The Mount Baker II (Intermediate Glacier School) Scholarship for Adults & Youth
Mount Baker is the ultimate training camp for emerging mountaineers, and we are excited to make available not one but two scholarships for an intermediate 5-day glacier school and summit climb on Mount Baker in June 2024. With a longer, more skills-focused itinerary than the classic 3-day Mount Baker climb, this course is a fantastic option for all who are enthusiastic about learning the ins and outs of snow travel, glacier crossings and crevasse safety. The skills curriculum begins with the very fundamentals of mountaineering: snow travel, crampon techniques and self arrest with an ice axe. That means that you do not need prior mountaineering experience, just an open mind and the desire to push yourself and learn - a lot. On the flip side, and with plenty of time to go beyond the most fundamental skills, our intermediate glacier school is also a fantastic building block for those who already have some familiarity with basic mountaineering skills and are looking to spend more time practicing and diving deeper into the technical challenges of roped travel across glaciers and and crevassed terrain.
Note: there are two scholarships available for this intermediate Glacier School - one youth scholarship for applicants between the ages of 16 and 21, and one “at-large” scholarship for adult women. There is no upper age limit for you to apply! The resulting climbing team will encompass a wide age range, which we embrace for the mentorship and inspiration that frequently results from pairing climbers of all ages.
This scholarship includes the expedition fee for an all-women 5-day intermediate glacier course and summit climb of Mt Baker (with a night in Seattle before and after the mountain), a $500 travel stipend to help offset the cost of airfare from/to Seattle, top-notch mountaineering footwear from LOWA Boots, and more. Thanks to Lucy Westlake and The Cairn Project, there are two intermediate Mount Baker scholarships available for 2024, one of which is reserved for a youth climber between the ages of 16 and 21. Each scholarship’s total value is >$4,000.
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At 10,781ft above sea level, Mt. Baker offers the perfect introduction to mountaineering. Mt Baker is often considered the best glacier training venue in the US; a true wilderness outing, climbers carry gear to camp, spend a full day training, and summit via the beautiful Easton glacier.
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This 5-day Intermediate Glacier School and Summit Climb via the Easton glacier is offered in collaboration with Climbing The Seven Summits. The curriculum starts with a review of the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques, before moving on to intermediate skills including snow anchors, knots, hauling systems and, time permitting, crevasse rescue setups - all while also aiming to summit. With an intimate climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for many more advanced climbs and expeditions. Please note that our Mount Baker Intermediate Glacier School is open both to adult women and girls aged 16 and up. We cherish the inspiration and mentorship that frequently emerges within teams that comprise a wide age range.
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June 6-12 2024
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No mountaineering experience is required though this course is appropriate both for enthusiastic and fast-learning beginners as well as climbers who are already familiar with basic snow climbing and rope travel techniques. Participants must be in very good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended but not mandatory.
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Hotel accommodation pre-and post climb in Seattle and/or Sedro-Woolley, double occupancy
Welcome & final dinners in town
Transfers from Seattle to Mount Baker and return
Professional guide team including AWE expedition leader and Climbing The Seven Summits guide(s)
Team gear including four-season tents (double occupancy), ropes, snow anchors & team medical kit
On-trail real-time GPS tracking and communications
Top-notch mountaineering footwear from LOWA Boots, a mountaineering backpack from Deuter, and trekking poles from LEKI
A $500 travel stipend to help offset travel costs to/from Seattle
Access to substantive discounts for personal gear purchases
The Summit Scholarship award does not cover:
Airfare to & from Seattle beyond the travel stipend
Travel insurance or mandatory rescue insurance
Extra hotel nights in town in case of early departure from the mountain
Beverages and personal expenses
Personal mountaineering gear (sleeping bag / sleeping pad / crampons / axe - rentals are available)
Guide gratuity
