Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys
North Cascades Intermediate Summit Climb
A climb by any route on Mount ShukÂsan is one of pure delight. This alpine clasÂsic comÂbines an ascent on both glacÂiÂers and rock, proÂvidÂing an excitÂing variÂety of mounÂtaineerÂing chalÂlenge. It is one of the most phoÂtographed mounÂtains in the world and an icon for the state of WashÂingÂton. It is sitÂuÂatÂed on the northÂwestÂern edge of the famed North CasÂcades NationÂal Park and is a mere 10 miles east of neighÂbor Mount BakÂer. It is a masÂsive and comÂplex mounÂtain and is often comÂpared to the WeisÂshorn of the Swiss Alps, and cerÂtainÂly an excelÂlent prepaÂraÂtion for the MatÂterÂhorn. The FishÂer ChimÂneys varÂied rock terÂrain, hangÂing glacÂiÂers, and comÂpliÂcatÂed route findÂing makÂing it an excelÂlent objecÂtive for the advanced beginÂner or interÂmeÂdiÂate levÂel climber.
Custom Climbing Trip
Grab your partÂner or just go with just yourÂself and your guide. This climb is ideÂal to polÂish your skills at your own pace and preÂpare for simÂiÂlar or more difÂfiÂcult ascents in the North CasÂcades, the Alps, or the Greater Ranges abroad. And like all our cusÂtom trips, your guide does the cookÂing! ConÂtact Us for more details.
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Trip Perks
If variÂety is the spice of life, then the FisÂchÂer ChimÂneys is as spicy as it gets in the CasÂcades for advanced beginÂner-interÂmeÂdiÂate levÂel climbers. From the ChimÂneys, WinÂnie’s Slide, HelÂl’s HighÂway, and the grand finale on the rocky SumÂmit PyraÂmid you got all the ingreÂdiÂents for an alpine climbÂing feast. Come hunÂgry and ready to get your fill and go home fulÂly satisfied.
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Description
The FishÂer ChimÂneys Route is a longer, more involved and advanced climb than the stanÂdard SulÂphide GlacÂiÂer route, and is a great introÂducÂtion to interÂmeÂdiÂate levÂel alpine climbÂing with reaÂsonÂable techÂniÂcal difÂfiÂculÂties. The ascent folÂlows a scenic glacÂiÂer-carved valÂley to a litÂtle lake overÂlookÂing a specÂtacÂuÂlar basin. The climb iniÂtialÂly involves easy rock climbÂing in a series of chimÂneys, then climbs a fun and short secÂtion of alpine ice, and conÂtinÂues over modÂerÂate glaciatÂed terÂrain on parts of three difÂferÂent glacÂiÂer sysÂtems. All routes on ShukÂsan culÂmiÂnate with the imposÂing 700 foot sumÂmit pyraÂmid which is comÂmonÂly climbed up a cenÂtral snow and rock gulÂly, or the more aesÂthetÂic 5.5 rock of the southÂeast ridge. Join us on our climb of the FishÂer ChimÂneys and share in the beauÂty and grandeur of Mount Shuksan!
On this climb we will cover:
- SelecÂtion and use of perÂsonÂal equipÂment, ropes, knots and harnesses
- CramÂpon use and snow climbÂing techÂniques, ice axe posiÂtionÂing, and self arrest techniques
- Roped glacÂiÂer travÂel, rope team manÂageÂment, route findÂing, and crevasse navigation
- HazÂard assessÂment includÂing a disÂcusÂsion of objecÂtive vs. subÂjecÂtive hazards
- Camp conÂstrucÂtion, camp manÂageÂment, and cold weathÂer campÂing skills
- PropÂer clothÂing and climbÂing gear for surÂvival in the high mounÂtains, mounÂtain weathÂer, alpine ecolÂoÂgy, avalanche hazÂard assessÂment, and Leave No Trace ethics
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Alpine Climbing Grades
Grade I: NorÂmalÂly requires sevÂerÂal hours; can be of any difficulty
Grade II: Requires half a day; any techÂniÂcal difficulty
Grade III: Requires a day to do the techÂniÂcal porÂtion; any techÂniÂcal difficulty
Grade IV: Requires a full day for the techÂniÂcal porÂtion; the hardÂest pitch is usuÂalÂly no less than 5.7 (in the YDS rating)
Grade V: Requires a day and a half; the hardÂest pitch is usuÂalÂly 5.8 or harder
Grade VI: A mulÂti-day excurÂsion with difÂfiÂcult free climbÂing and/​or aid climbing
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Mount ShukÂsan FishÂer Chimneys
from $1,350 – 3 Days / Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
- 1:1 - $1,875 per person
- 2:1 - $1,350 per person
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Price Includes (Complete List)
- Guide serÂvices
- Ground transÂportaÂtion
- All meals while on the mountain
- Tents
- Group climbÂing equipment
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Price Does not Include
- AirÂfare
- TransÂportaÂtion withÂin Seattle
- Hotel accomÂmoÂdaÂtions
- RestauÂrant meals
- All perÂsonÂal equipment
- TravÂel insurÂance with trip canÂcelÂlaÂtion, medÂical and evacÂuÂaÂtion policy
- Guide graÂtuÂities
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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 can be paid by check, wire transÂfer, ACH or credÂit card with a 3% conÂveÂnience fee
Dates
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Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys 2025
- Jun 13, 2025 — Jun 15, 2025
- Jul 4, 2025 — Jul 6, 2025
- Jul 18, 2025 — Jul 20, 2025
- Aug 8, 2025 — Aug 10, 2025
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Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys 2026
- Jun 12, 2026 — Jun 14, 2026
- Jul 3, 2026 — Jul 5, 2026
- Jul 17, 2026 — Jul 19, 2026
- Aug 7, 2026 — Aug 9, 2026
- Aug 14, 2026 — Aug 16, 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
Flight Information
For schedÂuled coursÂes and climbs, you should fly into SeatÂtle-TacoÂma InterÂnaÂtionÂal AirÂport (SeaTÂac). You are responÂsiÂble for your transÂportaÂtion to downÂtown SeatÂtle (see sugÂgesÂtions). You will meet as a group with your guide(s) at 7 am for an oriÂenÂtaÂtion meetÂing and equipÂment check.
