North Cascade Descents

Shuksan-Riding Thunder Mountain

• Dates: Custom April-June
• Duration: 2 Days
• Level: Advanced
• Client Ratio: 4:1
• Cost:
  • $765
• Included: All meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
• Not Included: Airfare, transportation within Seattle, ground transportation hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items.

Shuksan Descent from 9,127′ down the most photographed mountain in the world offers one of the great ski descents in the NW. From gentle glaciers to the steepest ice south of Canada, there is a route for everyone!  A taste of the Alps without the crowds, makes this one of the best ski descents in the Cascades with steep faces, narrow couloirs, gentle glaciers and old growth forests. There are many descent options for a range of abilities:
Sulphide Glacier;
White Salmon Glacier;
Nooksack Traverse;
NW Couloir;
North Face;

Follow this up with an ascent of the highest peak in the North Cascades of Mt. Baker on the Coleman Deming glaciers taking in the view of the amazing BC Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1: We drive from Seattle to the trailhead. The hike to base camp takes from 2‑5 hours, passing through alpine meadows and clusters of Mountain Hemlock before making camp and take in the rugged spectacular ridges and icefalls that set Shuksan apart from the Volcanoes.

Day 2: A long day begins with a pre-dawn start on moderate glacier climbing over parts of three different glaciers to the summit pyramid. From here you will have views of the complex glaciers beneath us as well as the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades! We then descend the climbing route, back to our tent. After descending, we will enjoy the afternoon, break camp, head down the mountain, and arrive back at the trailhead to celebrate our run.

Eldorado Peak Bagging and Other Great Descents

• Dates:
• Duration: 2 Days
• Level: Expert to Advanced
• Client Ratio: 4:1
• Cost:
  • $765
• Included: All meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, group climbing equipment, and guide services
• Not Included: Ground transportation, airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, and all personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.

Eldorado is the Queen of the Cascades with her crown, the Klawatti Icecap! Klawatti and Eldorado Peaks  take you far away from the crowds of Whistler and Chamonix while offering up some of the most rugged terrain in the Lower forty-eight.

By adding an extra day you can add a few more summits and descents such as Klawatti South Face, Eldorado Northeast Face, Dorado Needle and the Torment Couloir.

ELDORADO  ITINERARY:

Day 1
6:30am orientation. After an initial meeting and equipment check, we drive from Seattle to the trailhead and begin our hike to up, 5-6 hours get you to the high camp on the Eldorado Glacier.

Day 2

Ski a bunch of peaks, Eldorado, Klawatti, Austera, Dorado Needle…then descend back to the car..

Climbing/Ski Gear

• Adjustable Ski poles with powder (big) baskets*
• Skis or splitboard.Skis should be equipped with alpine touring bindings or telemark bindings. We prefer splitboards w/ skins because you do not need snow shoes.
• Alpine touring, telemark, or snowboard boots
• Snowshoes for snowboarders
• Skins with glop stopper (skin wax)
• Avalanche Beacon This needs to be Triple Antenna.
• Shovel Small collapsible style
• Avalanche Probe 265cm or longer
• Helmet for riding and climbing adjustable to fit over hats
• Ski Crampons Required for all ski mountaineering trips
• Alpine climbing harness  Must have adjustable leg loops and fit over all clothing and can be put on with ski boots
• Ice axe  Lightweight
• Crampons with anti-ball plate  Must be fit to boots prior to trip,
• Climbing/ski helmet  Adjustable, should fit with hat on
• Crevasse Rescue Equipment Kit*:
  • 4 locking carabiners Large, pear-shaped carabiner is best, screw gate type recommended
  • 4 regular carabiners (e.g. small wire gate are recommended)
  • 1 double length sling
  • 1 single length sling
  • ! Cordelette 6 mil 18-20’(6-7 meters)
  • 1 12” Prussik or Hollow Block*
  • 1 Microtraxion & Tibloc*

Upper Body

• • Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
  • 2 synthetic sports bras*(WOMEN)
  • 1 long sleeve Sun Hoodie  Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
  • Soft Shell
  • 1 Down/synthetic jacket with hood
  • 1 Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
  • 1 pair liner gloves Thin wool or polypropylene
  • Shell gloves or mitts
  • Warm hat Wool or synthetic
  • Balaclava or Buff
  • Shade hat or baseball cap

Lower Body

• 2 heavy wool/synthetic socks Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on
• 1 pair lightweight long underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
• 1-2 pairs of underwear boxers/briefs
• Soft shell pants
• Shell pants Waterproof/breathable with full side zips

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bag Rated to at least 20º F. Line the stuff sack w/ plastic bag.

Backpack

• Internal frame pack 3500-4500 cubic inch capacity able to carry snowboard/skis

Hut Clothes*

• lightweight booties or slippers, comfortable top and bottom-cotton optional.

Miscellaneous Equipment

• Goggles and Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
• Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, spare parts for bindings and batteries etc.
• Lip balm At least SPF 20
• Sunscreen At least SPF 40
• Headlamp lightweight LED
• 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
• Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
• Multi-tool
• Toiletry kit Be sure to include a WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
• Bandana
• Hand wipes
• 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional)
• Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?

We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary, often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb,  so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?

No, we recommend renting from Cripple Creek where they have a full selection of rentals.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

You will be required to carry a portion of the group gear and food in addition to your personal gear. This should be taken into consideration when deciding what you will bring. A good rule of thumb is to try to keep your pack weight below 40 pounds, which will allow for extra items to be carried of the group equipment.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 30 days from trip departure. Payable by credit card, check, Venmo or Paypal.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule: 

90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost

30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATES OF MY TRIP? 

Schedule changes are subject to a $100 fee per person up to 2 weeks out and $150 less than 14 days from the start of the trip and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be canceled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided.

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE TRIP INSURANCE?

BCAG highly encourages the purchasing of trip cancellation and travel insurance on domestic trips and requires it on international trips. Europeans and Canadians use it because travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses and emergency assistance. To avoid any financial hardship that an unexpected cancellation or interruption could cause,

Trip Cancellation/Interruption costs about 5% of your trip cost and it’s worth the peace of mind! If you find that you are not already covered for any of the above circumstances you have options!

BCAG has an account with Global Rescue, the world’s leading membership organization providing integrated medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services to our travelers worldwide. They can provide you with medical and evacuation coverage.

https://partner.globalrescue.com/bcadventureguides/index.html

WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO LEAVE A RETURN HOME?

We often get this question because most people need to know how much total time they need to take off work. Our Northwest trips begin at 7 am in Seattle on the first date of your trip. Therefore, you will want to arrive the day before your climb or course begins. Our return to Seattle on the last day typically extends into the early evening with the descent and drive back. We suggest you make a hotel reservation for the night of the last day or a late red eye flight to return home on the day following the end of your course or climb.

WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRIVE EARLIER OR DEPART LATER THAN THE TRIP DATES?

No problem. There is a lot to see and do in the Seattle area and we would be happy to recommend our favorite attractions, restaurants, and day trips.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN SEATTLE?

There are many other hotels nearby to choose from as well and suggest one that includes parking and possibly north of downtown.