8 Days
|
Skill Development
|
$3,760
|
$500
Deposit
|
Advanced
An advanced alpine seminar integrating technical instruction with real North Cascades objectives.
Day-by-day program overview.
Fitness, experience, and preparation.
Gear requirements for this program.
Meals and nutrition on the mountain.
Getting there and local logistics.
Booking, cancellations, and requirements.
Common questions, direct answers.
What climbers are saying.
A multi-objective alpine seminar designed for climbers ready to operate in steeper, more complex terrain.
Technical instruction is combined with real alpine routes, allowing skills to be applied under full commitment.
An intentional step between foundational mountaineering courses and independent or lightly guided alpine objectives.
The Alpine Seminar is an eight-day training program designed for climbers seeking to move confidently through longer, more technically demanding alpine routes. Set in the North Cascades, the seminar blends structured instruction with real alpine objectives, using classic terrain to integrate glacier travel, steep snow and ice climbing, and moderate alpine rock into a cohesive skill set.
Participants complete two major alpine objectives during the seminar, including an ascent of Mt. Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys and a Mt. Baker climb via either the North Ridge or the Coleman-Deming Route, depending on conditions and team readiness. These routes are chosen not just for their aesthetic quality, but for the way they demand efficient movement, sound judgment, and the ability to manage transitions across mixed terrain.
This seminar is intended for climbers who already have foundational mountaineering experience and want to take the next step toward more committing alpine routes. The emphasis is on applying existing skills in complex environments, refining systems under pressure, and developing the confidence needed to move through remote alpine terrain with or without a guide.
RMI has been guiding climbers in complex alpine terrain since 1969, and that depth of experience matters most on programs like the Alpine Seminar. This is not a controlled classroom environment. It is real North Cascades terrain where decisions, systems, and pacing all carry consequences. RMI’s approach emphasizes sound judgment, efficient movement, and disciplined systems that scale to longer and more committing objectives.
Our guides bring extensive experience across glaciated, mixed, and alpine rock terrain, and they are trained not just to lead routes, but to teach within them. The small team structure on this seminar allows guides to work closely with each climber, adjusting instruction to individual strengths and gaps while maintaining an efficient, professional rope team. Instruction is integrated into the climb itself, not separated from it.
Behind the scenes, RMI’s logistics, planning, and risk management allow the seminar to run smoothly across multiple objectives and environments. From route selection to weather assessment to contingency planning, that structure supports a focused learning environment where climbers can concentrate on applying skills and refining systems in real alpine settings.
If you would like to better understand RMI’s guiding philosophy, training standards, or broader expedition program, our office team is available to help.
Spend eight days moving through progressively more complex alpine terrain while applying technical systems on real routes in the North Cascades. The seminar combines structured instruction with two major summit objectives, allowing skills to be practiced under full alpine commitment.
Glacier, WA
10,781' / 3,286 m
8 Days
4
2
12+ Hours
The Alpine Seminar is structured to bridge the gap between guided climbing and independent alpine travel. Skills are taught and refined while moving through real, committing terrain, with an emphasis on decision-making, system ownership, and functioning effectively as part of a self-reliant rope team.
By the end of the Alpine Seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
7:30 a.m. Meet at the Ranger Station in Glacier, WA.
The group will convene at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA). Please refer to our Travel Details document for driving directions and carpool options. Your RMI guides will meet you at the ranger station for introductions, a Leave No Trace primer, gear distribution, and personal gear checks. From Glacier, we will follow Glacier Creek Road to the Heliotrope Trailhead. Our hike into Harrison/Mirkwood Camp involves an ascent of approximately 1,400' through old-growth forests and stunning alpine meadows. Along the way, we will review foundational climbing skills to enhance our efficiency and capability.
The approach takes about 2 hours, and we typically arrive at camp at 5,000' in the early afternoon. After setting up a solid mountain camp, we will spend the rest of the afternoon practicing glacier movement techniques, constructing ice anchors, and honing our belaying skills for alpine conditions.
Note: There are no opportunities to purchase or rent gear in Glacier. Participants should be confident in their gear choices and fit before arriving. Please consult the Equipment List and call the RMI office if you have any gear-related questions.
On our second day, we will explore the lower Coleman Glacier, focusing on skills for steeper ice. The glacier features numerous 60- to 80-degree ice walls for practicing efficient movement, anchor systems, belaying, and multi-pitch techniques.
In the early afternoon, we will return to camp to pack and prepare for the next day’s climb.
Two route options are available for summit day: the North Ridge for those comfortable with 80-degree alpine ice, and the Coleman-Deming Glacier for those preferring more moderate terrain. After assessing the team’s skills, the guides will determine the best route for each individual. We may have different teams on different routes, with the option to meet at the summit!
We're up well before the sun on summit day. Eating a quick breakfast leaves time for last minute preparations before we clip into the rope and settle into the familiar crunch of crampons and ice axes. The first two hours of the day include little elevation gain, allowing our bodies to warm up before the real test. After traversing under the stunning North Face of Mt. Baker, we climb steep rock and snow to the base of the ice cliff. Exciting climbing for several hundred feet, allows us to access the glacial cap and the true summit, at 10,781'. Our descent is via the Coleman-Deming Route, which takes a gentler angle down the western aspect of the mountain.
For those taking on the Coleman-Deming route, a longer glacier approach awaits before the terrain steepens. Participants can take a turn navigating the team through the crevasses systems. This moderate climb emphasizes cramponing, route finding, and navigation skills as we make our way to the 9,600' Sherman Crater, just south of the summit. From there, it typically takes about an hour to the top, including a short section of 30-degree climbing.
After the previous day’s exertion, we’ll wake to a leisurely breakfast and pack up camp before retracing our steps to the trailhead. The hike down takes about 2 hours, after which we’ll drive back to Glacier. We aim to finish with enough time for climbers to clean up, shop if needed, redistribute group gear, and repack for the next day’s hike to Mt. Shuksan. Climbers will be responsible for dinner and lodging this night; please see our Travel Details page for local lodging options.
The group meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA).
We will carpool to our trailhead at Artist Point, the end of the Mt. Baker Highway. The climb begins with a moderate hike to Lake Ann, after which the trail steepens as we switchback and scramble to the base of the Fisher Chimneys. This section features approximately 600' of 3rd and 4th class rock, ideal for practicing route finding, rope work, and movement skills. We’ll reach the top of the Chimneys at 6,600' and arrive at the White Salmon Glacier, where we’ll spend the next three nights training and climbing.
Our camp on the White Salmon Glacier offers stunning views and excellent training opportunities. Today will be dedicated to honing alpine rock skills, including moving through varied terrain, using natural features for anchors and protection, constructing anchors, and rappelling.
Summit day begins with an alpine start to maximize our climbing time. We’ll ascend the moderate snow and ice slopes of Winnie’s Slide and the Upper Curtis Glacier, eventually reaching the south side of the mountain. Above the Sulphide Glacier, we’ll tackle the final crux: the summit pyramid of Mt. Shuksan via the Southeast Ridge. The 600 feet of climbing on Mount Shuksan's summit pyramid is among the best on the route. Tackling the Southeast ridge is a thrilling experience, featuring difficulties up to 5.3 rock climbing that merge technical challenges with breathtaking views of the alpine landscape. From the summit, we’ll enjoy stunning views of Washington's and Canada’s Cascade Range.
The descent involves rappels and belayed down-climbing to access the glacier. We’ll reverse our route down the Sulphide and Upper Curtis Glaciers back to camp for the night.
Another early start as we reverse our route down the White Salmon Glacier, through the Fisher Chimneys, and complete the four-mile hike to the trailhead. We’ll conclude the trip with a celebratory lunch in Glacier.
Excellent endurance for long summit days and consecutive days of climbing, including sustained movement in steep terrain with heavy packs.
Prior multi-day mountaineering experience with glacier travel, belaying, and comfort on steep snow and moderate alpine rock is required.
This program operates at moderate elevations. Prior high-altitude experience is not required, but the ability to perform for long days is essential.
The Alpine Seminar is a serious, advanced program intended for climbers who already possess a strong foundation in mountaineering and are preparing to operate with greater independence in complex alpine terrain. This course assumes prior experience and focuses on refinement, integration, and judgment rather than introductory instruction.
Participants should arrive ready to contribute meaningfully to a rope team in glaciated, mixed, and alpine rock environments. The pace, terrain, and length of objectives require climbers to manage their own systems efficiently while remaining engaged in team-based decision-making across long and committing days.
This seminar is best suited for climbers who are transitioning away from fully guided climbs and toward independent or lightly guided alpine objectives. Climbers who have completed an Expedition Skills Seminar or who have equivalent experience will be best prepared for the expectations and demands of this program.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Skills Covered:
Builds technical mountaineering skills on steeper snow and ice while reinforcing expedition-style systems and movement.
Skills Covered:
A working foundation in glacier travel, rope team management, anchor systems, and expedition-style climbing on a major glaciated peak.
Skills Covered:
Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, snow and ice anchor systems, fixed line travel, ice climbing techniques, belaying and rappelling, and expedition camp management applied progressively throughout a complete alpine ascent.
Skills Covered:
Experience with glacier travel, cramponing, ice axe arrest, and roped climbing on multiple glaciated peaks above 17,000 feet.
Your climbing resumé should include:
Items marked with an Asterix (*) are considered mandatory prerequisites for this program.
Mountaineering places sustained demands on your body and your ability to stay composed under effort. Even very fit people find that moving uphill with weight, for long hours, in variable weather is a different kind of challenge than most everyday training.
Preparation matters. Fitness directly affects how well you move, how much you learn, how the team functions, and how enjoyable the experience is overall.
Start early. Begin training well in advance of your program with the goal of arriving rested, resilient, and confident in your capacity for sustained effort.
Train intentionally. Emphasize aerobic endurance, uphill movement, and strength that supports long days on your feet. Core stability, balance, and mobility all play an important role in efficiency and injury prevention.
Train specifically. The closer you get to your program date, the more your training should resemble the demands of mountaineering: hiking uphill with weight, moving steadily for hours, and recovering well enough to do it again the next day.
Across RMI programs, strong preparation typically means being comfortable with long days of continuous movement, carrying a pack appropriate to the objective, and maintaining focus and decision-making when tired. Technical skills are taught or reviewed as appropriate to each program, but fitness is something you bring with you.
Nothing contributes more to a successful and rewarding experience than arriving well prepared. Plan to be in excellent physical condition and ready for a demanding day in the mountains.
Total Climbing Time
Elevation Gain / Loss
Total Distance
Pack Weight
DAY 1 — Hike to Camp
3 Hours
Gain = 2,000'
2.5 Miles
45 - 55 lb
DAY 2 — Training
8 Hours
Gain = 1,000' | Loss = 1,000'
2 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lb
DAY 3 — Summit Day - Mt. Baker
12+ Hours
Gain = 5,750' | Loss = 5,750'
8 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lb
DAY 4 — Descent to Trailhead
3 Hours
Loss = 2,000'
2.5 Miles
45 - 55 lb
DAY 5 — Approach to Camp
6 - 7 Hours
Gain = 2,000'
5.5 Miles
45 - 50 lb
DAY 6 — Training
8 - 10 Hours
Gain = 1,000' | Loss = 1,000'
2 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lb
DAY 7 — Summit Day - Mt. Shuksan
8 - 10 Hours
Gain = 2,427' | Loss = 2,427'
3 Miles Round Trip
20 - 25 lb
DAY 8 — Descent to Trailhead
4 - 6 Hours
Loss = 2,000'
5.5 Miles
45 - 50 lb
Our guides have decades of experience training for alpine objectives, and we've done our best to put together relevant resources to help you with your expedition preparation.
