Women’s Affinity Mountaineering Mentorship Program
Summer 2025
At a Glance:
Summer-long glacier mountaineering mentorship program that meets four weekends throughout the summer
Small, consistent group with low-ratio instruction during summit climbs
Learn skills like snow and glacier travel, self arrest, snow anchors, crevasse rescue, navigation, and much more!
Cost: $3000 for ten field days
Dates:
May 10-11th
June 7-8th
July 4-6th
August 1st-3rd
Program is run by Bellingham guiding cooperative Cascade Mountain Ascents
Program Itinerary
May 10th - 11th: Climbing Fundamentals at Mt. Erie
We’ll start with a couple days at our favorite local crag, where instructors will introduce the climbing techniques you need to head into the mountains. Skills covered include knots and hitches, belaying, rappelling, rope ascension, and anchor building. We’ll also do some rock climbing and spend some time getting to know one another!
June 7th - 8th: Snow School and Crevasse Rescue at Heather Meadows
We’ll start by going over crampon and ice axe technique including self arrest and team arrest. We’ll also practice building snow anchors and setting up ropes for glacier travel. On the second day of the weekend, students will learn how to perform complex crevasse rescue techniques. This includes mechanical advantage theory and haul systems. As part of the rescue system, we’ll also revisit rappelling and rope ascension.
July 4th - 6th: Kulshan (Baker) Summit Climb
Putting all of our new skills into practice, the group will make a summit attempt of Mount Baker via the Easton or Squak Glacier Routes. Students will learn about backcountry camping and Leave No Trace principles, snow camping, glaciology, glacier navigation, and risk management in the mountains.
August 1st - 3rd: Student-led Summit Climb
During our final weekend together, the students will become the leaders, taking over navigation, terrain management, and decision making. With instructor guidance, participants will lead rope teams on a glaciated peak attempt in North Cascades National Park. Possible routes include Sahale Peak via the Quien Sabe Glacier, Eldorado’s East Ridge, and the Ruth-Icy Peaks Traverse.
*The general itinerary is subject to change, based on weather, route conditions, participant skill level, among other factors.
Who is this for?
Women: This program is for anyone who identifies as a woman (cis and trans.) Non-binary folks who feel comfy in women-centered spaces are welcome. Instructors at this time are cis-gender, straight women, who are committed to creating welcoming spaces in the outdoors. They’re happy to talk with prospective participants about what to expect.
Local Climbers: Due to its season-long nature, this program is best suited for folks who are local to the Cascades. This also makes it a great opportunity to meet new climbing partners and build community!
Mountaineering Skills Learned
Participants will learn to lead a rope team on a glaciated peak. Skills practiced include:
Rappelling and rope ascension
Snow travel and crampon technique
Self arrest with and without an ice ax
Roping up for glacier travel and glacier navigation
Snow anchors and alpine belays
Crevasse rescue + field practice
Snow camping, depending on conditions
Backcountry navigation and route finding
Participant Guidelines
Mountaineering can be physically demanding and requires carrying heavy loads over long distances. This course will be a good challenge for you if you:
Have basic backpacking skills and experience: you can pack an overnight pack and have prepared meals in the backcountry.
Can carry a 40-50 pound pack and complete a hike that gains up to 4000’ in elevation.
No climbing or mountaineering experience necessary.
What’s Included
Program costs include:
Group Climbing Gear: Ropes, snow anchors
Group Camping Gear: tents, stoves, fuel, breakfasts and dinners during overnight climbs
Emergency equipment
Backcountry permits
Program costs do not include
Personal climbing and camping gear
Snacks and lunches
Transportation
Reach out with questions!
Fill out the contact form if you have any questions about the program. If you want to register now, you can do that by clicking the button below: