Mount Baker Crevasse Rescue Course
Two days on Mount Baker’s glaciers learning modern crevasse rescue. Max 6 students per guide.
Program Overview:
Our crevasse rescue course is a must-have for any adventurer seeking to explore mountainous terrain safely. You will learn crucial skills to save yourself or a team member if they fall into a crevasse. Our experienced guides will teach you rope and anchor systems, pulley systems, and other specialized techniques for crevasse rescue. We teach modern techniques using modern crevasse rescue tools. You will practice these skills in a simulated environment, receiving feedback and personalized attention from our instructors.
Who It’s For:
This course is for hikers and backpackers stepping onto a glacier for the first time, and for climbers who want to sharpen their rescue skills before a bigger objective.
No climbing experience is needed. If you can hike uphill for a few hours carrying an overnight pack of about 35–45 lb, you're ready.
Adults 18 and up. Two-person minimum, max 6 students per guide.
New to glaciers: learn rope travel, self-arrest and crevasse rescue from the ground up.
Planning a glacier climb: practice the systems you'll rely on, with a guide right there.
Partners and friends: book together and leave as a rope team you trust.
Itinerary:
Day 0:
Zoom chat which addresses needed equipment, necessary training, and any other topics of interest before going into the course.
Day 1:
Meet at the trailhead and hike to high camp
Lunch at high camp and introduction to mountaineering gear
Practice holding and self-arrest techniques
Crevasse rescue theory and demonstration
Dinner and discussion of the day's activities
Day 2:
Breakfast and preparation for glacier travel
Introduction to rope teams and glacier travel
Crevasse rescue practice with rope team
Lunch and discussion of the morning's activities
Advanced crevasse rescue techniques and self rescue
Return to high camp, pack up, and hike out.
Getting There:
We meet at the Park Butte Trailhead at Schreiber's Meadow, on the south side of Mount Baker.
Take Highway 20 east past Sedro-Woolley to milepost 82 and turn north on Baker Lake Road (FS 11). At mile 12, turn left on FS 12 and go 3.6 miles. Then bear right on FS 13 and follow it 5.3 miles to the road's end.
Parking: you'll need a valid recreation pass to park (a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass).
Meet time: we confirm it and talk through the plan on the Day 0 Zoom call.
For a look at the route, see our Mount Baker maps post.
Curriculum:
This two-day crevasse rescue course covers navigation on glaciers, learning how to travel properly roped up, and identifying crevasse hazards. Participants will learn and practice basic techniques for self-arrest, rope team travel, and hauling systems to extricate individuals from crevasses as well as advanced rigging and rescue techniques. The course also includes a review of snow anchors, knots, belaying, and risk management. Students will have practical sessions to simulate rescuing a team from a crevasse and applying the necessary techniques. The objective of the course is to equip participants with the requisite skills to readily tackle crevasse-ridden winter terrain.
Costs:
Per Person (two person minimum):
$500
A non-refundable deposit of 30% is due to reserve the course.
Price Includes:
Group Climbing Equipment (Tents, Stoves, Rope, etc.)
Guide Services
Food in the Mountains
Price does not Include:
Airfare
Transportation
Hotel Accommodation
Restaurants in town
Personal Equipment (Available for Rent)
Travel Insurance with Trip Cancellation, Medical and Evacuation Policy
Guide Gratuities
Gear Rental and Advance Preparation:
As we gear up for this experience, you must come prepared with the right equipment to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Below is a detailed list of the gear and clothing items you'll need to bring. While we offer gear rental services for items listed as “rent”, there are a few critical pieces that you will need in advance. This will allow us to tailor our preparations to your needs and ensure a seamless experience.
Clothing and Accessories:
Warm Hat: Essential for cold summit temperatures.
Buff: Versatile for various weather conditions.
Baseball Cap: Protects your face from the sun's rays.
Rent - Glacier Glasses (Category 4 Required): Shield your eyes from intense snow glare.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm (SPF 30+): Guard against harsh UV rays.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for navigating in low-light conditions.
Rent - Helmet: Provides crucial head protection.
Base Layers: Lightweight, sun-protective clothing.
Softshell Jacket: Wind-resistant and breathable.
Hardshell Jacket: Waterproof and breathable for unpredictable weather.
Rent - Down Jacket: Ensures warmth during colder periods.
Lightweight Gloves: For dexterity during intricate tasks.
Heavyweight Gloves: Keep your hands warm in freezing temperatures.
Baselayer Bottoms: Additional warmth for the lower body.
Softshell Pants: Ideal for variable weather conditions.
Hardshell Pants: Waterproof protection against rain and snow.
2 Pairs of Medium Socks: Moisture-wicking for comfort.
1 Pair of Heavy-weight Socks: Extra warmth for colder days.
Optional - Gaiters: Keep snow, debris, and moisture out of your boots.
Sleeping and Shelter:
Rent - Sleeping Bag (0-20 degrees): Ensures a warm and comfortable night's sleep.
Rent - Sleeping Pad (Both Foam Pad and Inflatable): Essential for sleeping on snow.
Rent - Backpack: Suitable for carrying personal items and essentials.
Climbing Gear:
Rent - Ice Axe
Rent - Crampons
Rent - Trekking Pole: Aids stability and balance during ascents and descents.
Rent - Harness: Essential for mountaineering safety.
2 Locking Carabiners and 1 Non-locking Carabiner
Rent - Mountaineering Boots
Safety and Hygiene:
Rent - Ursack: Secure food storage to prevent wildlife interactions.
Wag Bags - Waste Disposal
Water Bottles (Two 1L Nalgenes)
Small First Aid Kit, Bowl, Spoon, and Earplugs
While you can rent most of the gear from us, please note that we recommend bringing your own clothing layers. These items play a crucial role in your comfort and safety, and having the right fit is essential. If you're renting gear from us, please let us know to ensure availability.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or require assistance with gear sizing.
What Students Say:
“I learned so much and I now feel more confident with mountaineering. This course is great for beginners and experts. … Brian is a great instructor and guide. Highly recommend!”
— Lauren A.
“The crevasse rescue course was an awesome experience! We learned all the mountaineering basics from knots and walking on snow to the more advanced concepts of crevasse rescue.”
— Tyler K.
“The crevasse rescue course with Access the Alpine was all I needed to be prepared to safely travel in glaciers and be able to address a rescue situation of 2 or more people parties.”
— Alicia M.
Crevasse Rescue FAQs:
Do I need climbing experience?
No. We teach everything from walking in crampons to building a rescue system. First-timers and experienced hikers learn side by side.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable hiking uphill for a few hours with an overnight pack of about 35–45 lb, then spending a full day moving on snow.
What if I don't own mountaineering gear?
Most of the technical gear on the list above can be rented from us. See Rentals.
What's included?
Your guide, tents, group gear and mountain food. Not included: transportation, lodging, personal gear, insurance and gratuities.
How big are the groups?
Max 6 students per guide, with a two-person minimum to run a date.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We usually go rain or shine, and we'll hike in the rain if needed, so bring good rain gear. Safety comes first: if conditions make the course unsafe, we may change the location or itinerary, and if we cancel, you get a full refund.
How do payment and cancellations work?
$500 per person. A 30% non-refundable deposit holds your spot, and the balance is due 30 days before the course. There are no refunds after that, including for illness or injury, so trip insurance is a good idea. See our cancellation policy.
Can I book a private date for my group?
Yes. Reach out through Custom Climbs and we'll find a date.
Access the Alpine holds a Temporary Use Permit within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mt. Baker Ranger District
“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).”
