Statement of Purpose
To develop competent, safe and self-reliant alpine mountaineers.

Curriculum
All programs are comprised of a unique combination of hands-on experience and theoretical discussions. Curriculums are designed to enhance each student's natural and learned capabilities. Theoretical discussions focus on climbing conditions, accident prevention and preservation of the natural environment. Successful graduates possess a wealth of skills and knowledge, which they use to further pursue their climbing aspirations.

Alpine Ascents offers numerous distinct courses designed to meet each individual's needs, skill level and areas of interest. We also offer private trips so that individuals or small groups may choose their own itineraries.

Our Approach To Climber Development
Alpine Ascents places a premium on providing students with the personal attention they need to enrich their experience and achieve their climbing goals. By keeping course size small, we are able to quickly and safely nurture an individual's climbing skills. The limited group size and low climber-to-guide ratio also assures specific needs and interests are met. Students are asked to complete a brief biography of their fitness, camping and any previous climbing experiences, which assists us in program design and placement. Upon completion of the course, every student receives a written skills evaluation.

Your Instructors
We work with a group of highly skilled mountaineering professionals respected world over as some of the best guides in the industry. The majority of instructors have more than ten years experience climbing and guiding both locally and internationally. Many even have historical climbing achievements synonymous with their names. Our guides have earned the respect of the mountaineering community for not only their climbing achievements but also for their abilities to teach other aspiring climbers.

No other mountaineering program offers the expertise and experience, which our instructors provide. This level of excellence is not only important for your immediate development, but for your long-range skill growth and mountaineering aspirations. Our guides have most likely been where you want to go, and know what it takes to get there. We are deeply committed to providing our climbers with the best level of service possible and are available to talk with you throughout the year.

About The North Cascades
The North Cascades form the largest and most rugged alpine wilderness mountain range in the contiguous US. Contained within this range are scores of peaks topping 8,000', upwards of 400 glaciers and countless permanent snowfields. Most of the high peaks in the North Cascades are composed of metamorphic or intrusive igneous rocks. These weather resistant rocks have been heavily sculpted by alpine glaciation producing stunning peaks and ridges. These breathtaking views and the wide variety of alpine climbing have earned the area the nickname "The American Alps". The North Cascades are considered the premier training ground for developing alpine climbers.

The weather in the North Cascades can be extremely variable with snow below 3,000'. Precipitation levels are heavy, particularly during the winter months. "Variable conditions" also include glorious weather for lengthy periods, usually in late summer. For instructional purposes, the optimum time to climb in the Cascades is from early May through late August. This is when the combination of weather and snow conditions is usually at its best.

The vegetation and wildlife of the North Cascades are interesting and diverse. Approximately 150 common species and another 100 or so less common species of wildflowers bloom during the summer. This range is aesthetically exceptional and we hope you find yourself returning many times to enjoy its grandeur.

Many who have been introduced to the world of alpine climbing in the Cascades have gone on to climb in the world's greatest mountain ranges. We hope our program will be the first step towards a lifetime of mountaineering.

Some of the Cascades' Finest Climbs
Mt. Baker (10,781') the highest point of the North Cascades, is a heavily glaciated dormant volcano. The twelve active glaciers of Mt. Baker cover an area exceeding 20 square miles. Mt. Baker is unique with respect to its great mass of snow and ice and easy accessibility. This combination creates a perfect alpine training ground.

Eldorado Peak (8,868') stands as one of the most majestic North Cascades mountains. It presents a strenuous climb, which rewards the physically fit with a beautiful mountaineering route. It is perhaps the most intensive training ground we use. General snow and glacier climbing skills lead one to the knife-edged snow arete at the summit and an expansive view across one of only two ice caps in the North Cascades. The aptly named Inspiration Glacier cloaks the summit and is magnificent to behold.

Mt. Daniel (7,986') a scenic hike on the Cascade Crest Trail and a timberline high camp near a beautiful glacier tarn enhance the approach to this little-known glaciated peak of the Central Cascades. This is a complex mountain requiring a broad range of basic mountaineering skills.

Silver Star Mountain (8,876') possesses a very rugged and imposing west face. This awesome feature of the peak greets all who drive over North Cascade Highway's Washington Pass. It is an excellent snow and glacier climb - a classic North Cascades mountaineering and training site.

Sahale Peak (8,680') presents another classic North Cascades wilderness mountaineering objective and is a favorite among our guides. Climbers are rewarded with some of the best scenic views in the range. Its corniced rock and snow summit ridge rises above the small, steep Quien Sabe Glacier and provides a very aesthetic climbing line accessible with basic skills.

Mt. Shuksan (9,127') is an immense and majestic mountain. It stands as one of the finest climbs in the North Cascades. Mt. Shuksan poses diverse alpine challenges en route to its stunning ice plateau. Basic snow, glacier, ice and rock skills lead the climber across the mighty Sulfide Glacier and on to the top of this structurally beautiful alpine peak.

Glacier Peak (10,541') lovingly referred to as the "hidden giant" of the North Cascades, is the most remote of the volcanoes in this range, and is Washington's fifth highest peak. It combines a great trek through beautiful old-growth forest with a uniquely scenic, diverse, and challenging summit route. The spectacular summit views are enhanced by an uninterrupted vista of expansive virgin forests towered over by numerous snow-covered mountains.