Mount Shuksan Fisher Chimneys Day by Day
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Day 1
The driÂve from SeatÂtle to the trailÂhead takes approxÂiÂmateÂly 3.5 hours. Our approach begins by Artist Point and is adjaÂcent to the famed Mt. BakÂer Ski area (holdÂer of the world record seaÂsonÂal snowÂfall of 1,040 inchÂes / 2642 cenÂtimeÂters in 1998 – 1999). The hike to base camp takes from 3 – 4 hours — passÂing through high alpine meadÂows and clusÂters of MounÂtain HemÂlock before climbÂing to a We’ll folÂlow the trail past Lake Ann, and climb the FishÂer ChimÂneys to our high camp at WinÂnie’s Slide.
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Day 2
SumÂmit day begins with a pre-dawn start and a climb up WinÂnie’s Slide on modÂerÂate snow and ice. The climb conÂtinÂues up over parts of three difÂferÂent glacÂiÂers – the White Salmon, Upper CurÂtis and SulÂphide GlacÂiÂers and conÂcludes with a 5.0 rock climb up the cenÂtral part of the sumÂmit pyraÂmid, or a 5.5 variÂaÂtion up the SE Ridge. The sumÂmit of Mount ShukÂsan is perÂhaps one of the finest vanÂtage points in all of the North CasÂcades! The descent is made by reversÂing the climbÂing route. Expect this to take upwards of 5 hours.
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Day 3
After a leisureÂly breakÂfast, we break camp, and hike back to the Artist Point trailÂhead by noon or 1 pm. Expect to arrive back in SeatÂtle by late afterÂnoon or earÂly evening. A popÂuÂlar stopover is at the North Fork BrewÂery (great pizÂza and beer) outÂside the town of Glacier.
Note on ItinÂerÂary: Although we do our very best to folÂlow the schedÂule listÂed, the very nature of climbÂing 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 Shuksan Fisher Chimneys
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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)
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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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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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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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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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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4' of perlon accessory cord
4' of perlon accessory cord for prussik materials (6mm diameter)
Examples:
Sterling
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Double length nylon runner (48" or 120cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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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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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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Gaiters (optional)
Check fit with boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodile
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Insulated mountaineering boots (NW)
waterproof, insulated, crampon compatible, full shank boots. Many of these boots have Women specific equivalents (May –late June and Ice Climbs)
Examples:
Scarpa Mt Blanc, Scarpa Phantom Tech, La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX, Salewa Vulture Vertical GTX
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Lightweight mountaineering boots (NW)
waterproof and crampon compatible (HIGHLY recommended from July -October)
Examples:
Scarpa Charmoz, La Sportiva Trango Tower, Salewa Raven, Salewa Crow
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Approach shoes
hiking shoe with climbing specific sticky rubber (route and season dependent)
Examples:
La Sportiva Boulder X, La Sportiva TX3, Scarpa Crux, Scarpa Gecko, 5.10 Guide Tennie
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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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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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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 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
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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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Insect repellent
A must!
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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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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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Lexan spoon or spork
Lightweight and strong
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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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Mount ShukÂsan FishÂer Chimneys
from $1,350
3 Days / Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
- 1:1 - $1,875 per person
- 2:1 - $1,350 per person
Elevation
9,127 ft / 2782 m
Route
FishÂer Chimneys
Grade
III 5.3
Difficulty
Intermediate
Depending on the objective, climbers should be comfortable on steeper snow/ice slopes and/or 5.5-5.7 rock climbing experience. You should have a past climbing experience with proven skills. Certain climbs may require only snow/ice skills, but not require rock skills; and vice-versa.
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