Operated byAmerican Alpine InstituteGuide Service

Checked by Powderscape · 2026-09-24

DestinationMount Baker, North Cascades, Washington, United StatesUS West Coast
DatesApr 11 – Apr 16, 20272026/27
Duration6 days
Trip typeBackcountry Touring / Splitboard TripSki + Snowboard

Join our ski mountaineering clinic and develop the judgment and skills necessary for skiing on and ascending glaciated peaks.

Develop the technical skills and judgment required for skiing on complex glaciers, while doing some of the best skiing available in the lower 48 states. Learn crevasse rescue, roped skiing techniques, snow anchor construction, rappelling, and belaying skills as they apply to skiers and splitboarders in glaciated terrain.

From the trip description by American Alpine Institute

  1. Independent: Below this trip's level of support

    Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.

  2. Hosted: With your guide

    Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.

  3. Guided: Included

    Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.

  4. Coached: Included

    Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.

  • Course6-day course: gear use, track setting, route finding, efficient group travel, winter camping, ice axe and crampon use, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue.
  • Backcountry guidingThe guide fee is included in the course cost; based in the backcountry of Mt. Baker.
BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedExpert
Suits Intermediate to Advanced riders
Prerequisites
  • Intermediate backcountry skiing or snowboarding ability
  • Avalanche Rec 1 and Avalanche Rescue Course (preferred, but not required)
  • Have good physical fitness, including being able to tour for multiple hours with a heavy backpack with minimal breaks.
  • Be able to dress appropriately for being outside in snowy, winter conditions, and be outside for a full day.
  • Be able to maintain your personal nutrition and hydration needs throughout the day (you may not have an official break for lunch – these are often done “on the go” – so you need to be able to manage your personal needs in this regard).
The Course
  • This 6-day course is designed for backcountry skiers and splitboarders ready to take on glaciated terrain.
  • Based in the backcountry of Mt. Baker, the clinic starts with core touring skills.
  • With a mix of front-country and backcountry overnight days, students then progress to winter camping, ice axe and crampon use, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue.
Who you ride with
Sport
Ski + Snowboard

From the trip description by American Alpine Institute

Included

  • Lesson
  • Transfers · partly
  • All permits and camping fees
  • Group technical climbing equipment like ropes and pickets
  • Transportation to the climbing areas from AAI headquarters
  • All permits and camping fees
  • The guide fee

Not included

  • Meals
  • Personal clothing, climbing gear and rentals
  • All personal clothing and climbing gear
  • Rentals
  • Gratuities to the guide
  • Meals
  • Travel insurance

Not confirmed by the operator: Lodging, Lift pass.

United States · Mt. Baker backcountry

Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.

See it on the trip map
  • Apr 11 – Apr 16, 20272026/27 · 6 days
    1,850 USD$1850 per person; the page shows "$" without naming a currency; USD read from the US-based operator
    Limited
    Choose these datesBook on company website

    Published as "April 11, 2027 – April 16, 2027, $1850, 4 Spots Available".

Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.

This program can be booked as a private trip with custom start and end dates. Pricing depends on number of participants and number of days.

From the trip description by American Alpine Institute

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