Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course
Learn the fundamentals in the breathtaking North Cascades
This course is designed for indiÂvidÂuÂals aspirÂing to learn the funÂdaÂmenÂtal skills of snow, ice, and glacÂiÂer climbÂing techÂniques, and the appliÂcaÂtion of these skills toward the ascent and descent of major glaciatÂed mounÂtains. Our goal is to develÂop comÂpeÂtent, self-reliant ski-mounÂtaineers ready to climb and ski localÂly or in the great ranges of the world. This course is truÂly an excelÂlent founÂdaÂtion for any skiÂer seekÂing indeÂpenÂdence in the alpine arena.
Set in a specÂtacÂuÂlar enviÂronÂment that proÂvides abunÂdant learnÂing opporÂtuÂniÂties, this comÂpreÂhenÂsive course is truÂly rewardÂing. The three days take place in the North CasÂcades where active glacÂiÂers, volÂcanic peaks, and breathÂtakÂing views creÂate the ideÂal learnÂing enviÂronÂment. A sumÂmit attempt on the last day of the course gives you the chance to put your newÂly develÂoped skills to the test.
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Course Perks
Have you ever seen a glaciatÂed peak that begs you to ski its slopes, but you’re conÂcerned about the hazÂards; the hidÂden crevassÂes and the avalanche slopes? Well fear no more, you’ll gain a betÂter underÂstandÂing of what’s posÂsiÂble and open up a world of new slopes and powÂder to ski.
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Description
This is an interÂmeÂdiÂate levÂel instrucÂtionÂal course. LevÂel 1 avalanche trainÂing, interÂmeÂdiÂate ski skills and preÂviÂous ski tourÂing expeÂriÂence are recÂomÂmendÂed. It is open for teleÂmark and alpine tourÂing skiers, as well as snowboarders.
This course involves the following:
- SkiÂing with both a day pack and overnight pack to 45 lbs
- InterÂmeÂdiÂate-advanced levÂel terÂrain with some slopes to the black diaÂmond level
- GlacÂiÂer travÂel and steep snow climbing
- Long days in potenÂtialÂly adverse weather
- Skiers should be in excelÂlent physÂiÂcal conÂdiÂtion and comÂpeÂtent on varÂied terrain
Course curÂricuÂlum includes:
- TerÂrain manÂageÂment (hazÂard assessÂment, effiÂcienÂcy, speed)
- TerÂrain manÂageÂment with hill track
- TerÂrain manÂageÂment downhill
- Snow climbÂing, ice axe posiÂtionÂing, and movÂing in balance
- Self arrest techniques
- Snow and ice anchor selecÂtion, conÂstrucÂtion, and equalization
- Snow climbÂing and cramÂpon techniques
- PrusÂsikÂing and team crevasse resÂcue practice
- RapÂpelling and rope management
- GlaciolÂoÂgy and crevasse patÂtern prediction
- NavÂiÂgaÂtion using maps, altimeÂters, and compasses
- Roped glacÂiÂer travÂel and route findÂing through crevassed areas
- MounÂtain weathÂer, alpine ecolÂoÂgy, hazÂard assessÂment, and Leave No Trace Ethics
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Mount BakÂer Ski MounÂtaineerÂing Course
$1,050 – 3 Days
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Price Includes
- TransÂportaÂtion
- Guide serÂvices
- Tents
- Group ClimbÂing Equipment
- TransÂportaÂtion
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Price Does Not Include
- AirÂfare
- Meals on the mountain
- PerÂsonÂal ski and tourÂing gear
- BeaÂcon, probe, shovel
- Hotel accomÂmoÂdaÂtions
- RestauÂrant meals
- GraÂtuÂities for guides
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Payment Schedule
- $400 deposit at time of regÂisÂtraÂtion, which includes a $200 non-refundÂable regÂisÂtraÂtion fee
- BalÂance due 90 days priÂor to departure
- The balÂance may be paid by check, wire transÂfer, ACH or credÂit card with a 3% conÂveÂnience fee
Dates
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Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course 2025
- Apr 25, 2025 — Apr 27, 2025
- May 16, 2025 — May 18, 2025
- May 23, 2025 — May 25, 2025
- Jun 6, 2025 — Jun 8, 2025
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Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course 2026
- Apr 24, 2026 — Apr 26, 2026
- May 15, 2026 — May 17, 2026
- May 22, 2026 — May 24, 2026
- Jun 5, 2026 — Jun 7, 2026
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongÂly recÂomÂmends trip cancellation/​interruption and evacÂuÂaÂtion insurÂance for all trips. Our insurÂance partÂner, RipÂcord, offers comÂpreÂhenÂsive travÂel insurÂance includÂing trip canÂcelÂlaÂtion, as well as rescue/​evacuation poliÂcies and can assist in answerÂing any quesÂtions. In addiÂtion, ParÂticÂiÂpant is expectÂed to have sufÂfiÂcient medÂical insurÂance as preÂscribed by their counÂtry of oriÂgin. ParÂticÂiÂpant underÂstands that MMI does not include any type of insurÂance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to canÂcel your trip or change your itinÂerÂary, MMI must be notiÂfied in writÂing. Your trip will be canÂcelled from the date writÂten notice is received. If propÂer writÂten canÂcelÂlaÂtion notice is not received, amounts paid and reserÂvaÂtions made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundÂable fees may apply for cerÂtain trips in order to secure perÂmits and othÂer serÂvices. MMI must strictÂly adhere to canÂcelÂlaÂtion poliÂcies outÂside MMI’s control.
- Due to the perÂsonÂalÂized serÂvice we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accomÂmoÂdate changes and canÂcelÂlaÂtions, waivÂing cerÂtain fees when feasible.
- CirÂcumÂstances outÂside the conÂtrol of MMI and its partÂners, may require amendÂed cancellation/​refund poliÂcies. Such cirÂcumÂstances may include, but are not limÂitÂed to COVID-19, natÂurÂal disÂasÂters, wildÂfires, terÂrorÂism and so forth.
DomesÂtic Trips/​Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundÂable regÂisÂtraÂtion fee, will be proÂvidÂed 91 days or more before the deparÂture date
- No refunds will be proÂvidÂed 90 days or less before the deparÂture date
Trip Insurance
We strongÂly recÂomÂmend the purÂchase of travÂel canÂcelÂlaÂtion insurÂance to proÂtect you from the unexÂpectÂed. You aren’t likeÂly to think of it now, but peoÂple do get ill, break a bone, have a famÂiÂly emerÂgency or get assigned to a last-minute busiÂness trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emerÂgency resÂcue & evacÂuÂaÂtion can be very expenÂsive.
We also strongÂly urge you to conÂsidÂer resÂcue and evacÂuÂaÂtion insurÂance if your own polÂiÂcy does not proÂvide the covÂerÂage needÂed. SerÂvices availÂable may include, but are not limÂitÂed to, heliÂcopter evacÂuÂaÂtion, medÂical care, etc.
If you choose not to purÂchase insurÂance, you assume full responÂsiÂbilÂiÂty for any expensÂes incurred in the event of a medÂical emerÂgency and/​or evacÂuÂaÂtion, as well as for trip canÂcelÂlaÂtion, interÂrupÂtion, lost lugÂgage, etc. We are not the experts and thereÂfore ask that you please conÂsult our travÂel insurÂance partÂner directÂly with any speÂcifÂic questions.
To proÂtect against lossÂes due to illÂness, acciÂdent, or othÂer unforeÂseen cirÂcumÂstances, MounÂtain MadÂness strongÂly recÂomÂmends the purÂchase of travÂel insurÂance as soon as posÂsiÂble after makÂing a deposit. MounÂtain MadÂness has partÂnered with RedÂpoint ResÂoÂluÂtions as our preÂferred travÂel insurÂance provider. Redpoint’s RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purÂchase travÂel insurÂance, please click this link RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. PricÂing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and levÂel of coverage.
CritÂiÂcal benÂeÂfits of RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance include:
- A comÂpleteÂly inteÂgratÂed proÂgram with a sinÂgle point of conÂtact for emerÂgency serÂvices, travÂel assisÂtance, and insurÂance claims
- EvacÂuÂaÂtion and resÂcue serÂvices from your point of injury or illÂness to your hosÂpiÂtal of choice
- ComÂpreÂhenÂsive travÂel insurÂance for trip cancellation/​interruption, priÂmaÂry medÂical expense covÂerÂage, bagÂgage loss or delay, emerÂgency acciÂdent and emerÂgency sickÂness medÂical expense, emerÂgency denÂtal, acciÂdenÂtal death and disÂmemÂberÂment, and more
- OptionÂal secuÂriÂty evacÂuÂaÂtion covÂerÂage in case of an unplanned natÂurÂal disÂasÂter or othÂer secuÂriÂty events
- WaivÂer for pre-existÂing conÂdiÂtions (must be purÂchased withÂin 14 days of tour deposit)
- OptionÂal ​“CanÂcel for Any ReaÂson” covÂerÂage (must be purÂchased withÂin 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course Day by Day
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Day 1
6:30 am oriÂenÂtaÂtion. After an iniÂtial meetÂing and equipÂment check, we driÂve from SeatÂtle to the trailÂhead and begin our hike to base camp. This approach is very strenÂuÂous and can take from 4 — 6 hours dependÂing upon the parÂticÂuÂlar approach and the fitÂness of the group. (This is where all of your trainÂing pays off!) You’ll skin through ancient forests and snow covÂered alpine meadÂows, en route to our base camp. After estabÂlishÂing our camp, the remainÂder of the day will focus on the skills necÂesÂsary for the propÂer use of an ice axe, travÂelÂing in balÂance, self-belay, self-arrest, placÂing varÂiÂous types of snow proÂtecÂtion for use in the conÂstrucÂtion of snow anchors, as well as belay techÂniques. We will cap the day with a short evening ski run before dinner.
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Day 2
You will begin the day by learnÂing cramÂpon use and climbÂing steepÂer snow. We then focus on the skills required for safe and effiÂcient glacÂiÂer travÂel includÂing roped travÂel and self-resÂcue (prusÂsikÂing) techÂniques. This will include the means for each team memÂber to corÂrectÂly tie into the rope includÂing the propÂer spacÂing of climbers based on the numÂber of team memÂbers. We will covÂer the difÂferÂence in travÂelÂing with skis verÂsus snowÂshoes or cramÂpons, i.e. when you need to rope up. After learnÂing the propÂer techÂniques for travÂelÂing as a rope team, we will then make a short glacial ​“tour”, enabling us to pracÂtice and comÂpreÂhend the day’s lessons. We folÂlow that lesÂson up with a few runs before skiÂing back to camp. DisÂcusÂsions late in the day will focus on navÂiÂgaÂtion with the use of map and compass.
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Day 3
After a pre-dawn wake-up and a quick breakÂfast, we climb our way toward the sumÂmit. Today your group will apply the skills they have been pracÂticÂing toward our ascent of a major glaciatÂed peak. DependÂing on conÂdiÂtions and the pace of your group, it will take from five to eight hours to reach the sumÂmit. After enjoyÂing the views and a snack, and absorbÂing your accomÂplishÂments, stuÂdents will navÂiÂgate and lead their team back to high camp, enjoyÂing a well-earned glisse descent. We will then break camp, pack up our gear, and head back to the trailhead.
Note on ItinÂerÂary: Although we do our very best to folÂlow the schedÂule listÂed, the very nature of climbÂing and skiÂing in an alpine enviÂronÂment requires flexÂiÂbilÂiÂty. This itinÂerÂary is subÂject to change due to inclement weathÂer, unsafe route conÂdiÂtions, and othÂer reaÂsons beyond our control.
