Climb Mount Shuksan With Alpine Ascents
It was a fabulous trip, better than expected. When we encountered a challenging circumstance, our guides improvised beautifully. Our lead guide was an encyclopedic knowledge of the area, along with tips on how to cut pack weight, preferred meals, gear tips and more. It was a privilege to absorb a little bit of his amazing experience and knowledge. This trip was everything and more that I have come to expect from Alpine Ascents. I’m proud to climb with a first-rate organization like AAI around the world, and plan to continue doing so.
Mount Shuksan (9,127’), originally named Ch’ésqen is an immense and aesthetically magnificent mountain, arguably the most iconic in the North Cascades. It stands as one of the finest mountaineering objectives in the range, requiring a variety of alpine climbing techniques to reach its airy summit. This four-day instructional course/summit climb is an excellent choice for climbers who enjoyed their 3-Day Baker or 3-Day Muir climb and are interested in tackling more a technically challenging objective. Basic snow and glacier climbing skills lead the climber across the mighty Sulfide Glacier until the exciting rock summit pyramid. Depending on the time of year, the route to the summit is usually a fun mix of snow climbing, easy rock scrambling, and plentiful ledges. The truly memorable summit rewards climbers with stunning views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades.
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 some the basics of glacier mountaineering, including self-arrest training, cramponing, and roped team travel. Additionally, as the final climb to Mount Shuksan’s spectacular summit is on rock, we will spend a whole day at beautiful Mount Erie learning belaying, rappelling, knots, rope management and rock climbing movement prior to heading to the mountain. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for some of our more advanced expeditions.
Maximum team size: Eight 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.
2022 - Ukrainian Association of Washington
2022 Charity Climb: Ukrainian Association of Washington State
This year’s charity climb will be in support of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State. In times of peace, they promote Ukraine through culture and education. Currently, their support priorities are focused on the following areas:
- Deliver medical supplies to hospitals in Ukraine (in partnership with Medical Teams International)
- Provide civilian territorial defense units with body armor
- Support civilians in life-saving tactical medicine
- Help internally displaced families and orphans
2022 Climb Date: August 23 – August 6, 2022
Suggested donation: $1,750.00 (standard cost for a 4 day climb)
Minimum donation: $875.00
100% of proceeds from this climb will be donated to the charity!
Previous Donations
Each year, Alpine Ascents donates a climb to a local charity, where 100% of the amounts paid by the climbers goes directly to the organization.
2014 Climb of Eldorado Peak for Roots
2015 Climb of Eldorado Peak for KEXP
2016 Climb of Mount Shuksan for SheJumps
2017 Climb of Mount Shuksan for New Horizons
2018 Climb of Mount Shuksan for Girls on Ice
2019 Climb of Mount Shuksan for Jubilee Women’s Center
2020 Climb of Mount Shuksan for Facing Homelessness
2021 Climb of Mount Shuksan for Got Green
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
It was a joy to interact with the guides and watch them working together as a team. It felt smooth, friendly, respectful, and natural. They were very effective communicating and coordinating everything from minor details of the camp to large climbing and planning decisions. They also responded well to each team member individually, as well […]
