- Dates: June 14-17; July 14-16 & CUSTOM-Min 2 People
- Duration:4 Days**
- Level: Beginner
- Client Ratio: 4:1
- Cost 4 Day: – 2:1 $1295 1:1 $2400
- Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services. *(meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits and personal climbing equipment rentals available)
- Not Included: Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, and all personal items.
Our Alpinism 101 – Intro to Mountaineering course is designed for climbers ready to take their first steps into the world of alpine climbing. We begin with a one-day Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel Seminar at Snoqualmie Pass, where you’ll gain the essential tools to travel safely on snow and ice, practice crevasse rescue systems, and build a solid foundation in glacier travel. From there, the program continues into the rugged North Cascades for a weekend of alpine instruction, blending technical skills with hands-on experience in one of the most inspiring mountain ranges in the lower 48.
Over the course of the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of alpine movement on rock, snow, and ice, how to choose and use gear effectively, construct anchor systems, and develop self-rescue techniques. The course also emphasizes the philosophy of traveling fast and light in complex terrain, preparing you for summit climbs and bigger objectives ahead. With small group sizes and personalized instruction, this program serves as the baseline for more advanced courses and bigger peaks—perfect training for climbs like Mount Baker, Shuksan, Sahale, or even Mount Rainier and future high-altitude goals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 Ascent Outdoors 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.
