Mount Baker North Ridge

Climb Mount Baker North Ridge With Alpine Ascents

It was by far the best climb I have ever been on. The itinerary was spot on. The guides show so much enthusiasm and really bring out the best in the climbers. They were always eager to show and share their knowledge, and had exceptional communication skills. I thought the trip was perfect.

Our guides did an outstanding job. The climb was challenging but we felt safe at all times. They pushed us physically, but never had us outside our comfort zone. We lucked out with beautiful weather, and the North Ridge was spectacular!
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The North Ridge of Mount Baker, originally named Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, is an iconic northwest climbing route up the imposing and aesthetic North Ridge which rises nearly 4,000’ directly to the summit of the highest peak in the North Cascades. Climbers can anticipate multiple pitches of steep alpine ice up to 70 degrees. This new four-day instructional course/summit is a perfect introduction to alpine ice climbing and intermediate mountaineering that we developed for graduates of our six day mountaineering program. An ascent of the Emmons Glacier on Mount Rainier in conjunction with the North Ridge of Mount Baker is a highly recommended intermediate/advanced combination. This would be an intense 8 days of climbing and instruction and serve as great Denali preparation for those climbers with crevasse rescue experience.

The North Ridge route is much more challenging than our standard Easton Glacier route and our four day program offers an itinerary that blends instruction with an exciting intermediate objective. We will spend a half day ice climbing on the steep ice of the lower Coleman Glacier developing efficient climbing technique on 60-70 degree ice walls prior to making our summit attempt. During the ascent, climbers will also gain familiarity and confidence moving efficiently and quickly through moderate alpine ice and steep snow.  The 2-Day Alpine Ice Climbing Course is excellent preparation for this challenging objective and highly recommended for all climbers without significant ice climbing experience.  With a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer a personal experience and hands-on training with an experienced guide team.

Maximum team size: Four climbers with two 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.

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.

Selected Climbs in the Cascades
by Jim Nelson, Peter Potterfield, Mountaineers Books
Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills
Don Graydon (Ed.), Kurt Hanson (Ed.), Mountaineers Society, Mountaineers Books
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue
Andy Selters, Mountaineers Books
The Illustrated Guide to Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue
Andy Tyson, Mike Clelland, Climbing Magazine

To be honest, I don’t believe there were any weaknesses. The schedule was on point and allowed for plenty of rest. The small group size provides great opportunities for one-on-one training to really discuss more advanced scenarios. That’s not something I’ve necessarily had on other climbs. I also thought it was great that after the […]

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