A fun and beautiful modern classic, Voie de Chaise offers airy climbing on excellent alpine rock high above Snow Lake. This modern classic, established in 2022 by Tino Villanueva and Ian Nicholson, ascends the east face of Chair Peak with eight pitches of technical climbing ranging from 5.6 to 5.9, culminating in a final exposed scramble to the summit. The route is fully bolted, providing a “sport alpine” feel, yet it retains the character of an alpine climb.
- Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Level: Beginner-Intermediate
- Client Ratio: 2:1
- Difficulty: II+ 5.9 (8 pitches)
- Cost:
- 1:1 $550 per person
- 2:1 $370 Per Person
- Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
- Not Included:Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items
Day 1 – 3,2,00′ ↑ 3,200’↓, 5.4~ Miles, 8-12 hours
This is a one day climb of Voie de Chaise on Chair Peak near Snoqualmie Pass
Climbing Voie de Chaise on Chair Peak offers a rewarding alpine adventure with a moderate approach and engaging climbing in the heart of the Central Cascades. The journey begins at the Alpental parking lot near Snoqualmie Pass and follows the Snow Lake Trail for about 1.5 miles. After leaving the main trail, climbers head toward Source Lake and ascend through talus slopes and the prominent “Chair Snow Patch” to reach the base of Chair Peak’s east face. The total approach covers roughly 2.7 miles and gains approximately 3,200 feet in elevation, taking most parties 2 to 3 hours depending on conditions and fitness.
Voie de Chaise features eight pitches of high-quality alpine granite, fully bolted in a “sport alpine” style. The climbing ranges from 5.6 to 5.9, with varied movement that includes slab, crack, and face climbing. The crux pitch, nicknamed “30 Seconds Out,” delivers steep and thoughtful 5.9 climbing in a dramatic setting. The route finishes with a short scramble to the summit, offering expansive views over the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Most parties descend the route via a series of bolted rappels using a single 60-meter rope. Voie de Chaise strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and adventure, combining the ease of bolted protection with the grandeur of an alpine setting—making it an ideal objective for experienced trad climbers looking for a safe and scenic day in the mountains.
Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)
These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Climbing Gear
- Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
- Rock Climbing Harness: Padded and adjustable
- Approach Shoes(After July 4th or when the now is gone)
- Rock Climbing Shoes – Snug and comfortable
- Belay Device: Tube style belay device ie .BD Guide ATC
- Nylon Slings: (1) 60 cm nylon sling, (1) 120 cm nylon sling
- 2 Locking carabiners 2-Large, pear-shaped carabiners;
- 2 Regular carabiners (e.g. Wire-gate are recommended)
Early Season
- Ice Axe Lightweight Under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm,
- 3 Season mountaineering boots (Must be crampon compatible)
- Crampons with anti-ball plate,
- Adjustable trekking poles- optional
Upper Body
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Sun Hoodie Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
- Sports bra Two, synthetic,
- Soft Shell with hood
- Mid-Weight Down/Synthetic Jacket (with hood)
- Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
- 1 Pair light leather palmed gloves for warmth and rappelling
- Warm hat Wool or synthetic
- Buff or Balaclava
- Shade hat or baseball cap
Lower Body
- 1 Pair soft shell pants lightweight
- Synthetic hiking socks
Backpack
- Internal frame pack 30-40 liter capacity
Miscellaneous Equipment
- 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, 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
- WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
- Bandana
- Hand wipes
- Favorite snack food
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.
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 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.