The SheJumps Mt. Baker (Koma Kulshan) Fundraising Climb: A group climb guided byAlpine Ascents International benefitting the mission of SheJumps to increase participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.
The quintessential glaciated Cascades peak, Mt. Baker, known locally as Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, provides a fantastic climbing experience for both the novice and developed mountaineer. Unlike the geographically-lonely Rainier, Mt. Baker looks into the heart of the Cascade Range for tremendous views of endless steep, snow-capped peaks. Mt. Baker offers the perfect introduction to mountaineering and 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.
This three-day instructional course/summit climb teaches you the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, you'll receive personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for more advanced expeditions.
This climb is open to any physically fit enthusiastic novice, beginner, or advanced beginner who identifies as female or non-binary. One day of training is included in the climb. Prior experience with backpacking and camping is highly recommended.
The SheJumps Mt. Baker Fundraising Climb takes place July 21-23, 2023, with a gear check at 4pm PT on July 20.
SPIRIT OF THE CLIMB
There is a unique spirit of camaraderie with all SheJumps events. Endless high fives, gut busting laughs, and summit dance parties are just the beginning. We consciously foster a positive energy that exudes encouragement in stride with the technical, physical, and emotional challenge at hand. Our all-female guide teams and staff offer support and expertise throughout your training, fundraising and of course, the climb. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!
REGISTRATION AND COST
A $500 non-refundable registration fee is required to hold your space. Upon submitting your $500 deposit, you must complete the Participation Agreement to complete your registration. .
You are not officially registered until you have completed & signed the Participation Agreement here:https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/sjbakerclimb/
Each climber agrees to fundraise $2,250 for SheJumps, which is in addition to the $500 deposit (paid here through Eventbrite).
This climb includes roundtrip transportation from the Alpine Ascents office in Seattle to the trailhead, guiding, instruction, all group climbing equipment including climbing ropes and technical hardware, meals (except for lunches), and tents. Gratuity for the guides is not included, please budget accordingly; it's greatly appreciated. Each climber must provide their own transportation to Seattle, WA. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance for this event.
FAQs
How much do I have to fundraise?
As further detailed in the “Participation Agreement”, each climber agrees to fundraise or be personally responsible for a fundraising total of $2,250 for SheJumps. This amount does not include the deposit. Half of the fundraising total is due to SheJumps by April 20, 2023 (“Midpoint Fundraising Deadline”), and the other half of the fundraising total is due to SheJumps by July 12, 2023, (“Final Fundraising Deadline”).
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
No. This is a very popular climb with a long list of climbers waiting to participate, we will release open spots to the waitlist.
What is SheJumps’ cancellation policy?
A non-refundable registration fee of $500.00 is due at the time of registration to reserve a space on the trip. If you cancel your reservation prior to the midpoint fundraising deadline, you are responsible for and will be charged/billed 50% of the total fundraising amount . If you cancel your reservation after the midpoint fundraising deadline, you are responsible for and will be charged/billed the full fundraising amount. The closer we get to the course, the harder it will be for us to fill your spot. Under no circumstances are fundraising amounts refunded or credited back to the individual donors.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Factors such as illness, injuries, family emergencies, business obligations, missed or canceled flights, lost baggage, etc., may require you to cancel or delay your trip. Unless you are willing to absorb the entire cost of your program in the event of a cancellation, we encourage you to obtain trip insurance to protect your investment. Contact an insurance broker for more information.
What does the climb include?
In addition to guiding / instruction, this climb includes round trip transportation from Seattle to the trailhead, all group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes and technical hardware, and meals (except lunch), and tents. Personal equipment and lunches are not provided. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.
What kind of gear do I need?
Check out the full gear list here:https://www.alpineascents.com/climbs/mount-baker/gear-list/
Alpine Ascents is happy to offer SheJumps climbers a 25% discount on rental prices and a 10% discount at theAlpine Ascents Gear Shop located at their Seattle office.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be in the best shape of your life. In the best interest of personal safety, success, and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 35 lbs. or more. Most people will need to train for a Mount Baker climb for at least 3-6 months.Comprehensive training information can be found here. Be sure to note the separate tabs for phase 1, 2, and 3 of training.
What’s the itinerary?
