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Located in the colossal Cascade Range, Snoqualmie Pass and the nearby Alpental valley draw in adventurers of all tastes year-round due to the Cascades’ versatile terrain. When winter knocks on the door and the temperatures dip below freezing, the area boasts some of the most gorgeous frozen waterfalls and icy formations any ice climbing connoisseur would want to get their crampons on! However, this scenic ice cragging area is suitable for newbie ice climbers as well. With a whole host of single- and multi-pitch routes and thick, high quality ice on offer, any adventurous soul looking for an adrenaline-inducing experience will find something just right for them. Whether you’re a total ice cragging newbie or you wish to push your skills to the next level, Snoqualmie Pass and its area have you covered. Your expert guide will show you the ins and outs of ice climbing in this premier location.

  • Feel the rush upon scaling the area’s jaw-dropping ice walls

  • Soak up the beauty of this frozen haven and its icy formations

  • The area is rife with ice cragging routes for rookie and expert climbers alike

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Meet your guide

Indigo Alpine Guides
5.00
Indigo Alpine Guides
Indigo Alpine Guides was founded by Jack Bynum who has 10 years of experience guiding backcountry trips around the world. He has also travelled over 20,000 miles by bike, sea kayak, raft, on foot and skis and has become the youngest person to solo Denali. He's also put up first ascents on 6,000 meter peaks in the Himalayas. Most expeditions and trips are guided by Jack and the company focuses on custom trips with superb logistics in the seldom-travelled parts of the world. They believe in doing risky things with humility and that wild space is sacred.
5.00 (1 reviews)
Jacob T. (source: Indigo Alpine Guides’ website)

Climbing with Jack was soo much fun… he’s very relaxed and friendly but clearly a stand-out professional. He had such an attention to detail and really helped me improve my climbing technique.

Things to know

  • 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 in Snoqualmie Pass, WA, please refer to Washington State Department of Health and Washington State Coronavirus Response.

    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!

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • A full day of ice climbing
      • All group gear climbing gear (ropes, quickdraws, slings, carabiners, first aid kit, emergency communication device)

    What’s not included:

      • Travel to Alpental or wherever the adventure takes you
      • Personal clothing and equipment
      • Parking
      • Food and snacks for the day
      • Medical/evacuation insurance
      • Trip cancellation insurance
  • If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up ice formations using brute strength. You also need to be capable of hiking for 2 hours and being in cold weather conditions all day. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

  • Snoqualmie Pass has plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never ice climbed before or are transitioning from rock to ice climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the ice formations, and most importantly, have fun!

    For intermediate to advanced ice climbers, Snoqualmie Pass has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while ice climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

  • All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

      • Ropes
      • Quickdraws
      • Slings
      • Carabiners
      • First aid kit
      • Emergency communication device

    Here’s a list of the equipment you should bring:

      • Helmet
      • Mountaineering Boots (available for rent in town)
      • Crampons (available for rent in town)
      • Headlamp
      • Technical ice axes
      • Harness
      • Ski goggles
      • Sunglasses
      • Insulated parka
      • Warm hat and sun hat
      • Heavy and medium weight gloves
      • Neck gaiter or balaclava — optional
      • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
      • Down or synthetic jacket or vest
      • Synthetic or wool zip shirt
      • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
      • 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
      • Toiletries
      • Sunscreen and lip balm
      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
      • Camera — optional

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For the private single-pitch adventure, the max. guest to guide ratio is 4:1
      • For the private multi-pitch adventure, the max. guest to guide ratio is 2:1
      • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for these adventures, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

    Ice climbing days in Snoqualmie Pass can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

  • To get to Snoqualmie Pass, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about an hour away from Snoqualmie Pass. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you’ll meet your guide at Alpental Parking Lot, a 10-minute drive from Snoqualmie Pass. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  • Day Trips Cancellations
    Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

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