After our the instruction and skills practice segments on Mount Baker, we attempt climb a route and summit the mountain as a team, giving climbers the chance to put to use their newfound knowledge and abilities in a real-life format.

For the ascent of Mount Baker we typically leave camp at 2-3am and try to reach the summit around 7am. The goal is to reach the top and start back down before the heat of the day warms the glacier and causes snow bridges over crevasses to weaken.

During this portion of the course, climbers are put into a variety of situations and scenarios for both self and group rescue.

Climbers pack their bags on an alpine start for a climb of Mount Baker.


Sunrise over the Twin Sisters Range from the Easton Glacier, Mount Baker.


AAI Guide Seth Hobby route-finding on the Easton Glacier.


Rope teams working their way up the Easton Glacier.


Pausing to take in the view from below the "Roman Wall" high on the Easton Glacier.


Looking into Sherman Crater, an active volcanic steam vent high on Mount Baker.


Sherman Crater.


Looking up the Easton Glacier. Climbers are visible on the Roman Wall high above.


Taking a break on summit day on the way up the Easton Glacier.


The Twin Sister Range from high on Mount Baker.


Climbers passing crevasses while descending after a succesful summit.


Taking a break on the descent.


Crevasses on the Easton Glacier.


Packing up camp on the way out.


Heading down from Mount Baker and ready for the next adventure, alpine rock climbing at Washington Pass.