Why Ski with Us

Why Ski Mount Adams with Alpine Ascents?

Alpine Ascents International has been traveling in the mountains for more than 32 years. In our three decades guiding and instructing, we have utilized every tool available to today’s skier, splitboarder, or aspiring ski/split mountaineer. Alpine Ascents’ heritage includes many trips to truly remote skiing/riding destinations like Greenland, the North Pole, the South Pole, and the Alaska Range.

  • Our instructor team includes AIARE instructors, avalanche forecasters, AMGA ski guides, ski patrollers, IFMGA-certified guides with a broad range of experience
  • We offer convenient weekend courses in world-class backcountry ski terrain near Seattle
  • Gear rentals are available for all Alpine Ascents students

Our world-class instruction covers:

  • How to plan for travel in backcountry terrain utilizing avalanche and weather forecasts, maps and other resources
  • Use and maintenance of backcountry skiing and snowboarding equipment
  • Self-care and layering in the winter backcountry environment
  • Use of beacon, shovel and probe in avalanche rescue
  • Uphill travel techniques including skinning, track setting and kick turns
  • Downhill movement skills for powder skiing and navigating challenging snow conditions
  • Efficiency in transitions between uphill and downhill travel
  • Planning a backcountry descent with team members
  • Reading terrain and finding best snow conditions
  • Ways to spot and avoid common trigger points
  • How to analyze terrain (slope angle, aspect, terrain hazards)
  • Leave No Trace principles and their application in snowy terrain

Yes I enjoyed the course very much. I learned a lot of valuable skills, through-hands on practical activities. Yes I feel that I can use what I learned on future climbs.

Mount Adams | Klickitat — Climb + Ski Descent BLOG

  • PNW Ski Mountaineering Webinar

    Ski mountaineers flock to the Pacific Northwest every spring, drawn to the region’s legendary volcano descents. Whether you’re eyeing a Mount Baker (Kulshan) mission with its deep snowpack and stunning views or tackling Mount Adams (Pahto) via the classic Southwest Chutes, there’s a line for everyone. In this interactive webinar—featuring an expert deep dive and […]

  • Ski Boot Fit Basics

    Spring volcano season is right around the corner and having well-fitted, comfortable boots is essential for long days on the skin track and epic descents.    We teamed up with the legendary boot whisperer, Megan Jackson, of Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham to outline the basics of boot fit.  In the video below, she discusses physical […]

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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