Zero to Hero Ski Camp in Mt Baker’s Backcountry

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 5 days of field instructions, guiding, and mentorship
    • 8+ hours of self-paced online education
    • AIARE Level 1 Certification
    • AIARE Companion Rescue Certification
    • All meals during the camp (at the Guide House before and after field days)

  What’s not included:

  • • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
    • Transportation to and from Glacier, WA 
    • Accommodations (plenty of great options in the area)
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To enjoy this ski camp at Mt Baker, you need to be in good physical shape. You will be on your feet for 5-7 hours a day for 5 full days, covering 6-10 miles (10-15km) of terrain every day and manage controlled descents in variable conditions.

  All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black-level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

• What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

  Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with solid blue or black level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out on this ski camp at Mt Baker with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

• What do I need to bring?

  For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

  • • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
    • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
    • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
      • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
      • Lightweight snow shovel
      • Avalanche probe

  For personal items, we recommend bringing:

  • • Helmet
    • Sunglasses or ski goggles
    • Gloves and hat
    • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Down jacket or vest
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
    • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
    • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
    • Water bottle and 1L of water
    • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • First aid kit
    • Sunscreen
    • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
    • Camera — optional
• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: 

  • • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from Glacier Ski Shop
    • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Glacier Ski Shop
    • Splitboards can be rented from Glacier Ski Shop.

  Ski rental locations are in Glacier, WA and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. 
    • It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate. 
    • The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows. 

  Backcountry skiing at Mount Baker can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Glacier, WA, where you will be based, most people fly into Seattle Tacoma International Airport, which is three hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location in Glacier, WA. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Covid measures at Mount Baker

  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 traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures at Mt. Baker, please refer to the official Washington State website.

  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!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. 
    • For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
    • For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. 
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.