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Explore the climb

Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

WASHINGTON / NORTH AMERICA

Want to ski a peak in the Cascades? We can do that. From the wide-open glaciers of Mt. Baker to the classic lines of Shuksan and Eldorado, Skyline guides ski mountaineering descents across the range. Pick a peak from our favorites below, or tell us the line you have been dreaming about and we will build the trip around it.

Explore the climb

Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

WASHINGTON / NORTH AMERICA

Want to ski a peak in the Cascades? We can do that. From the wide-open glaciers of Mt. Baker to the classic lines of Shuksan and Eldorado, Skyline guides ski mountaineering descents across the range. Pick a peak from our favorites below, or tell us the line you have been dreaming about and we will build the trip around it.

Explore the climb

Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

WASHINGTON / NORTH AMERICA

Want to ski a peak in the Cascades? We can do that. From the wide-open glaciers of Mt. Baker to the classic lines of Shuksan and Eldorado, Skyline guides ski mountaineering descents across the range. Pick a peak from our favorites below, or tell us the line you have been dreaming about and we will build the trip around it.

Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

The Cascades hold some of the best ski mountaineering in North America: big glaciated volcanoes, long approaches through old-growth forest, and thousands of vertical feet of skiing from the summit. Rather than choosing from a fixed menu, this trip is built around you and your objective. Objeectives range from 1 to 4 days where you will climb with skins, boots and crampons, establish a high camp, make a summit bid, then trade crampons for skis and ski back down the mountain. Our guides will teach glacier travel, rope team movement, ice axe and crampon technique, and efficient ski transitions, while managing snow stability and terrain for a wide margin of safety. Whether it is your first ski mountaineering objective or you are chasing a bigger line, reach out and we will help you choose the right peak, route and timing.

See Pricing Details

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Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

Inquire

The Cascades hold some of the best ski mountaineering in North America: big glaciated volcanoes, long approaches through old-growth forest, and thousands of vertical feet of skiing from the summit. Rather than choosing from a fixed menu, this trip is built around you and your objective. Objeectives range from 1 to 4 days where you will climb with skins, boots and crampons, establish a high camp, make a summit bid, then trade crampons for skis and ski back down the mountain. Our guides will teach glacier travel, rope team movement, ice axe and crampon technique, and efficient ski transitions, while managing snow stability and terrain for a wide margin of safety. Whether it is your first ski mountaineering objective or you are chasing a bigger line, reach out and we will help you choose the right peak, route and timing.

Pricing Details

View Dates

Washington Ski Mountaineering Descents

Duration

1–4 Days

Elevation

Varies

Skill Level

Intermediate

Inquire

The Cascades hold some of the best ski mountaineering in North America: big glaciated volcanoes, long approaches through old-growth forest, and thousands of vertical feet of skiing from the summit. Rather than choosing from a fixed menu, this trip is built around you and your objective. Objeectives range from 1 to 4 days where you will climb with skins, boots and crampons, establish a high camp, make a summit bid, then trade crampons for skis and ski back down the mountain. Our guides will teach glacier travel, rope team movement, ice axe and crampon technique, and efficient ski transitions, while managing snow stability and terrain for a wide margin of safety. Whether it is your first ski mountaineering objective or you are chasing a bigger line, reach out and we will help you choose the right peak, route and timing.

See Pricing Details

View Dates

overview
details
preparation
itinerary
faq's

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Overview

What your adventure involves

What your Adventure involves

Learn essential ski mountaineering skills
This trip is suitable for strong backcountry skiers with good fitness who want to add mountaineering to their skiing. The ascent involves glacier travel with skins, crampons and ice axes, roped team movement, and steady elevation gain. The descent requires confident skiing in variable snow conditions on glacier terrain.
Pick Your Peak
Ski Mt. Baker via the Easton Glacier or Coleman-Deming, the Sulphide Glacier on Mt. Shuksan, Glacier Peak, or Eldorado Peak. Have another objective in mind? Reach out and find out what's possible.
Season and Conditions
April–June - Best ski conditions are typically spring when consolidated snow provides excellent descents. Early season offers more continuous snow coverage; late season brings warmer temperatures and softer corn snow.
Skills You will Learn
Cramponing, ice axe use, rope travel, basic crevasse safety concepts, efficient movement on snow, ski transitions, and ski technique for glacier descents in variable conditions.
Flexible itinerary & safety-first decisions
Guides may adjust the objective, camp location, route, and turnaround times based on weather, snow stability, conditions, and team pacing to maximize safety and snow conditions.

