Considered the best glacier training venue in the US, there’s no better place for an intro to mountaineering than Mount Baker! This all-women glacier school is actually a two-in-one experience—we’ll learn the basics of glacier mountaineering, but also summit the iconic Mount Baker, proudly standing at 10,781 ft! With an intimate climber-to-guide ratio, our professional guides offer personal and hands-on training. We can either do the 5-day Glacier School 1 (the very basics) or the 7-day Comprehensive Glacier School 2 (more advanced topics are covered). Whichever one you choose, a supporting and welcoming environment is guaranteed! With women of all ages and all backgrounds, this trip will create lifelong memories and maybe even friendships.
Mount Baker is the second most glaciated mountain in the Lower 48, an ideal chance to learn glacier travel
Open both to adult women and girls aged 14 and up—inspiration and mentorship frequently emerge within teams
With 12 glaciers and breathtaking views, it’s a paradise for anyone wanting to try mountaineering & overnighting in the outdoors
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
For both the Mount Baker Glacier School 1, and Mount Baker Comprehensive Glacier School 2 no mountaineering experience is required. Participants must be in very good physical condition and previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended but not mandatory.
Climbing 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.
Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying all 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).
No prior mountaineering experience is required, but it is always welcome. Participants must be in good physical condition. Some previous hiking experience is required and previous backpacking experience is always helpful. This instructional course and the climb of Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route is a moderate glacier climb that entails moderately steep terrain and crevasse crossings. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you check all the boxes above and listen to the given instructions, there is a really high chance of completing your climb.
Group camping equipment will be provided by your guiding service. Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
Here’s a list of clothes we suggest you bring:
You will need clothes for hiking during the day, resting in the evening, and for sleeping. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, which means no cotton
Yes, you can rent equipment for this all-women climbing adventure on Mt. Baker. While your guides provide group camping, cooking, and emergency gear, you are responsible for your personal climbing gear and attire. There are numerous rental shops in Seattle, check out Gear House or Ascent Outdoors.
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.
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.
More advanced topics are covered in the Comprehensive Glacier School 2, including expedition planning, crevasse rescue, more advanced rope work and technique. The 7-day itinerary also allows you more time to dive into the skills and deepen your lessons in glacier and rope team travel, self-arresting and use of your crampons and ice axes. A longer itinerary also allows you a better window for weather and to experience glacier camping at its finest!
Group sizes and prices:
Climbing days in Kilimanjaro can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Your tour starts in Seattle. The easiest way to get there is by flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 15 minutes away from downtown.
Both glacier schools begin 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 7 pm local time. If you are flying in for an international expedition, your flights should land no later than 3pm local time.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures on Mount Baker, please refer to Washington’s COVID-19 travel requirements.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
A $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your place is due booking. The balance of the program fee is due 90 days prior to the starting date of the program. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the following cancellation policy applies:
In some cases payments may be transferable; if you are required to forfeit your spot, you may find an acceptable replacement in which case your deposit and fees would transfer to your replacement without penalty.
Though unlikely, an expedition may be canceled for any reason prior to departure. In that event, the deposit and expedition fees paid by the participants will be refunded.
In the event of cancellation of a program and upon refund to participants of all program fee payments, the expedition organizer shall be released from any further liability to participants, including but not limited to liability for additional costs participants may have incurred, pre- departure expenses, non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, visa fees, equipment purchases and medical expenses.
Participants agree that beginning on the first date of the program itinerary, there will be no refunds of program fees for any reason whatsoever. Expedition participants agree the cost of any search and rescue undertaken on their behalf will be their financial responsibility. Including costs incurred by the expedition leader, other expeditions, government, and/or other entities.