Equipment for Mount Baker Ski Mountaineering Course
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Carrying Gear
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Large capacity climbing pack (65-75L)
approximately 4000-4500 cubic inch (65-75 liters) capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight
Examples:
Black Diamond Mission 75, Osprey Ariel 65
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Sleeping Gear
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (15-20F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from 15-20°F /-9 to -7°C
Examples:
Marmot Helium, Marmot Trestles, Western Mountaineering Apache, North Face Guide 20
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Climbing Gear
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Alpine climbing harness
Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing
Examples:
Black Diamond Couloir, Petzl Altitude, Petzl Hirundos
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Mountaineering ice axe
under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”-6’2” use 60 or 65cm, over 6’2” use 70cm
Examples:
Black Diamond Raven, Petzl Glacier
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Black Diamond Whippet pole (optional)
nice to have on steep snow
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Crampons w/ anti-balling plate
Steel 12-pont. Must be fit to climbing boots prior to trip, new-matic/hybrid type
Examples:
Black Diamond Sabretooth, Petzl Vasak
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Splitboard/Ski specific crampons
for all ski mountaineering trips
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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30’ of perlon accessory cord (6mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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Skis
with alpine touring or telemark bindings
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Split snowboard
backcountry touring specific snowboard
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Collapsible Ski Poles
adjustable ski poles with powder (big) baskets
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Climbing skins
with Glop Stopper skin wax
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Shovel
small collapsible style
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Avalanche Beacon
beacon needs to be on 457 frequency
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Avalance Probe
no ski pole probes!
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Snow study kit (optional)
optional except the Level 2 course
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Snow saw (optional)
optional but recommended
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Petzl Micro Traxion
A compact and lightweight progress-capture pulley
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Locking carabiners (4)
Four large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (4)
4 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Glacier glasses
100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case
Examples:
Julbo
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Balaclava or neck gaiter (optional)
lightweight
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Hands
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Light weight work gloves
lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work
Examples:
Black Diamond Transition Glove
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Heavyweight shell glove
Gore-tex or equivalent (trips before July)
Examples:
Black Diamond Enforcer Glove
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Feet
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Liner socks (optional)
1-pair lightweight and thin
Examples:
polypropylene or wool
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Syntheric or wool socks
check boot fir to make sure they work together
Examples:
Smartwool ,Patagonia
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Alpine touring ski or snowboard boots
lightweight
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of Âľ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Bear Bag/Bear Canister
Bear bag or bear canister to protect your food from both bears and smaller critters
Examples:
Ursack AllMitey, BearVault,
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Hand sanitizer
enough to last trip length
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Water purification (NW)
Purifies drinking water while on the climb
Examples:
Steri Pen, water filter, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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Large plastic bowl
Bring a 2-4 cup camping bowl or a plastic "Rubbermaid" style container for your mountain dining
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Lexan spoon or spork
Lightweight and strong
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Insulated cup (12-16oz)
A 12-16 oz (350-500 ml) mug with an attached lid will help keep you hydrated
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Voile Ski Straps (2)
multi functional for repair or emergency
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Nylon stuff sacks
for food and gear storage, large ziplocs are useful
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Large plastic bags
heavy duty trash compactor bags recommended
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Soap, shampoo, towel (optional)
for use at campground showers when on itinerary
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Cooking Gear (Overnight Courses Only)
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Mug
Insulated plastic with lid
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Spoon
Good quality plastic (i.e. Lexan)
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Cooking pot
1.5 liter/qtsminimum, lightweight pot with tight fitting lid and handle. Aluminum or titanium are much lighter than stainless steel -
Bowl
Plastic with 2-3 cup capacity; Tupperware works well
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Pot grips
You’ll need these to handle your pot when it’s full of boiling water!
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Backpacking stove
Complete stove and repair kit. Make sure fuel pump is included for liquid full stoves
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Fuel bottles
If you are flying, Mountain Madness can supply liquid fuel and bottles or fuel canisters when stock is available. We ask that local clients come with their own kit
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Mount BakÂer Ski MounÂtaineerÂing Course
$1,050
3 Days
Elevation
Varies
Route
North CasÂcades
Client to Guide Ratio
4:1
Difficulty
Intermediate
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