A ski/split climb and descent of Mt Baker is the ultimate reward for advanced backcountry travelers looking to extend their ski season.
Who said you had to hang up your ski gear in April? Our three-day Mt Baker Sea to Summit provides a challenging and rewarding experience to tackle a beautiful Cascade Volcano. Whether you’ve participated in our Steep and Deep Camp, Wallowas Ski Traverse or are just looking to squeak out some late-season turns join us for an unforgettable experience.
Trip Details
Depending on conditions and weather, we will meet at a predetermined time and location on either the north or south side of Mt Baker. Spring conditions can change rapidly in the Cascades so we may be chasing pow or waiting for the corn harvest. The classic route on the north side from the Heliotrope Trailhead is the Coleman-Deming. On the south side from the Schreibers Meadow trailhead, we can access the Easton and Squak glaciers. After meeting at the trailhead and reviewing gear and equipment we’ll skin for 3-4 hours and set up camp. Conditions and energy permitting we’ll try and get out for a ski tour. We can accommodate a variety of trip lengths, ranging from 1-4 days.
We require that all guests have an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for our outings.
ITINERARY
Day 1: This is a general itinerary for a 3-day trip. We are happy to create a custom trip.
- Skin for up to 4 hours to our backcountry camp and set up tents (roughly 3,000’ elevation gain)
- Go for a ski tour near the camp
Day 2:
- Our guides will cover the skills necessary to be safely guided to the summit, crampon and ice axe techniques, self arrest, glacier travel and basic crevasse rescue
- Sample some of the ski options around camp
- Pack and prepare for the summit day
Day 3:
- Climb to the summit of Mt Baker 10,781’ (6 hours uphill)
- Descend via the Easton Glacier/Squak (south side) or Coleman Deming (north side)
- This is around 5,000’ of downhill turning!
- Pack camp up and continue to the trailhead
TRIP LENGTH
1 Day: This is exclusively for the very fit skier/rider as the elevation gain/loss is 7,000’.
2 Days: Perfect for those with previous mountaineering experience, or less time available.
3 Days: Our most classic trip, with two possible summit days, more chill and ski time.
4 Days: A great trip length for those interested in learning more about crevasse rescue, technical rope systems, and more skiing!
DETAILS
Difficulty: Good fitness, advanced downhill ski skills, and previous ski touring experience required.
Meeting Time: TBD by you and your guide
Requirements:
- Good physical fitness and downhill skiing/riding ability
- The elevation gain to the summit from our camp is 5,000’
- Ability to ski/ride in variable conditions including wind-affected snow, powder, sticky snow, etc in steep terrain
- Ability to carry a 30-pound overnight pack to the basecamp
What we Provide:
- Professional ski guide with AMGA Training
- 3:1 Guest to guide ratio
- Tents, ropes, stoves, technical group gear, WAG Bags
What You Need:
- Food for 3 days total, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners (meal planning guide)
- Ski crampons and boot crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, 2 locking carabiners
- Alpine touring equipment – rubber-soled AT boots with walk mode required, Dynafit-style bindings strongly encouraged
- Splitboarding equipment – hard boot, “Dyna-split” style set up strongly encouraged
- Backcountry skiing clothing and equipment
- Down booties
- Sleeping bag (0-20 degree depending on conditions)
- Review the full equipment list
DATES & RATES
- May-June 2025 (Email us to set up a trip)
Prices per day
1:1 $625
2:1 $425
3:1 $325
503-329-6603
info@eaglecapmountainguides.com