Day Before Climb - July 20
Mandatory 4 p.m. gear check at Alpine Ascents’ Seattle office, to ensure that everyone is fully equipped and prepared to depart the next morning. Rental gear is fitted and packed at this time. We’ll also review the functionality of each piece of gear, packing our backpacks, wilderness ethics, and Leave No Trace practices. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Day 1 - July 21
We depart at 6 a.m. from the Alpine Ascents office and drive approximately 2.5 hours to Schrieber’s Meadow on the south side of Mt. Baker. We will spend most of the day on the moderately strenuous approach as we start hiking from 3,400 ft. in sub-alpine meadows. The hiking will continue through old-growth forest for the first two hours. We’ll exit the forest at 4,800 ft. and continue up the trail on high alpine ridgelines along with seasonal snow-covered regions. We’ll aim to arrive at camp (6,100-6,600 ft. depending on the year’s snowpack), perched high on the south side of Mount Baker, in the afternoon.
After we settle into camp, we’ll rest for a bit. As time allows, we will learn about glaciology in anticipation of tomorrow’s training. We will close out the day with a delicious meal prepared by the guides while enjoying spectacular views of the Easton Glacier from camp. If route conditions or weather merit a Day 2 summit bid, we may opt to cover all practical snow school skills this evening.
Training and Planning:
On the approach, instruction includes nutrition, hydration, rest steps, pressure breathing, and temperature management. Guides will also discuss Leave No Trace information in depth. During rest periods, we’ll have short discussions on mountain physiology and mountain environments. We will have the option to summit on Day 2 or Day 3 as conditions warrant. If we summit day 2 – training will be completed afternoon of Day 1 for a Day 2 summit. One of the keys to this trip’s success is having 2 possible summit days.
Day 2 - July 22
After a good night’s sleep to recover from our approach, we will begin a robust day of training. Guides will cover important safety aspects of the climb, including glacier travel, self-arrest, crampon technique, ice axe usage, anchors, and proper rope techniques including knots. With a break for lunch and some additional practice to follow, training will take most of the day.
After an early dinner, we will head to bed in anticipation of a pre-dawn start for the summit, resting and recovering as much as possible.
Alternatively, if weather or route conditions require a Day 2 summit bid, we will begin our trip to the summit in the early morning hours (see Day 3 for more details), having trained in all necessary skills on the evening of Day 1.
Training: Focus is on the battery of skills needed to safely climb Mt. Baker: self-arrest, roped travel, crampon techniques, ice axe usage, basic knots, and other techniques related to glacier ascent and descent.
Day 3 - July 23
After a predawn breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to the summit. The route begins with a climb to the top of the Easton moraine at 7,000 ft., where we’ll access the Easton Glacier. From there, we’ll ascend the gently angled Easton Glacier until we reach the crater rim at 9,800 ft. A nice break will allow us to look deep into the steaming Sherman Crater of Mt. Baker. We’ll then climb up the Roman Wall and crest the summit plateau at just over 10,500 ft. A short walk leads up to the summit of Mount Baker, at 10,781 feet. At a moderate pace, the summit climb should take five to seven hours from Sandy Camp. Clear weather offers an inspiring 360-degree view from this most magnificent North Cascades summit. After celebrating the summit and taking photos, we’ll descend carefully back to Sandy Camp.
After packing up and a taking a brief rest, we’ll descend the rest of the way to the trailhead. A summit celebration will take place at a restaurant as we return to Seattle. If we summited on Day 2, we will wake up for a leisurely breakfast, cover any final training topics such as glaciology and snow anchors, and descend to the trailhead to celebrate.
Elevation profile details can be found here.
Is food provided on the trip?
Yes. We provide on-mountain breakfast and dinners on the climb. Please bring a cup, bowl, and a spoon. Climbers are responsible for their own lunch foods and snacks. If you have any food allergies or requirements, please let us know in advance. There is a place on the application to do this.
What is the climber to guide ratio?
The trip will be run at a 3:1 ratio.
Are the climbs donated by the guide service?
No - SheJumps pays a professional guide service to lead the fundraising climbs and believes in fair and equitable wages for guides. We consider this an investment in the climbers for the fundraising they're doing on behalf of SheJumps. As a climber, you can personalize your fundraising message however you'd like, as well as personally contribute as much of the required fundraising amount as you'd like. Some climbers prefer to donate 100% of the minimum fundraising amount themselves, some fundraise the full amount, and others do a combination.
More questions?
Contact Robyn Gelfand: [email protected]
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SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.
SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.
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