Choosing an Alpine Ascents Course

Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Most comprehensive glacier course we offer in that those who successfully complete will have learned the gamut of basic skills, including ice climbing and the chance to utilize those skills on two summit attempts. The second summit attempt is via the more technical Kautz glacier on Mt. Rainier. Join this course in excellent physical condition and walk away with a very strong skill set and excellent understanding of the rigors of climbing glaciated peaks. Along with the 8 Day, 9 Day, and Denali Prep courses, this course is recommended for climbers preparing for Denali and similar peaks such as Antarctica’s Vinson. (This course is offered at a lower price than the Six Day and Kautz Climb done separately). Climbing Rainier allows one to summit a peak over 14,000 feet.

Beginner/Advanced Beginner
One of the most comprehensive glacier courses we offer in that those who successfully complete will have learned the gamut of basic skills and the chance to utilize those skills on two summit attempts. The second summit attempt is via the Camp Muir route on Mt. Rainier. Join this course in excellent physical condition and walk away with a very strong skill set and excellent understanding of the rigors of climbing glaciated peaks. Along with the 8 Day, 10 Day and Denali Prep courses, this course is recommended for climbers preparing for Denali and similar peaks such as Antarctica’s Vinson. Climbing Rainier allows one to summit a peak over 14,000 feet.

Beginner
This comprehensive course covers all aspects of glacier mountaineering with a chance to summit Mt. Rainier. This course takes place on the Emmons glacier (a lesser used route on Rainier) and may have a day of ice climbing, conditions permitting. Eight days of intensive training will give most students the skills needed to take on larger glaciated peaks such as Denali. This may be a better course for those who want the skills for Denali (or similar) and want the chance to summit Rainier, climb mid-season and learn skills in more favorable conditions than the Denali Prep course. (2:1 climber to guide on summit day). Climbing Rainier allows one to summit a peak over 14,000 feet.

Beginner
Our tried and true course for the last 20 years, as we tackle glacier skills and attempt a summit of Mt. Baker (The Ice King!). This is a chance to climb in Washington’s great range, The North Cascades and gain knowledge of basic mountaineering skills. This has been our standard prerequisite for many climbs such as Ecuador, Elbrus, and technical routes on Rainier. Our 6 Day course also serves as an adequate prerequisite for Denali though for some, the longer courses such as the Denali Prep, 8 Day, 9 Day, and 10 Day Course may be more suitable given the extra teaching days. The 6 Day is an excellent value. Recommended for those who do not have 8-10 days for a training course or who are confident about learning the glacier climbing skills in six days. (Also good preparation for Aconcagua)

Beginner/Advanced Beginner
This is a winter mountaineering course designed to introduce climbers to winter climbing and replicate conditions that one may find on cold weather climbs such as Denali. Skills covered include pulling sleds, building snow structures, snow shoeing and glacier skills such as self-arrest and crevasse rescue. This course is recommended to those who are looking for an early season course (offered February – May) or for those who have some basic climbing skills and want to add winter training. This is a superb training program that generally does not offer a summit attempt, but a chance to climb on Rainier in the winter/spring. This course is also opportune for climbers looking to take on Denali later in the same season.

Beginner
This course combines our 6 Day Baker Mountaineering Course with seven days of Alpine rock. We take three days to learn skills at a famed rock climbing area in Central Washington, then put the combined glacier and rock skills to the test on a mixed route climb (conditions to determine route). This course has a 3:1 climber to guide ratio and serves as a prerequisite. for many of our more advanced glacier climb climbs as well as Alpine Rock climbs such as the Matterhorn. This course is also excellent for those who plan to continue climbing in the vast North Cascades where mixed climbing routes are common.

Beginner
Our 8 Day Alaska offers a chance to learn climbing skills under the shadow of Alaska’s “Great one” Denali. This is also a very comprehensive course, covering all basic mountaineering skills (self arrest, crevasse rescue, advanced glacier skills) and offers the chance to climb two peaks in the Alaska Range. This course is generally less demanding then our Washington State course (Rainier and North Cascades) as it does not require a long approach hike. This may be less appealing for those looking to test their physical conditioning.

Beginner
This comprehensive course covers all aspects of glacier mountaineering with a chance to climb in the Alps. This course is late season giving those a chance to complete a training course before the winter. We also look to this course to refresh and assess those climbers that have easier access to Europe.

Eight days of intensive training while carrying a heavy pack will give most students the skills needed to take on larger glaciated peaks such as Denali.

Beginner
The Cascades Rock Climbing course is appropriate for those with those with absolutely no rock climbing experience as well as seasoned gym climbers who want to break into the realm of outdoor climbing. The Cascades rock climbing course will start at the very foundations of rockcraft, belaying and climbing commands, and rapidly build upon those skills to culminate in a 3-pitch pitch climb and basic rock rescue. Students can expect short, casual approaches, and ample opportunity to rest between climbs.

