Why are we offering climbs and programs for women only?
At Alpine Ascents International we want to see more women (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community out in the mountains. We know from experience that there’s something uniquely special about an affinity expedition. Whether it’s the camaraderie, the truly epic snacks, or just knowing that you’re not alone in the dreaded pee-funnel situation, climbing mountains with other women is a very good thing.
Our all-women’s programs combine the time tested itineraries of our summit climbs and courses with a supportive and fun environment led by accomplished female guides. We want your experience with us to be more than just tagging a summit. (Don’t worry, we will definitely be tagging summits.) Our hope is that you leave the Cascades with both the confidence and hard skills that will inspire you take on other challenges in your life, both in and out of the mountains.
Maybe you’ll even come back with a new adventure buddy or two.
I loved every second of the experience. I am very thankful for the women specific focus of the trip – this was one of the best features of the trip. I found the group to be a source of support and inspiration and I would definitely recommend this to other women. –2020 Climber
Alpine Ascents International X Trail Mixed
Alpine Ascents International is thrilled to work with Trail Mixed to provide summit climbs and courses for women of color (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who self-identify with the women’s community.
Trail Mixed is dedicated to increasing access to outdoor sports for women of color. They believe that approaching new outdoor sports and later, advancing at them, relies on a few things: inspiration from people they can relate to, access to education and gear, safe community spaces, and motivation and guidance from mentors who care.
Alpine Ascents International x SheJumps
Alpine Ascents International is excited to team up with SheJumps to provide summit climbs and courses for women and girls (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who self-identify with the women’s community.
SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. Partnering with nature, SheJumps creates safe, educational outdoor experiences for girls and women that nurture growth and transformation. They believe in increasing diversity in the outdoors and providing ALL women and girls with the spark that will lead to a lifetime of outdoor learning and empowerment. SheJumps is an inclusive organization and welcomes all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.
“We seek to plant the idea that it is possible to live an adventurous and inspiring lifestyle, no matter who you are or where you come from.”
– Claire Smallwood, SheJumps Executive Director
Winter 2022-23
SheJumps AIARE 1 Course
January 21 – 22, 2023 – Snoqualmie Pass
January 26 – 27, 2023 – Stevens Pass
February 18 – 19, 2023 – Snoqualmie Pass
SheJumps AIARE 2 Course
February 25 – 27, 2023 – Mount Baker
SheJumps AIARE Rescue Course
December 30, 2022 – Stevens Pass
SheJumps Intro to Backcountry Touring
February 11 – 12, 2023 – Stevens Pass
SheJumps Intro to Backcountry Gear and Movement
December 31, 2022 – Stevens Pass
Summer 2023
SheJumps 1-Day Mountaineering Fundamentals Clinic
May 14
SheJumps Crevasse Rescue Clinic
May 27
SheJumps Mount Adams Ski Descent
June 5 – 6
SheJumps Learn to Lead Course
July 1 – 2
SheJumps Weekend Multi Pitch Course
July 15 – 16
SheJumps Rock Rescue Course
July 29
SheJumps 6-Day Course
August 13 – 18
SheJumps Intro to Trad Climbing Weekend
August 26 – 27
SheJumps Alpine Rock Course
September 8 – 11
How to Sign Up
After checking program availability on the homepage of your desired climb or course, you can register using the link below.
3-DAY MUIR CLIMB - OUR MOST POPULAR CLIMB, BUT LADIES ONLY
This three-day instructional course and summit climb will teach you some of the basics of glacier mountaineering, including self-arrest training, and glacier travel techniques, leading up to a summit attempt of Mt. Rainier. Successful completion of this program will give you the required skills for some of our more advanced expeditions. Prior to your summit climb, all team members will have an instructional gear check, during which you will review the functionality of each piece of gear and learn about wilderness ethics, Leave No Trace principles, and the mission statement of the National Park Service.
This climb will be led by four of our accomplished female guides and open to women only.
For comprehensive climb information, please refer to our Mount Rainier 3-Day Muir Climb page.
Price and Dates
PRICE
$2,700.00 (includes transportation, breakfast and dinner)
2023 SCHEDULE
August 3 – 5 – SOLD OUT
3-DAY BAKER CLIMB - PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS
The quintessential Northwest glacier, Mt. Baker (along with its kindred peak, Mt. Rainier), provides and fantastic climbing experience for both the novice and developed mountaineer. This three-day instructional course/summit climb teaches you some of the basics of glacier mountaineering, including self-arrest training, glacier and rope techniques while looking to summit Mt. Baker. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for some of our more advanced expeditions. Prior to your summit climb, all team members have an instructional gear check which reviews the functionality of each piece of gear, wilderness ethics and leave no trace.
This climb will be led by three of our accomplished female guides and open to women only.
For comprehensive climb information, please refer to our Mount Baker 3-Day Climb page.
Price and Dates
PRICE
$1,100.00 (includes transportation, breakfast and dinner)
2023 SCHEDULE
July 11 – 13 – REGISTER
August 10 – 12 – REGISTER
MOUNT SHUKSAN- PICTURESQUE AND CHALLENGING
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.
This climb will be led by four of our accomplished female guides and open to women only.
For comprehensive climb information, please refer to our Mount Shuksan Sulphide Glacier Climb page.
Price and Dates
6-DAY MOUNTAINEERING COURSE - THE CLASSIC COURSE
Distinguished among climbing schools, our six-day program has been the foundation of our education programs for over 20 years. During this course, our students receive hands-on climbing and climber’s safety training on the premier alpine training ground of the Cascades, Mount Baker. Alpine Ascents believes the best training for mountaineering is accomplished with as much time in the field as possible, so all six days are spent in the mountains.
This program is designed for the beginner or intermediate climber who wishes to develop strong fundamental skills in all aspects of snow and glacier climbing as well as rock climbing. It serves as a prerequisite for many of Alpine Ascents’ intermediate-level climbs and is a stepping stone to more technically difficult mountains, including Denali. This course has served as a springboard to many climbing careers, including numerous Everest summiters, and has developed a foundation of skills for hundreds of independent climbers.
This course will be led by two of our accomplished female guides and open to women only.
For complete course information, please refer to our Cascades 6-Day page.
Prices and Dates
Private Climbs
Do you have a group of female friends you would like to climb with? You’re in luck!
We regularly offer private climbs and courses for small groups. Please contact us for details as we can usually accommodate your schedule and group needs. Additionally, we can set you up with a female guide if given sufficient notice.
This is a highly recommended shortlist of titles to inspire, motivate, and educate. 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
Women on High: Pioneers of Mountaineering
Rebecca Brown
Annapurna: A Woman's Place
Arlene Blum
Space Below My Feet
Gwen Moffat
It was clear that Vern & Carole are pros and very knowledgeable. They shared their passion for the Khumbu region with us. The local Sherpas were very helpful as well.
