Learn the tools of the alpine trade on a route that has a bit of everything.

Rising dramamtically up above Baker Lake to the east of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan is one of the most complex, Alps-looking peaks in the North Cascades. One of the classic routes up the south side of the mountain, the Sulphide Glacier–SE Ridge is a route that has a little something for everybody, all at an approachable grade! If your passion for glacier mountaineering suddenly gets you to wonder how you might incorporate a little bit of rock climbing into the mountaineering experience, this route is an excellent place to see what it is like!

While the Fisher Chimneys on the west side of the mountain demands that climbers come with a full set of alpine climbing skills, the Sulphide Glacier is the side where climbers looking to take that next big step in building their toolkit can get their reps in and even give them a taste of the big mountain ridge climbs that they can one day aspire to!

Trip Stats

Duration: 3 days

Cost: $1200

Guest-Guide ratio: 1:1, 2:1

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Fitness Requirement: 3/5

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Shannon Ridge Trailhead. Approach to basecamp (~4000 vertical feet over 5 miles). Establish basecamp beneath the Sulphide Glacier with panoramic views of Mount Baker and the North Cascades.

Day 2: Mountaineering skills clinic, learning and refining glacier footwork, ice axe technique, self-arrest, glacier rope team travel and rappelling.

Day 3: 3:00-4:00am departure from basecamp; approach the summit pyramid via the Sulphide Glacier; climb the summit pyramid via the classic SE Ridge variation (5.5); descend the standard gully and return to camp; break down camp and return to trailhead (6pm target arrival); cold beverages back at the cars!

NB: Guests with a more extensive background in introductory mountaineering skills can opt for a Day 2 summit experience and a Day 3 descent.

What skills do you need?

Knowledge of basic climbing knots

Introductory top rope rock climbing experience

Familiarity with backcountry camping

Want to develop more of your mountain skills before signging up for this trip? The trips below can help you get ready!

Other Trip Info

What’s included in the trip?

  • Professional guiding and instruction services for the duration of the trip.

  • Access permits

  • Group climbing equipment

  • Group camping equipment

What’s NOT included in the trip?

  • Lunches and snacks to eat while on the mountain.

  • Guest’s individual climbing, cooking and camping gear.

  • Transportation. However, carpooling can be arranged, if necessary.

Gear

  • Guests are responsible for providing their own climbing equipment for this style of alpine trip.

  • For camping, personal tents are encouraged, but they are not required. Ask for more details.

  • For a complete list of the gear you will need, download the packing list here.

Meals

  • Dinner and breakfasts are provided. Lunches and snacks are the responsibility of the guests. Reasonable accommodations can be made for those with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions.