• 2 skiers follow their amga ski guide on the Boston Glacier. making turns on soft snow with in North Cascades National Park during the Forbidden Tour
  • Setting up camp for the night on a glacal moraine below the Quien Sabe Glacier on Sahale mountain, appreciating the pink hughes of the stunning alpenglow. during the forbidden tour
  • A skier overlooks Eldorado Peak while descending the Forbidden Glacier during Guided Exposures Forbidden Tour Trip with in the North Cascades National Park
  • Sunoight shines across the Forbidden Glacier, North Ridge of Forbidden, and the NW Face of Forbidden with Mount Buckner behind with in North Cascades National Park during a forbidden tour ski traverse in washington state
  • a splitboarder rides down the east face of eldorado peak and onto the inspiration glacier during Guided exposures forbidden tour with in north cascades national park in washington state
  • blue skies and broken clouds cast sunlights on the snow and glacier covered slopes of johannesburg mountain with in north cascades national park during guided exposure forbidden tour
  • a very scenic camp on the inspiration glacier with eldorado peak in the background and glacier peak in the distance
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Forbidden Ski Tour

$1,400.00 USD
$1,400.00 USD

This classic 4 day ski traverse through the North Cascades circumnavigates the iconic Forbidden Peak. Crossing at least 5 different glaciers and summiting Eldorado Peak this trip is the epitome of ski mountaineering. With fall line riding advanced to expert splitboarders will also enjoy this one.

Our first day ascends through the forest to the subalpine toe of the Queen Sabe Glacier where expansive views of the North Cascades and Johannesburg Mountain spill out below us. The 2nd day starts out with a short climb up Sharkfin Col and rappel down onto the Boston Glacier. A pleasant glacier ski down and gradual climb back up to the Forbidden Col grants us access to a highlight ski descent down the Forbidden Glacier to Moraine Lake and our camp for the night. Day 3 starts off by ascending up another Cascades behemoth, the Inspiration Glacier. Here we have the option of getting up camp at the Tepee Towers and completing the original route by riding the McAllister Glacier loop. Or for a 3 day option we continue onto the summit of Eldorado Peak and ski the East Face, one of the 50 classic ski descents of North America. Whether its on day 3 or 4 we ski from Eldorado Peak down for 5,000' to the climbers trail and back to the trailhead. 

Join Us

Experience one of the most legendary ski traverses in the North America Alps, the North Cascades National Park. The classic ski mountaineering route known as the Forbidden Tour offers unmatched adventure, breathtaking views and relatively moderate skiing. Perfect for advanced to expert backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking to push discover and explore the North Cascades' stunning terrain.

Book your spot today and take your ski mountaineering skills to new heights!

Itinerary

Day 1: Ascent to Quien Sabe Glacier

  • Trailhead to Subalpine: Begin our 4 day tour by ascending through lush forests to the subalpine toe of the Quien Sabe Glacier.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy expansive views of the North Cascades and Johannesburg Mountain as we set up our first camp on the glacial moraines below Sahale Peak.

Day 2: Sharkfin Col to Forbidden Glacier

  • Sharkfin Col: Start with a short climb on crampons up Sharkfin Col, followed by a rappel down onto the Boston Glacier.
  • Boston Glacier Ski: Enjoy a pleasant glacier ski descent meandering around crevasses down moderate slopes, then gradually climb back up to the Forbidden Col.
  • Forbidden Glacier Descent: Experience a highlight ski descent 3,000' down the Forbidden Glacier to Moraine Lake, where you’ll camp for the night.

Day 3: Inspiration Glacier to Eldorado Peak

  • Inspiration Glacier Ascent: Begin your day by ascending one of the North Cascades largest glacial complexes the Inspiration Glacier.
  • Tepee Towers Option: Set up camp at the Tepee Towers and, if time allows, complete the original route by skiing the McAllister Glacier loop.
  • Summit Eldorado Peak: For a 3-day option, continue to the summit of Eldorado Peak and ski the East Face, one of North America’s 50 classic ski descents.

Day 4: Eldorado Peak Descent

  • Epic Ski Descent: Ski from Eldorado Peak down for an exhilarating 5,000-foot descent to the climbers’ trail.
  • Return to Trailhead: Complete your journey back to the trailhead, wrapping up an incredible ski mountaineering adventure.

 

Best for

  • Advanced to Expert Skiers and Splitboarders: Ideal for those with high-level skills and experience with the ability to ski tour for 3-4 days with a multiday backpack on vaiable snow surfaces such as corn, powder, wind buffed snow, and crust.
  • High Fitness Level: Requires excellent physical fitness for sustained multi-day efforts Each day averages 4,000' of vertical over 4 miles with a 35-40lb backpack.
  • Backpack Riding: Ability to ride while carrying a multi-day backpack.
  • Winter Camping Experience: Preferred prior experience with winter camping for comfort and safety. Our experienced guides will assist with camp craft style. 


Cancellation Policy

It is your responsibility to be familiar with our Payment, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policies. When you book a trip with Guided Exposure, you are agreeing to our policies outlined here:

guidedexposure.com/pages/cancellation-policy