Forbidden Peak – West Ridge

Climb West Ridge of Forbidden Peak With Alpine Ascents

Forbidden Peak lies in the heart of the North Cascades and is one of the crown jewels of the region. Stunning glacier vistas, solid rock, and the sheer majesty and position of the peak combine to make this a truly memorable ascent. The aesthetic West Ridge, made famous by its inclusion in the book, “Fifty Classic Climbs of North America,” stands as one of the most coveted mountaineering objectives in the lower 48. After a short but demanding approach, climbers will utilize steep snow-climbing skills and put their rock climbing prowess to the test on this airy summit climb.

With a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer a personal experience and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. This climb will teach climbers how to move quickly and efficiently through moderately technical terrain (rock and snow/ice) and improve rock climbing and steep snow movement skills. We will also review belaying, rappelling, knots, and rope management prior to the start of the climb.

This climb of the West Ridge of Forbidden Peak combined with the Intro to Alpine Rock Course is an outstanding Matterhorn prep course and highly recommended for those that can make the time.

Maximum team size: Six climbers with three guides.

EQUIPMENT & MEALS

Provided: All group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes, technical hardware, and tents;  breakfasts and dinners on the mountain.

Not provided: Transportation, personal equipment, and lunches. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.

The expedition was just unbelievable. I’ve never done anything like this, and the guides made it absolutely wonderful. The food was great, the teaching was great, and the guides really catered to our experience level. I’m already starting to think of what I can do next!

Reading List

This is a highly recommended shortlist and we would be happy to pass on a longer reading list for those interested. These links will bounce to Amazon.com with reviews.

Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills
Don Graydon (Ed.), Kurt Hanson (Ed.), Mountaineers Society, Mountaineers Books
Glacier Climbing & Crevasse Rescue
Ian Nicholson, Mountaineers Books

Group was good. Guides were excellent. High camp was set up excellently as well. Accommodations as good as can be noting the area.   Appreciated the “extra’s” like salami and oysters! Strengths: Support/logistics both in and out of country. Attention to safety/health by guides/staff was outstanding. Training on trip good for me. – 2017 Climber

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Training for Denali Webinar

    If Denali is on your horizon, it’s time to get serious about training. Join world-renowned alpinist, Uphill Athlete founder, and co-author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, Steve House for a deep dive into what it truly takes to prepare for North America’s highest peak. In this session, Steve breaks down the key principles behind […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 9/3/2026

    Hello climbers, It felt like the switch to fall happened in the mountains this week!  Cool temperatures and precipitation have returned to the mountains.  New snow returned to mid and upper elevations over the last couple days, and a handful of inches is expected over the next few days and leading into the weekend as […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/19/2026

    Hello climbers, Conditions continue to stay phenomenal around the mountains in Washington. Smoke forecasts look really good throughout the rest of the week and into weekend. We are starting to see some mid to late August weather patterns start to creep in, with blip of cooler temperatures and light precipitation working its way into the […]

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
© Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved. Alpine Ascents International