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team endeavor. Before any program begins, RMI works directly with prospective climbers to confirm that everyone joining a team is genuinely prepared for the demands ahead. Depending on the program, this may involve conversations with our office staff, a review of your climbing history, or feedback from guides and other climbers who know your abilities. The goal is straightforward: to ensure that every person on the rope belongs there. We ask that each climber hold themselves to the same standard:
The standards we set exist to protect everyone on the team. RMI holds all climbers accountable to them, and we take seriously our responsibility to build teams of people who are ready to be in the mountains together. RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from a program or send them to a lower altitude if our guide staff determines, in their sole discretion, that the participant is not physically, technically, or psychologically prepared or capable of participating, or for any other reason that may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. In such cases, no refunds or credits will be issued, and the participant will be financially responsible for any additional costs associated with an early departure, including evacuation, transportation, lodging, and meals.
The Alpine Seminar involves extended time in glaciated terrain, steep snow and ice, and moderate alpine rock across multiple objectives in the North Cascades. Your equipment must support efficient movement, frequent transitions, and long days in variable mountain conditions.
The required equipment list is built to balance performance, durability, and pack weight while providing appropriate margin for weather changes and technical terrain. Because this seminar is designed for climbers preparing to operate more independently, participants should arrive with well-tested gear they know how to pack, adjust, and manage throughout the program. Final recommendations may be adjusted during the gear check based on conditions and team needs, but all required items must be present.
Each RMI program includes a required personal equipment list built around the specific terrain, conditions, and objectives of the climb. Every item serves a purpose and supports safety, efficiency, and comfort in the mountains.
Guide Picks™ are examples that meet our performance standards and illustrate the type of gear we recommend. Each year, our partners at Whittaker Mountaineering survey our staff of 70+ guides to get a consensus on the best gear for the job. You do not need to purchase the exact item shown, but any alternative must offer comparable function and durability.
All listed items are required for the gear check. Final adjustments may be recommended by your guide based on conditions and team needs once the expedition begins.
Most of the required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering. RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment items ordered from Whittaker Mountaineering.
A technical climbing pack large enough to carry personal gear, layers, food, water, and a share of group equipment including tent portions. You will not need a separate summit pack. For ski programs, a pack with ski-carrying capability is recommended.
We recommend a bag rated between 20° and 0° F. Allow ample room for movement. We recommend down over synthetic for its light weight, warmth, and packability. If you know you sleep cold, consider a 0° F bag.
10- or 12-point adjustable steel crampons with anti-balling plates for general mountaineering and glacier travel. Automatic, semi-automatic, or strap-on attachment depending on boot compatibility. Ensure crampons are compatible with your specific boots before your program.
Glacier glasses are protective sunglasses that provide close to 100% frame coverage (wrap-around frames and side shields ensure no light can enter from the top, bottom, and sides of the glasses) and transmit less than 10% of visual light.
We recommend a minimum of five upper body layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Two of these should be insulating layers, one light, and one medium, that fit well together. Today there are many different layering systems to choose from, including fleece, softshell, down, and synthetic options.
A lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt in synthetic or merino wool for sun protection and moisture management during active climbing.
One step up in warmth and bulk from a baselayer. A technical fleece makes an ideal light weight insulating layer.
An insulated jacket or softshell for warmth during low-output activity and extended rest breaks. Should fit over baselayers and midlayers, and under a shell.
An expedition-style down parka that extends below the waist with an insulated hood, designed to fit over all other layers. Worn primarily in camp, during rest breaks, and on summit day. Down fill recommended over synthetic.
We recommend a system of four layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Lightweight synthetic or merino wool baselayer bottoms for moisture management and temperature regulation during active climbing.
Softshell climbing pants can be worn in combination with a base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
Non-insulated, waterproof shell pants must be able to fit comfortable over your baselayer bottoms and softshell climbing pants. Full side zippers or 7/8 side zippers are required so that shell pants can be put on while wearing boots and crampons.
Insulated, full-shank, crampon-compatible leather or synthetic boots designed for general mountaineering. Lighter and more comfortable than double boots but with less insulation for extreme cold.
A knee-length pair of gaiters, large enough to fit over your mountaineering boots. This will protect you from catching your crampon spikes on loose clothing. Not needed if using a boot with an integrated gaiter.
Either wool or synthetic. Whatever sock combination you are accustomed to wearing during your training or previous adventures (whether single medium weight socks, a medium weight with a liner sock, two medium weight socks together, etc.), should work just fine for this climb.
Our guides carry comprehensive medical kits, so keep yours small and light. We recommend a selection of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, Moleskin and blister care, medical tape and/or duct tape, basic pain reliever, and personal medications.
You are responsible for providing your own meals and snack food in town and while on your program. See the Food tab for suggestions and quantities.
This will be your personal trash bag.
Heavy-duty trash compacter bags for use as waterproof pack/stuff sack liners. You can also use a waterproof pack liner.
Disposable or reusable ear plugs for sleeping in shared tent or hut accommodations.
Spare prescription glasses if you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses.
Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Action cameras, small point-and-shoots, and compact dSLRs are lightweight and work well at altitude.
A small power bank, enough to charge a phone or e-reader several times.
We recommend bringing a selection of clothing to wear while traveling, sightseeing and dining.
If Glacier Glasses are not required, regular sunglasses will suffice on this program.
Purchase travel insurance.
Purchase airplane tickets.
Arrange transportation and lodging - see more on the Travel tab.
Reserve rental equipment.
Be in the best shape of your life!
On the Alpine Seminar you will need 7 mountain lunches, 6 dinners, and 6 breakfasts while on the mountain.
Nutrition while training and nutrition while climbing are two very different things. You may follow a pretty specific nutrition regimen while you are training to aid your desired outcomes, but once it comes to the climb, calories are what count the most. While climbing, you are trying to maximize energy and performance over a short period of time.
Our food priorities when climbing are:
Caloric requirements will vary widely from climber to climber based on physical size and metabolism. It is important for you to know what your body requires. One of the normal, albeit disconcerting, adjustments to altitude is a slight loss of appetite. Bring food you enjoy. If you don't love a food at home, you certainly won't like it on the mountain!
At camp, hot and cold water will be provided for your meals, drinks, and refilling water bottles. When planning your menu, don't bring any items that require extensive preparation, cooking, or simmering. We are able to provide you with boiling water but do not have the ability to actually cook food items.
Things to keep in mind as you plan your meals:
Consider repacking items into smaller Ziploc bags to minimize the space in your pack. Your food will get crammed into your backpack, jostled around, exposed to extreme temperatures, and even sat on (by you, of course!). What holds up better in these conditions, two slices of bread or a bagel? When packing, it is essential to consider the waste you will produce on the climb; after all, you have to carry it off the mountain. We've already mentioned repacking items to minimize space. Repacking items can also eliminate waste!
Mountain lunches, aka snacks, are eaten during short breaks throughout the day. We continually snack to keep our energy levels up while we climb. We typically take rest breaks every hour or so to adjust our clothing layers, eat, and hydrate. Avoid packing any items that require preparation or hot water at each break. In terms of quantity, aim to bring 1 lb. of climbing food per day. We suggest using snack or sandwich size Ziploc bags to portion out snack food.
The importance of having foods that you genuinely enjoy cannot be overstated. Eating properly is the key to maintaining strength while in the mountains. To combat the loss of appetite at altitude, we aim to have a variety of foods that stimulate the whole palate, from sweet to sour to salty. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Feel fancy! Charcuterie (cured meat, cheese, and crackers) makes a great mountain lunch!
Single-serving instant oatmeal, Cream-of-Wheat, or granola make a good main course fare. A variety of granola bars, pastries, fruit, and a hot drink mix of coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider are suggested. Plan on eating a breakfast that tastes good, and you find filling. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Think outside the box. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (on bagels) or ramen make great breakfast options!
This meal will give your body the initial fuel it needs during your summit attempt. Spend time considering your options so that you go to bed nourished and ready for the climb ahead of you. Freeze-dried entrees are very convenient mountain dinners. Pay attention to the caloric quantity – it varies from meal to meal. Here are some ideas but be sure to see the sample menu and packing list below for more ideas!
PRO TIP: Have a tasting party of freeze-dried entrees to test them out before your climb.
Staying hydrated on the climb is crucial. You will have access to ample cold water while at camp for drinking and replenishing water bottles. When you are climbing, you will want to ration how much water you drink at each rest break to ensure you have water throughout the entirety of your climb. You can expect breaks to occur approximately every hour or so of climbing.
