Alpine Lakes High Camp Skiing
Come for a Day of Snow Cat Skiing, or Stay a While and skin to your heart’s content- Access to Acres of PRIVATE Ungroomed Backcountry Trails
From the doorsteps of your rustic cabin high in the Cascades, epic backcountry ski and snowboard terrain is just a step away. You’ll delight in the open glades, narrow chutes, and gentle bowls on runs like Heart Stopper, Wild Bill, and Big Rock Bowl. With access to terrain just shy of 7,000 feet, there are secret stashes of powder to be found when conditions aren’t as good at lower elevations. The colder east side of the mountains almost always delivers the powder goods!
Snow Cat Ski Option:
Grab your gang of skiing and snowboard buddies and let the snow cat get you moving up the hill and all you have to do is point it downhill. One day Saturday option is available or you can stay a few days and mix it up with skinning or some cat rides. Lots of options for lots turns!
At the end of the day, a hot fire in one the cabins you’ll be staying in provides a comfy place to reflect on the day’s turns, enjoy a hot meal, and kick your feet up with a glass of wine! The simple life awaits, with lots of turns, a chance to get off-the-grid and unplug, and a memory of a lifetime in the wild winter landscape of the Cascade Mountains. See pricing and details here.
Hut-based Avalanche Course Option:
If you’re looking for a full-meal deal too, check out the Avalanche Institute of Research and Education Level 1 Course. This course includes 3 full field days and 2 nights lodging. Check out the course here.
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Trip Perks
Ever really had a mountain to yourself? This is your chance.
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Description
Unlike other backcountry ski trips, like the Mount Baker ski and snowboard descent, where you stay in tents, this trip provides you with creature comforts to warm the soul. The cabins provide your base for day ski trips. You decide when you want to go and we coordinate logistics.
All trips are designed on a custom basis. You will consult with Alpine Lakes High Camp to determine dates and a suitable program for your group. Mountain Madness ski guides will provide guided tours based on the group’s desires and skill set. For the beginner backcountry skier, you can expect to learn the fundamentals of avalanche rescue and proficient use of your alpine touring equipment. With that under your belt you will be ready to hit the “Hippie Pow”! Right outside your cabin door you can access great entry level powder skiing in wide open terrain or spacious trees.
For the seasoned backcountry skier, you will start with a quick review of your avalanche rescue skills and then it is time to seek out the steep and deep! Our guides will help you build confidence in the decision to take on some of the more aggressive terrain while managing the group to minimize the exposure and the risk of skiing in avalanche terrain. Whatever your skill level, you’ll learn while you turn in this unique environment.
A typical program finds you catching a ride up a private road to the cabins early in the morning of day one. Once there you’ll have options to ski with our guides for as long as you like and still have a chance to get out on your own without a guide. For more info about logistics contact the Alpine Lake High Camp (see below for link) and for questions about the guided ski program contact Jaime at the Mountain Madness office at 800−328−5925 or email him at jaimep@mountainmadness.com
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Alpine Lakes High Camp
Located at an elevation of 5,000 feet, these backcountry ski cabins and lodge are tucked up against the peaks of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, just 15 miles east of Stevens Pass. Due to Alpine Lakes High Camp’s unique backcountry location, the transportation process can be an adventure in itself. Based on the road conditions, we have several vehicle options to ensure you arrive safe and sound up the 8 mile private road to High Camp. Once you arrive you’ll have a cabin to stay in, access to the lodge, and a sauna. To learn more about the amazing place, visit their website here.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Snow Cat Day Costs 1 – 6 Participants (Guides Included)
$4,000 – Per Day
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Snow Cat Day Costs 7 – 12 Participants (Guides Included)
$5,300 – Per Day
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Alpine Lakes High Camp Ski Guide Costs
from $250 – Per Day
- 1:1 - $595 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
- 3:1 - $350 per person
- 4:1 - $300 per person
- 5:1 - $275 per person
- 6:1 - $250 per person
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High Camp Accomodations
$235 – 2 Night Minimum
Prices based on cabin size ranging from $235-$600. For cabin booking visit alpinelakeshighcamp.com
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Price Includes
- Guide services
- 20% discount on rental gear or avalanche package from Ascent Outdoors in Ballard Seattle — more info here
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Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Ground transportation
- Snow cat
- Cabin accommodations — more info can be found here
- Meals
- All personal equipment
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $400 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $200 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 90 days prior to departure
- The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
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Accommodations
More information about the cabins, pricing, and other services provided by Alpine Lakes High Camp can be found here.
Dates
Ski Tour is Arranged on a Custom Basis and Scheduled Dates to Come — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include anytype of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Equipment for Alpine Lakes High Camp Skiing
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Climbing Gear
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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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Avalanche Beacon
beacon needs to be on 457 frequency
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Shovel
small collapsible style
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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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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Ski goggles
To fit over glacier glasses in high wind. Rose or amber lenses
Examples:
Smith, Oakley
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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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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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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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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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Second heavyweight base layer
or lightweight fleece if necessary. Base layer preferred
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene, wool, polypro
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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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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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 recommended and ideal
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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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 ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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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
Hand sanitizing liquid drops
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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, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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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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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Voile Ski Straps (2)
multi functional for repair or emergency
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Book Trip
Snow Cat Day Costs 1 – 6 Participants (Guides Included)
$4,000
Per Day
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Book Trip
Snow Cat Day Costs 7 – 12 Participants (Guides Included)
$5,300
Per Day
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Book Trip
Alpine Lakes High Camp Ski Guide Costs
from $250
Per Day
- 1:1 - $595 per person
- 2:1 - $425 per person
- 3:1 - $350 per person
- 4:1 - $300 per person
- 5:1 - $275 per person
- 6:1 - $250 per person
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Book Trip
High Camp Accomodations
$235
2 Night Minimum
Prices based on cabin size ranging from $235-$600. For cabin booking visit alpinelakeshighcamp.com
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
No previous backcountry training or previous experience required, but participants should be moderate to proficient alpine inbound skiers.
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