Student Comments
"As an outdoor enthusiast I was thoroughly impressed by our guide's skill, patience, knowledge and ability to lead." —Joe S.

"An excellent program: awareness of the environment, experience in glacier travel, pushing individual limits (testing ability) and crevasse rescue gives otherwise untouched experience." —Leslie B.

"This was an excellent course. It covered all aspects of basic mountaineering and glacier travel skills. One of the real strengths of Willi and the program is the close personal attention that each student receives." —Fred M.

Things to Note
Upon receipt of your application and deposit we will forward detailed follow-up information including: Annotated gear list, menu planning guide, travel arrangements and physical conditioning.

Upon registration for any of our courses, we are happy to assist you with all pre-course preparations. Please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss all aspects of gear, logistics, conditioning, etc.

Equipment
Provided: All group climbing equipment including climbing ropes and technical hardware. It is likely you may be asked to help carry some of the group equipment.

Not provided: Personal equipment (see annotated gear list)

Note: If you are a beginning climber, we strongly advise renting gear, as specialty outdoor equipment can be expensive. Renting enables you to test several types of gear before you purchase. Alpine Ascents provides quality rental equipment at reasonable prices. Other personal items are available through outdoor stores.

Physical Conditioning
We cannot stress enough that each of these courses is physically demanding. It is important that you be in strong condition to maximize your participation in the climb. A physical goal for the course should be to ascend 2,500' carrying 50lbs in a 2-3 hour period. You can never be in too good shape.

These courses require strength and endurance. Being in sound physical condition is the single most important aspect to maximize climbing potential. Over the years the most frequent comment we receive is that climbers have underestimated the fitness level needed to fully enjoy these climbs.

Physical conditioning should be approached on two fronts:

• Cardiovascular conditioning. Traditionally improved by activity sustained for at least forty minutes, 4-5 times per week. Noticeable changes in cardio fitness begin to occur after two months of regular exercise. Activities include: running, bicycling, swimming, stepping, etc.

• Strength conditioning. Traditionally improved by training with free weights or Nautilus machines.

  Best single conditioning for mountaineering
  Hike steep outdoor trails with water weight added to your pack. Increasing amounts of water in collapsible plastic jugs can be carried to vary the workout and slowly work up to a 50lb pack. (Water weight is suggested so that when the climb up is complete the weight can be dumped to save knees on the downhill return). If you are training in a gym you can use the stairmaster machine or even better a "Step-Mill" machine that is similar to an escalator. If you train indoors, be sure to work up to training with a heavy pack and boots.

Meals
You are responsible for providing your own food during some of the training courses. (Meals are included on the Denali Prep Course, 3-day Mt. Baker Summit Climb and Other Summit Climbs.) Food packing and self-sufficiency are important aspects of wilderness preparedness. We camp on the mountain at/or above the timberline and often on snow. This means we melt snow for water and prepare all meals on small liquid fuel stoves. White gas is provided.

Accomodations
We recommend the Silver Cloud Inn, Lynnwood, WA. It is the point of departure and return for all courses except the Summit Climbs. (Please note, for the Summit Climbs you are responsible for meeting the group at the trailhead the morning of each climb. We may be able to help with carpool arrangements. After we receive your deposit, you will receive detailed follow-up information directly related to these climbs.) The Silver Cloud Inn provides reasonable, comfortable accommodations and is easily accessible to/from Sea-Tac Airport via shuttle van. As the courses begin early and end late in the day, it is important to arrive the day before the course and plan to leave the day after the course ends.

Travel Reservations
We have been using the services of Rainier World Travel for the past six years. They are familiar with our programs and booking through them insures coordination between travel dates and course/expedition schedules. Phone: 1-800-432-4456

Packing for Varied Weather Conditions
The northwest and north coast mountains are heavily glaciated, temperate mountains, subject to highly variable weather conditions. Pack all gear in two layers of sturdy plastic. Bring one large trash compactor bag to completely and easily cover your pack.

Payment Policy

• Deposits are due at time of registration to reserve space on the course. Please include with completed application form.
• Each deposit includes a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.
• Balance is due 60 days prior to each course start date.
• Payments can be made by check or credit card (VISA or MC).

Refund Policy

• $100.00 non-refundable registration fee.
• $50.00 change fee for date changes less than 60 days prior to course start date.
• Full refunds will be provided up to 45 days prior to course start date.
• 50% refunds will be provided 31-44 days prior to course start date.
• No refunds will be provided 30 days prior to course start date.
• If Alpine Ascents cancels or reschedules a program, all fees are refundable and/or transferable.

Note: Alpine Ascents reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible. Alpine Ascents is proud to be a corporate sponsor of these organizations. We support their committed efforts to protect the environment and provide valuable resources for the climbing community: Access Fund, Leave No Trace, and American Alpine Club.

Access Fund

Leave No Trace

American Alpine Club

We at Alpine Ascents International are committed to developing strong, safe alpine mountaineers.

Our staff of experts is happy to answer any of your climbing/travel questions, whether or not you are considering one of our expeditions.

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