Summer Ice Climbing

Trip Highlight

Ice Climb on Frozen Glaciers in the Pacific Northwest

Develop essential ice climbing skills for alpinism and mountaineering on Mount Baker’s summer glacier ice. This guided program is for climbers of all levels and can be customized as a one-, two-, or three-day experience, with options to build toward more advanced objectives such as the North Ridge of Mount Baker when conditions and ability allow.

Client to Guide Ratios:

• 4:1 Ratio: Maximum of 4 spaces available per guide.
• Prices: Based on a minimum of 2 participants.
• Private Courses: Available for custom dates.

Guided climbing days are custom scheduled dates only.

Trip Overview

• Expert Ice Climbing Instruction: Learn from AMGA trained guides with extensive climbing and mountaineering experience.
• Breathtaking Glacier Terrain: Climb on glacier ice, icefalls, crevasse features, and moulins surrounded by Mount Baker and North Cascades scenery.
• Beginner-Friendly to Advanced: First-time ice climbers can focus on fundamentals, while experienced climbers can refine multi-pitch systems and advanced alpine movement.
• Technical Skill Building: Practice crampon movement, ice tool technique, belaying, rappelling, ice anchors, ice screws, and V-thread systems when appropriate.

Best For

• Beginner climbers who want a safe and fun introduction to ice climbing.
• Experienced climbers who want to refine steep ice and multi-pitch skills.
• Alpinists and mountaineers who want stronger technical ice skills for bigger alpine routes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Glacier, WA, complete orientation, hike toward the Lower Coleman Icefall, set up camp, and begin ice climbing instruction.

Day 2 optional: Continue climbing, develop multi-pitch or advanced systems, and either hike out or move camp depending on the objective.

Day 3 optional: Apply skills on a larger alpine objective such as the North Ridge of Mount Baker when conditions, fitness, and experience align.

Register Now for Your Summer Ice Climbing Adventure!

Register early for this unique summer glacier ice climbing experience in the Pacific Northwest. Reach out by phone or email to schedule custom dates and confirm the best trip length for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is summer ice climbing?

Summer ice climbing uses glacier ice features such as seracs, icefalls, crevasse walls, and alpine ice routes to build ice climbing movement and technical mountaineering skills during the warmer months.

Who is Summer Ice Climbing best for?

This guided program can be customized for first-time ice climbers, experienced climbers, alpinists, and mountaineers who want to improve crampon movement, ice tool technique, and rope systems on real glacier ice.

Where does the trip take place?

Summer ice climbing is commonly based on Mount Baker/Kulshan glacier terrain, including the Coleman Icefall area when conditions allow. The final venue depends on weather, glacier access, and guide assessment.

What skills will I learn?

Depending on the trip length and goals, you may practice crampon movement, ice tool placement, belaying, rappelling, ice anchors, V-threads, route selection, multi-pitch systems, and staying warm and dry on glacier ice.

What gear do I need?

Bring mountaineering boots, crampons, helmet, harness, layers, gloves, food, water, and weather protection. Technical ice tools and group climbing equipment are confirmed before the trip based on the objective.

Cancellation

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