Climb Glacier Peak With Alpine Ascents
Our 5-day Glacier Peak (known locally as Dahkobed) climb is perfect for climbers that enjoy the journey as much at the destination. The 5-day itinerary allows us to move at a slower pace, provides time for additional instruction while making the ascent, and allows an extra day to summit in case of inclement weather. Originally named Dahkobed, Glacier Peak beckons mountaineers through old growth forests, resplendent high alpine meadows, and across several glaciers to the secluded summit in the heart of the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness. Climbers can expect a long and incredibly scenic approach to an enjoyable and straightforward glacier climb that offers an excellent introduction to mountaineering.
Glacier Peak is a fantastic choice for climbers who appreciate the journey as well as the destination and seek a hefty dose of solitude with their rarefied alpine air. This instructional course/summit climb teaches the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit a remote peak. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for some of our more advanced expeditions.
Guide Ratio 3:1
Team size is 9 climbers with 3 guides. With one guide for every three climbers, you have more individualized instruction, great assistance on summit day, and overall success and risk management are increased. Our guides will be teachers and impart knowledge throughout the program.
Our climb includes round trip transportation between Seattle and the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead.
Our Glacier Peak climb with Alpine Ascents was outstanding. Our group really appreciated the 5 day trip. The arduous approach to Glacier included beautiful camps at White Pass and high camp, and the extra day gave our legs a little rejuvenation and made snow school very relaxed. Thanks again for an incredible experience.
This was my first climb with Alpine Ascents and I appreciated the organization and professionalism of the company and employees.
Tents Equipment & Meals
Provided: Transportation to and from the mountain; all group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes, technical hardware, and tents; breakfasts and dinners on the mountain.
Not Provided: Personal equipment and lunches. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.
2025 Charity Climb for The Sophia Way
Each year, Alpine Ascents donates a climb to a local charity, where 100% of the amounts paid by the climbers go directly to the organization. The charity is selected through nomination and then a vote by our administrative team.
This year’s charity climb will be in support of The Sophia Way.
The Sophia Way is an organization dedicated to providing hope and change for women experiencing homelessness. Since opening its doors in 2008 with just eight mats at Bellevue First Congregational Church, The Sophia Way has grown into a vital resource, helping women move from homelessness to safe and stable living. Their shelters, Sophia’s Place and Helen’s Place, offer a warm and safe space for more than 100 women every day, providing essentials like showers, rest, nourishing food, and compassionate care. The Sophia Way is the only organization in East King County that focuses exclusively on women experiencing homelessness and that in 2023, 411 women were housed, safe, and stable.
With a commitment to trauma-informed care, The Sophia Way’s case managers work closely with women to address their physical, mental, and financial well-being, supporting them on their path to stability.
Join us for this charity climb and help make a lasting impact on the lives of women in our community!
Climb Date: July 18 – 22, 2025
Suggested Donation: $1950.00 (standard cost for the climb)
Minimum Donation: $1,000.00
100% of proceeds from this climb will be donated to the charity!
Here are the other organizations we’ve supported in the past.
2024 Climb of Glacier Peak for Big City Mountaineers
2023 Climb of Tahoma for Unkitawa
2022 Climb of Shuksan for the Ukrainian Association of Washington State
2021 Climb of Shuksan for Got Green
2020 Climb of Shuksan for Facing Homelessness
2019 Climb of Shuksan for Jubilee Women’s Center
2018 Climb of Shuksan for Girls on Ice
2017 Climb of Shuksan for New Horizons
2016 Climb of Shuksan for SheJumps
2015 Climb of Eldorado for KEXP
2014 Climb of Eldorado for Roots
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
The Illustrated Guide to Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue
Andy Tyson, Mike Clelland, Climbing Magazine
All three guides are very personable, and so different from each other! I learned different things from each, and was encouraged in vastly different ways by each.
