Climb Glacier Peak With Alpine Ascents
FOR 2021, AS PART OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS: Climbers will need to self drive until further notice. Further information will be sent upon sign up.
Our new 5-day Glacier Peak climb is specifically designed for climbers that are 55 and older. Most climbers ascend Glacier Peak in four days, our 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. 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.
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. —2020 Climber
Tents Equipment & Meals
Provided: Transportation. All group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes and technical hardware; meals (except lunch); and tents.
Not Provided: Personal equipment and lunches. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.
Note: If you are a beginning climber, we strongly advise renting as much gear as possible. Alpine Ascents and other local retailers provide quality rental equipment at reasonable prices. We also offer a 10% discount at the Alpine Ascents Gear Shop located at our offices.
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
Glacier Peak Frequently Asked Questions
Please note we will mail specific information to you about your climb upon registration. The following Frequently Asked Questions are meant to serve as helpful guidelines.
Summit climbs: Glacier Peak has a mandatory gear check at 6:30AM on the first day of the climb.
Finishes: Between 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on the last day of the climb.
Location: Alpine Ascents Office. 109 West Mercer Street, Seattle.
Please note: Our recommended hotel, The MarQueen Hotel is located two blocks from our office.
MarQueen Hotel
206-282-7407
http://www.marqueen.com/
This climb is open to any physically fit enthusiastic novice or beginner. Though we provide one day of training during the climb, we recommend participants have prior experience with backpacking and camping. This trip is extremely rigorous and excellent physical condition is mandatory. Please note the guide retains the right, at any point, to determine whether a climber is sufficiently fit to continue the climb.
A mandatory gear check will take place the morning of your climb. You are required to attend this meeting so we can do a thorough gear check, provide packing suggestions, review the route we will be taking, discuss Leave No Trace practices, and answer any questions you may have regarding the climb.
Location: Alpine Ascents office @ 109 West Mercer St., Seattle, WA
What to bring: Please bring your pack fully loaded with all gear listed on the Gear List. Climbers can pick up rental Gear at the gear check.
Arrive in time to attend the gear check and plan to depart at least one day after your climb ends. There are variables, such as the weather, that make it difficult to guarantee the exact time each climb will end. You will need to be ready to go at 6:30 a.m. on the morning your climb begins.
Street parking is limited to two-hour meters. There are numerous pay lots located adjacent to and across from our offices. Please be advised, overnight parking may be difficult to secure during the summer season. Please note: Free long-term parking is generally difficult in the vicinity of Alpine Ascents. If you plan to stay in Seattle and have a car, try to arrange a taxi or ride to our offices on the morning of the climb. You may store extra gear in our offices until your return from the climb. Please give us a call if you have any problems.
Alpine Ascents provides breakfast and dinners (as well as stoves and tents) on the climb. Please bring a cup, bowl, and spoon. You are required to bring your own lunches (Please review the Sample Menu Plan in your confirmation package). If you have any food allergies or requirements, please let us know in advance. There is a place on the application to do this. If you have a particular favorite snack/lunch food or beverage mix, please feel free to bring it along. We advise climbers to purchase most bulk foods before we meet. If you are staying in Seattle, there are numerous supermarkets as well as the flagship REI, North Face, and Patagonia gear shops for fresh and prepackaged foods.
The weight of your pack will generally be about 55 lbs.
The ratio is 4:1 on our Glacier Peak 5-Day climb.
When you sign up for a climb, we will send you a confirmation package that includes a Gear List detailing each piece of equipment you will need. Please read your equipment list very carefully. You are required to bring every item on the list, so be as precise as possible when packing. Alpine Ascents rents quality technical equipment at reasonable rates. If you have any equipment-related questions please call us (206-378-1927). You can also email us at: [email protected] We have a full-time gear expert on staff.
You will pick up your rental gear at our offices during the gear check.
The mountains of the Northwest and north coast are heavily glaciated temperate mountains. This means they are subject to highly variable weather conditions.
- Pack everything in two layers of sturdy plastic. (trash compactor bags work the best) Bring one large trash bag to completely and easily cover your pack. You should bring at least three bags.
- It is likely that you will be asked to help carry some of the group equipment, so make sure there is some additional room in and on your backpack.
You will get far more out of your climb by reading “Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 6th ed.,” by The Mountaineers. This book provides an excellent overview of the elements involved in alpine mountaineering. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 6 review many of the aspects we will be covering during your training, and familiarity with these aspects will greatly enhance your experience.
At Alpine Ascents, we clean and check our rental boots, packs, crampons, ice axes, tents, and other items on a daily basis. Gear is sized at the gear check, and changes can be made at that time. All of our gear is of the highest quality. Please note that double plastic boots do not break in.
Yes. See the training tips above. But keeping in mind that you are climbing a mountain and it is not easy, if you follow our physical fitness tips and do some training on your own, you should complete the climb with no problems.
For climbers who need to be escorted from the climb, there is an evacuation fee.
The travel logistics, hotels and lodges etc, were all superb. We will certainly climb with Alpine Ascents again and won’t hesitate to recommend your company.