Just as with food, it is important to have a variety of things to drink that excite your taste buds. You may love water, but it may not sound good at 10,000'! Drink mixes such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Liquid IV, Nuun, etc., are great for flavor. Hot beverage options are also an important component to consider while at camp. Instant coffee, tea, cocoa, and cider are great ways to warm up in the evening before bed, when you wake up for your alpine start on summit day, and to recharge once back at camp.
PRO TIP: Skip the water bladder and practice rationing your water while training.
This page covers the practical details you’ll want to review before your trip, including travel logistics, entry requirements, local considerations, and required policies. Taking time to understand these details ahead of departure helps ensure a smoother experience once you’re on the ground and focused on the climb.
Our meeting place is the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA). You are responsible for your own transportation to the program's trailhead. Most climbers will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before the program and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive. Please click here for driving directions.
Note: Every air traveler 18 years of age and older needs a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
After a team meeting we drive to the climb's trailhead. You will need a Northwest Forest Service parking pass to leave your car at the trailhead. Passes are $30 and valid for one year. There may be an opportunity to leave some vehicles at the Ranger Station and carpool with other team members. Northwest Forest Service parking passes are available for sale at the ranger station.
Ride Share: If you are participating in a climb and are interested in sharing a ride, please post your information in the "Ride Share" forum of your North Cascades Discussion Board by logging into your RMI Account.
Bellingham is 36 miles (about an hour drive) from Glacier Ranger Station.
Your travel insurance policy should include trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, baggage loss or delay, medical expenses, and evacuation.
Navigating through the different options for travel insurance can be challenging. When purchasing Travel Insurance, here are a few items to consider:
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans visit Travelex Insurance Services or contact Travelex Insurance (800) 228-9792 and reference location number 47-0370.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York). RETWEB
Harbor Travel Insurance covers the following critical benefits:
Harbor Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company. Their team is comprised of special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, former intelligence officers, insurance actuaries, and global security experts with dozens of years of experience in theaters around the world. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance – in every sense of the word.
RMI has partnered with Erin Rountree to provide travel planning support. Erin is an independent agent with extensive experience booking travel for adventure programs worldwide and understands the specific needs of RMI expeditions.
Phone: (208) 788-2870
Email: [email protected]
It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance policy provides appropriate coverage for your specific program and activities. Review policy details carefully before purchasing, and confirm coverage well in advance of your departure.
For updated North Cascades weather forecasts, click here.
Our guides put considerable effort into ensuring your safety and success on the mountain. If you had a positive experience, leaving a gratuity is a wonderful gesture to show your appreciation. The amount is up to you and should reflect how much you enjoyed the service. Typically, tips for excellent service range from 10% to 15% of the program cost. Guides can accept gratuities in cash, Venmo, or by check. If you prefer, you can also pay tips using a credit card through the RMI Office.
MT. BAKER
Mt. Baker holds the record for the most recorded snowfall in a single season at 1,140 inches.
Mt. Baker was volcanically active as recently as 1891.
For more facts click here, and for even more click here.
MT. SHUKSAN
North Cascades National Park has over 300 glaciers, more than any other park in the lower 48 states. More than half the glaciers in the 48 states are concentrated in this mountainous wilderness region called the North Cascades.
For more facts click here, and for even more click here.
General Information on North Cascades National Park.
The following policies are applicable for this expedition.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. reserves the right to modify the land cost of a trip at any time before departure.
Deposit Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your reservation.
Balance Payments: The remaining balance is due 120 days before your program's start date.
*Note: A 3% surcharge applies to all credit/debit card transactions.
**Wire transfers must include all fees charged by your bank. The amount received by our bank must match the deposit amount.
The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We do not offer refunds. Please remember this before registering for this program. Due to the time-sensitive nature of this program, no exceptions will be made to the cancellation policy.
Date changes are subject to availability and can only be applied to the current climbing season. Changes must be requested at least 90 days before the departure date and will incur a $200 fee per person. No date changes are allowed within 90 days of departure.