Beginner
These summit climbs are also training courses and serve as a prerequisite for such climbs as Elbrus, Island Peak and Ecuador and Mexico Volcanoes.

Beginner
This course is designed for all individuals recreating on snow in the mountains whether skiing, split-boarding, snowshoeing, climbing, or mountaineering. Alpine Ascents offers a comprehensive 24-hour course that introduces students to the necessary decision-making tools for managing risk while traveling in avalanche terrain.

Our 24 hour AIARE avalanche education program is comprised of Thursday and Friday evening sessions at Alpine Ascents in Seattle, followed by field sessions on Saturday and Sunday in the backcountry. It is the same curriculum as the standard three-day course, broken up into two consecutive evening classroom sessions, allowing participants to join without missing a day of work or school.

During this course, students receive hands-on experience making decisions in avalanche terrain and practice with avalanche rescue skills. Our courses are offered at a six to one student-instructor ratio.

Beginner
Avalanche rescue skills are an absolute must for all individuals recreating on snow in the mountains. This one day course is specifically designed to help educate backcountry users on how to respond if you or your partners are caught in an avalanche. Whether you are new to backcountry travel or are a seasoned veteran, this course is for you.

Beginner
In the Alpine Ascents Backcountry Ski/Ride Seminar, students spend two full field days learning and applying all the skills of a proficient backcountry traveler. Skinning efficiently uphill, tour planning, and applying the avalanche forecast to terrain are a few of the key fundamentals taught and practiced. Our guides will also coach students on staying warm and dry while managing the extremes of tough physical effort and cold winter conditions. Throughout the course, we integrate an understanding of avalanche hazard into the bigger equation of having a fun and safe day of backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

Beginner
Our one-day seminar teaches basic skills essential for mountaineering. Successful completion of the course fulfills the prerequisites for our 4-Day climb of Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier. Participants can expect a full day of learning and practicing snow climbing techniques which include ascending and descending steep snow slopes, cramponing, ice axe use, and self-arrest.

Beginner
The stunning wilderness of the Pacific Northwest provides the setting for this skills-driven course in wilderness navigation, trip planning, food preparation, survival, and minimum-impact camping skills. It provides a wealth of knowledge for those who want to seriously embrace the rigors of backcountry travel. From the hanging glaciers and craggy peaks of the North Cascades to the sweeping panoramas and heather meadows of the Goat Rocks Wilderness, backpacking allows for a truly immersive wilderness experience, free from the limits of a day hike. Depending on the weather, trail conditions, and interests of the group, we have flexibility to choose between several routes. Read about a few of our favorite backpacking trips in the “routes” section.

Intermediate
The 8 Day Intermediate Mountaineering course is an incredible opportunity to learn advanced alpine climbing topics in North Cascades. The focus of the course is climbing steep snow, ice, rock and mixed terrain, in addition to glacier travel. The wilderness of the North Cascades provides the ideal training ground due to the variety of terrain that is available. The goal of this course is that graduating students should be able to climb non-technical glaciated mountains with short sections of moderately technical terrain safely.

Intermediate
A favorite among both guides and students, the 8-Day Alaska Intermediate Mountaineering course is an incredible opportunity to learn advanced mountaineering skills in one of the great ranges of the world, the Alaska Range. The focus of this course is navigating big glaciers and ascending steep snow climbs in an expedition environment. The goal of this course is that graduating students should be able to climb non-technical glaciated mountains safely. It also provides an excellent advanced preparation for guided ascents of the Kautz Glacier on Mount Rainier, Denali, Mount Vinson, Cho Oyu. Our Alaska programs are unique in that we fly directly onto the Kahiltna Glacier and minimizes the approach into the mountains allowing the group to focus on skill development and ascending several different peaks in the area.

Intermediate
The Alpine Rock Climbing course is appropriate for 6 Day course graduates with a firm understanding of the basics of rock climbing including the ability to tie knots, belay and rappel safely—multi pitch climbing experience is preferred. While there is a day of review, the majority of the course is spent climbing 3 separate, full-day (8+ hours) alpine rock objectives. Students can expect strenuous approaches of 1.5-3 hours, long days, big exposure, and minimal opportunity to rest between pitches.

Beginner – Intermediate
Alpine Ascents is pleased to be bringing our mountaineering school to the climbing mecca of Chamonix, France. This 8 day program serves as both a great introduction to Alpine Mountaineering and a chance for skilled climbers to further develop skills. We also use this program and a skills assessment and refinement for those looking to join technical climbs such as Denali.