MOUNT BAKER 4-DAY INTRO TO MOUNTAINEERING
In Partnership with Gallant Wind Guiding, this 4-day Mount Baker climb is designed specifically for the Mountaineering Club of New York, at a price most guiding services can’t come close to (usually double!).
🏔️ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN A streamlined, beginner-friendly progression led by an AMGA-trained, WFR-certified guide:
Glacier and steep snow travel, ice axe use & crampon movement Navigation & rope-team travel and crevasse rescue refinement Backcountry campcraft and mountain self-sufficiency basics
All group gear, tents, permits, and instruction included.
🎒 WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY A strong foundation for future alpine objectives:
Confidence on glacier terrain and solid rope-team and movement skills Summit attempt on Mt. Baker (10,781 ft) Independent backcountry camping and cooking know-how
Plus: MCNY will host training hikes beforehand to help you feel fully prepared
📍 TRIP INFO Dates: June 4–7 2027
Meet: Sedro-Woolley, WA
You Bring: Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, layers, food, and personal items. Some personal gear might be provided. A full packing list will be provided.
💰 EXCLUSIVE MCNY RATE
$940 ($1250 for non-members). This pricing is based on a group size of 3+ climbers. (Comparable trips often cost $1,600–$1,900!)
Pay only $50 now to reserve your spot. After that, an MCNY volunteer will reach out with next steps, including payment details for the remaining balance and preparation info.
📆 SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 — Meet-Up, Gear Check & Move Into the Alpine We’ll gather at The Garage Café in Sedro-Woolley for introductions, a warm drink, and a thorough gear check. From there, we caravan to the south side of Mount Baker and make our approach toward snowline. At camp we’ll settle in and start our technical foundation.
Day 2 — Glacier Navigation & Crevasse Rescue Progression This is your skills-heavy day, focused on understanding the glacier environment and practicing essential rescue systems. By the afternoon, you’ll have meaningful hands-on time with systems that most new mountaineers only read about.
Day 3 — Summit Attempt We begin before dawn, moving by headlamp across the lower glacier toward sunrise. This is your first real rope-team mission in the mountains—steady, rhythmic, and beautiful. After celebrating at the top, we descend back to camp for hot drinks, rest, and storytelling.
Day 4 — Pack Up & Descend After breakfast, we break camp and descend toward the trailhead. Expect expansive views over the forests and peaks surrounding Baker. Once back at the cars, we close out with a final trip debrief in Sedro-Woolley.