Please clearly understand that mountaineering is inherently hazardous. Managing risk is RMI’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent in mountaineering, but they cannot eliminate them. Objective hazards include rockfall, icefall, avalanches, slides or falls by individuals and rope teams on steeper slopes, weather-related problems including cold, heat, high winds, and other unnamed dangers that can occur while climbing.
You are choosing to engage in an activity in which guided and non-guided climbers have been injured or killed. While those accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge the risks and hazards of mountaineering and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity.
Mountaineering is both an individual challenge and a team effort. Each participant shares responsibility for the safety and success of the group. Therefore, we ask that each participant:
RMI reserves the right to remove a participant from the program or to send them to a lower altitude if the guide staff determines, at their discretion, that the participant is not adequately prepared or capable of participating safely. This decision may be based on physical, technical, or psychological factors, or any other reason that might affect the safety, health, or well-being of the participant or the group. If removed, the participant will not receive refunds or credits and will be responsible for all additional costs associated with early departure, including evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, and meals.
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) does not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of our participants or employees. Inappropriate conduct under this policy may include conduct that creates a disrespectful, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for a participant or employee. Engaging in such conduct is a violation of this policy.
RMI may consider conduct to violate the policy even if it falls short of unlawful harassment under applicable law. When determining whether conduct violates this policy, we will consider whether a reasonable person could conclude that the conduct created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or demeaning environment.
Violation of this policy may result in removal from a program, as well as refusal to provide services indefinitely. We place the utmost value on the safety of our participants and employees. Please report any incidents to RMI management.
All participants must be 18 years old at the time of registration.
RMI’s Photo Release outlines the terms and conditions for using your likeness in photographs, videos, or other digital media.
I hereby grant Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) or its affiliates permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications. By granting permission, you allow RMI to utilize these media for lawful purposes.
Here are the key points:
RMI cannot guarantee that you will reach the summit. Weather, route conditions, your own abilities, or the abilities of other climbers may create circumstances that make an ascent unsafe, and you or your entire group may have to turnaround without reaching the summit.
Failure to reach the summit due to a person’s own lack of fitness or to any of the events associated with mountaineering (such as weather, route conditions, avalanche hazard, team dynamics, etc.), are not Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.’s responsibility and will not result in a refund, credit, or reschedule.
RMI’s program schedule and itineraries are subject to change or adjustment based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to, route conditions, weather, group strength, terrain, or other environmental factors, and many other factors. RMI has complete discretion to change plans to accommodate any of these or other factors, including but not limited to, increases in program fees, changes to program schedule or itinerary, and changes to guides or staff, as necessary for the proper and safe conduct of the program. Once the program has started, the Lead Guide will decide on any changes to the itinerary, including ending the program early if the continuation of the program may compromise the safety, health, or well-being of the group.
We reserve the right to cancel any program due to inadequate signups, weather, route conditions, or for any other reason. In such a case, we will make every effort to reschedule the Participant on a different program date. If rescheduling is not possible, we will issue the Participant a refund for all program fees paid to RMI, less any non-refundable payments made on behalf of the Participant to secure any of the included land costs provided for this program, including but not limited to, hotel accommodations, transportation, transfers, tours, group equipment and food, permits, and local outfitter services, prior to the cancellation of the program. Additionally, RMI cannot be responsible for any non-refundable expenses the Participant incurred in preparation for the program (i.e., airline tickets, hotel reservations, rental cars, equipment purchases or rentals, etc.).
Once a program begins, there are no refunds or credits for weather-related cancellations or for a program that may end early due to weather, route conditions, or any other circumstances that may compromise the health, safety, or well-being of the group. Furthermore, if the Participant decides for any reason not to begin a program or discontinue a program at any time, no refunds or credits will be issued. The Participant will be responsible for all additional costs associated with an early departure, including but not limited to evacuation, transportation, hotel reservations, meals, etc.
