect opportunity to combine mountaineering with backcountry skiing. This one-day guided trip will take you through big glaciers, and up steep snowy faces of Mt. Baker, where you'll be rewarded with the ski run of your life! In our opinion, this is surely the most fun and adventurous way to explore the mountains in the Pacific Northwest!

This is an advanced course. Previous mountaineering and backcountry touring experience is a must, along with excellent fitness. Please see the "Walk in With" tab below for entry requirements. If you're not quite there, check out Mt. Baker Summit Climb to venture out on foot or our Ski Mountaineering Skills Course to get the requisite training!

Duration

  • 1 day
  • 12 hours

Season

  • Spring

Client:Guide Ratio

3:1

Minimum Participants

2

This trip requires an alpine start. Meet your instructor at the trailhead at 4pm the day before your climb to go over equipment and finish loading your packs. Try to get a few hours of sleep in the parking lot before a midnight wake up. We will get moving right away, skinning or hiking as conditions allow. We will take breaks approximately every hour/1000ft of elevation gain. When we arrive at the glacier we will rope up and continue up the mountain. Under most conditions we will be able to travel on or with skis to the summit itself. From there an epic 7,000 foot descent awaits! You can expect to be back to the trailhead around 2pm.

  • 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. For Sat-Sun AIARE courses plan on Thursday 6:30-8:30pm; otherwise 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, knots, and hitches needed for ski mountaineering.
  • 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.
  • Decision making and communication in a small group.
  • 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.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Equipment Lists

Required Gear

  1. Helmet and goggles for downhill riding
  2. Ski or splitboard setup : boots (hard boots are strongly preferred for splitboarders), skis/splitboard, appropriate bindings, climbing skins, poles 
  3. Mountaineering crampons that fit your boots : or mountaineering boots and crampons if using soft splitboard boots  
  4. 30-50L backpack to carry gear : including avalanche safety equipment 
  5. Insulating/puffy layer
  6. Waterproof layer : hooded jacket and pants/bibs
  7. Head/face protection : warm hat, sun hat (baseball cap is great), neck gaiter (buff), sunglasses with good side coverage
  8. Base layer top and bottom : moisture wicking, non-cotton 
  9. Climbing gear : mountaineering harness, 2 pear-shaped locking carabiners, mountaineering axe
  10. 2 pairs of gloves : insulating gloves, waterproof gloves
  11. Personal kit : sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher), lip balm, headlamp and extra batteries, toiletries (please bring a plastic baggie for waste), personal medications and first aid, personal medications and first aid
  12. Avalanche safety gear : transceiver, shovel, probe (longer is better for the maritime snowpack)
  13. Water bottles/thermos with 2L capacity


OTHER / OPTIONAL GEAR

  • Pre-made lunch items, easy to eat with gloves on
  • Handy pocket items; gel, chews, bars, etc. 
  • Ski crampons  
  • Whistle 
  • Area maps and compass 
  • Heavy duty plastic trash bags (for water-proofing)
  • Camera 
  • Watch 
  • Half foam pad to stand/sit in snow 
  • Bandana

Car Equipment (items to keep in your car) *All of these items are optional but recommended when traveling in the mountains in winter.

  • Water bottle or thermos
  • Non-perishable food (salty snacks!)
  • Comfortable and warm cloths, socks, and shoes
  • First aid kit
  • Folding saw
  • Shovel
  • Warm blanket or sleeping bag
  • Tire chains

What Kaf Provides

  1. Climbing rope
  2. Group first aid kit and medical supplies 
  3. Snow/ice protection : ice screws and pickets