details

Everything you need to know before you go

Included

Lightweight dinners and breakfasts

Tents

Rope

cooking equipment

Expert Guides

permits

NOT Included

Transportation

Skis

Personal Clothing/Boots

Snacks/Lunches

Technical Rentals - Available Upon Request

Tips for Guides - 15 to 20% is standard

Preparation

Fitness

Skiers should be in excellent physical condition and able to hike for several hours carrying a 35–45 lb pack, including ski gear. Summit days can run 8–12+ hours of continuous movement combining climbing and skiing. Training with weighted uphill hikes, stair climbs, and regular backcountry skiing will prepare your legs and endurance. Contact us for a free training consultation!

Skiers should be in excellent physical condition and able to hike for several hours carrying a 35–45 lb pack, including ski gear. Summit days can run 8–12+ hours of continuous movement combining climbing and skiing. Training with weighted uphill hikes, stair climbs, and regular backcountry skiing will prepare your legs and endurance. Contact us for a free training consultation!

technical

No prior mountaineering experience is required, but you must be a strong skier with demonstrated proficiency in variable backcountry conditions, including steep slopes (35–40 degrees), variable snow, and glacier terrain. Your guides will teach all necessary glacier travel and climbing techniques during the trip, including how to use crampons, an ice axe, and move efficiently as part of a rope team. Confident skiing on steep, variable snow is essential for the descent.

No prior mountaineering experience is required, but you must be a strong skier with demonstrated proficiency in variable backcountry conditions, including steep slopes (35–40 degrees), variable snow, and glacier terrain. Your guides will teach all necessary glacier travel and climbing techniques during the trip, including how to use crampons, an ice axe, and move efficiently as part of a rope team. Confident skiing on steep, variable snow is essential for the descent.

Altitude

Cascade peaks range from roughly 7,500 to 14,000 feet, high enough for some climbers to feel mild altitude effects such as shortness of breath or fatigue. Staying hydrated, moving at a steady pace, and spending a night at high camp helps your body adjust comfortably to the elevation.

Cascade peaks range from roughly 7,500 to 14,000 feet, high enough for some climbers to feel mild altitude effects such as shortness of breath or fatigue. Staying hydrated, moving at a steady pace, and spending a night at high camp helps your body adjust comfortably to the elevation.

FAQ's

FAQ's

Which peaks can I ski with Skyline?

We guide ski mountaineering descents across the Cascades, including Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and Eldorado, among others. If you have a specific peak or route in mind, reach out and we will talk through what is possible and the best time to go.

Can I request a peak that is not listed?

Absolutely. This trip is built around your objective. Tell us what you want to ski, your experience and your goals, and we will help shape the right plan.

Do I need prior glacier or mountaineering experience?

No. We teach glacier travel, rope team movement, ice axe and crampon technique, and crevasse awareness on the trip

Do I need to bring my own skis and boots?

Yes. Participants bring their own touring skis or splitboard, climbing skins, ski crampons, and boots compatible with tech bindings or a splitboard setup. We will send a detailed gear list after registration and are happy to help with gear questions.

What skiing ability is required?

You should be a strong skier comfortable in variable backcountry conditions. Descents involve thousands of vertical feet on glacier terrain, with snow ranging from corn to breakable crust to wind-affected surfaces. Confident skiing on steep terrain (up to 35–40 degrees in sections) is important. Not sure if you are ready? Give us a call and we will talk it through

What if conditions aren't good for skiing?

Safety always comes first. If conditions make skiing unsafe, we may descend on foot with crampons and ice axes, or adjust the objective. Your guide makes the final call, and we discuss options as a team.

Gear List

Gear List

Gear required to bring up on the mountain given the conditions may vary trip to trip. Your guide will help you decide what gear to bring or leave behind during the gear-check. If you need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet, you can let us know when you book!

See Full Gear List

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Ready to reach new heights?

Book Your Next Adventure

Schedule a free consultation call so we can learn more about you and craft a trip that fits your experience and goals.

Book a free call

Ready to reach new heights?

Book Your Next Adventure

Schedule a free consultation call so we can learn more about you and craft a trip that fits your experience and goals.

Book a free call

Ready to reach new heights?

Book Your Next Adventure

Schedule a free consultation call so we can learn more about you and craft a trip that fits your experience and goals.

Book a free call