Land Costs are provided as a package, and refunds or credits will not be issued for any unused meals, accommodations, group transportation, or other unused costs. Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement Fee will be charged to those Participants occupying single accommodations either by choice or circumstance. If you are willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you with another same-gender team member. We will match willing same-gender team members based on the order of registration date. If we are unable to match you with another same- gender team member, a single supplement fee will be charged. The availability of single accommodations is limited in most of the hotels where we stay, and single accommodations are not available while in the mountains.
The Participant understands and agrees that RMI assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with any travel and hospitality services provided to the Participant by other companies in connection with the program, including but not limited to, the services provided by airlines, hotels, rental cars, and transportation companies. In addition, RMI is not responsible for any act, error, omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay, irregularity, or danger by a supplier of travel or hospitality services to the Participant in connection with the RMI program. The Participant will be responsible for all costs associated with any travel delays, missed connections, or missing baggage that requires additional arrangements (separate transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.) to be made on your behalf for you or your baggage to rejoin the program.
The questions below address the logistical, physical, and on-mountain considerations specific to the Alpine Seminar. Because this is a multi-objective, advanced program, many decisions are made dynamically based on conditions, team readiness, and safety considerations.
Where do we meet to start the Alpine Seminar?
The seminar begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Glacier Public Service Center in Glacier, Washington.
How do we get from the meeting location to the trailheads? Do I need my own vehicle?
You are responsible for your own transportation to the meeting location. The team will drive from the meeting location to the trailheads, and there may be opportunities to carpool.
Is there a night in town during the program?
Yes. After Mt. Baker, climbers are responsible for dinner and lodging for one night before the next day’s approach to Mt. Shuksan.
What is the climber-to-guide ratio on this program?
The Alpine Seminar is guided at a 2:1 climber-to-guide ratio.
How fit do I need to be for the Alpine Seminar?
This is a demanding eight-day program with long summit days, multiple approach and descent days, and sustained movement in steep alpine terrain. Excellent fitness is required.
What pack weights should I expect to carry?
Approach and descent days include heavier packs. Summit and training days typically involve lighter packs, but you should be prepared to carry the loads required for glacier travel and technical climbing days.
What happens if I am struggling physically during the seminar?
This program is built around committing objectives and sustained days. Guides will manage pacing and team systems, but participants are expected to arrive prepared to move efficiently, recover between days, and contribute to rope team travel.
What kind of terrain does this seminar cover?
The seminar includes glacier travel, steep snow and ice, and moderate alpine rock. Training and summit days involve real alpine movement, transitions, and route finding.
Will everyone climb the same route on Mt. Baker?
There are two route options for Mt. Baker, and guides will assess team skills and conditions to determine the appropriate route approach. The program is designed around safe, efficient movement and skill application rather than guaranteeing a specific route for every participant.
What kind of climbing is involved on Mt. Shuksan?
The approach includes 3rd and 4th class rock in the Fisher Chimneys. Summit day involves snow and ice travel with a final summit pyramid that includes rock climbing up to 5.3, followed by rappels and belayed down-climbing during the descent.
How much can the plan change during the seminar?
The schedule is designed with flexibility so guides can align training and summit attempts with the best available weather window. Route and day-to-day objectives may shift based on conditions and team readiness.
Who makes decisions about route choice and turning around?
Guides make final decisions. This seminar also emphasizes climber participation in assessment and decision-making as part of building self-sufficiency.
What happens if someone is injured or becomes ill during the seminar?
Guides are trained to manage injuries and illness in remote terrain and will respond based on severity, conditions, and location. Plans may include stabilizing the participant, descending, or coordinating evacuation if necessary.
What medical and communication systems do guides carry?
Guides carry medical and communication equipment appropriate for remote alpine terrain to support emergency response and coordination.
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Reviews for the Alpine Seminar often reflect the seriousness of the terrain, the depth of instruction, and the expectations placed on participants. When reading feedback, look for comments about decision-making, team dynamics, and how effectively climbers were able to apply their skills in complex alpine environments rather than simply whether a summit was reached.
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
You might consdier one of these trips instead:
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
Guides: Jack Delaney, Jess Wedel, Calvin Jiricko
Mt McKinley - West Buttress Expedition
May 5, 2026
Mt. Rainier - Four Day Climb
May 5, 2026
