Ski Mountaineering Foundations

Conducted on Koma Kulshan's north side, this entry-level course covers crevasse rescue, roped glacier travel, belay techniques, and winter camping. No prior glaciated experience required. Includes one major objective; typically a summit attempt or Thunder and Lightning tour. Maximum 3:1 ratio of students to instructors.

4 days course
Dates: May 22-25, 2026 | May 28-31, 2026
Price: $800 per person

Difficulty:

Moderate

day 01

8:00

Meet Meet at the Glacier Creek Rd, gear check, permits + waivers, and Leave No Trace briefing

12:00

Arrive at high camp, lunch

12:30

Introduction to winter camping and camp building

13:30

Workshop using ropes for safe uphill glacier travel

16:00

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 02

7:00

Breakfast

7:30

Tour plan and gear check

8:00

Introduction to crevasse rescue

9:00

Ski tour

10:00

Roped crevasse rescue workshop

12:00

Lunch

12:30

Roped crevasse rescue workshop

15:30

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 03

7:00

Breakfast

7:30

Tour plan and gear check

8:00

Introduction to unroped crevasse rescue

9:00

Ski tour

10:00

Unroped crevasse rescue workshop

12:00

Lunch

12:30

Introduction to belaying

13:00

Belay technique workshop

15:30

Ski descent

16:30

Return to camp

17:30

Dinner

Day 04

6:00

Breakfast

6:30

Ski tour

10:00

Arrive at Pumice Ridge, snack break

10:30

Summit bootpack

12:00

Arrive at the summit, lunch

12:30

Ski descent

13:30

Arrive at high camp

14:00

Final ski descent

15:30

Arrive back at the Glacier Creek Road

what you'll learn:

Overview and techniques for basic belaying. Learn about proper bodyweight belay positions, and belaying off a rescue strength anchor using devices and friction hitches.
Overview of and techniques for using an ice axe. Learn the self-arrest, cane, and the different dagger positions.
Overview of and techniques for using isostatic glacier cord. Learn about its strength and application, and its compatibility with equipment and materials.
Overview of and techniques for basic crampon use. Learn the French, Austrian, and Hybrid steps.
Roped glacier travel. Learn about rope team spacing, brake knots, and rescue coil lengths.
Crevasse rescue. Learn single strand, drop loop, mechanical advantage systems, roped and unroped rescue applications.
Snow anchors. Learn about building rescue strength vs. lightweight anchors. Choosing appropriate materials in anchor construction, and problem-solving in the field.

What we provide:

All ropes and isostatic glacier cords
All alpine ice climbing protection
All anchoring equipment such as snow pickets
Descent control devices and backups for our ropes
Progress capturing devices for crevasse rescue training
A triple-action captive-eye carabiner and an ice screw, if you're traveling with us on a glacier
Wag Bags for travel in wilderness areas
Sno-Park and NW Forest Permits for your vehicle

What you need besides your skis and splitboards:

A tested and trusted three-antenna avalanche transceiver
An avalanche probe and aluminum shovel
Climbing skins and ski crampons
A lightweight harness with a belay loop
A 55cm or shorter ice axe
Hybrid steel or steel crampons, classic type
Four-season tent, a winter sleeping bag rated to at least -10c, and sleeping pad
50-60 liter overnight pack, capable of carrying both skis and ice axes securely
A UIAA-rated ski or climbing helmet. Should be lightweight and stowable

What we rent:

Ice axes and technical ice tools
Lightweight harnesses
Classic and technical crampons
Four-season tents

*We can also source almost any other rental equipment needs, just let us know in advance.

Ski Mountaineering Foundations

Overview

Itinerary

Skills

Gear

day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

what you'll learn:

What we provide:

What you need besides your skis and splitboards:

What we rent: