6 Days
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Skill Development
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$2,370
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$500
Deposit
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Beginner
A six-day instructional mountaineering seminar in the North Cascades — rock skills at Mt. Erie, glacier training on the Coleman Glacier, and a summit climb of Mt. Baker (10,781') at a 3:1 ratio.
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.
Six days of hands-on mountaineering instruction, from rock skills at Mt. Erie to the Coleman Glacier.
Put your new skills to use on a summit climb of Mt. Baker (10,781') via the Coleman-Deming route.
A foundation for bigger glaciated peaks worldwide, including Mt. McKinley, at a 3:1 ratio.
The guides are impressively knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. The participants are always cool and interesting.
Adrian Y.
RMI's Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker: Coleman-Deming is a six-day instructional mountaineering course capped by a summit attempt of Mt. Baker (10,781') via the Coleman-Deming Glacier. A moderately pitched glacial route, the Coleman-Deming is an excellent environment for learning and practicing glacier travel, navigation, and crevasse rescue on an iconic North Cascades volcano.
We begin on the rock terrain of Mt. Erie above Anacortes — practicing anchors, rappelling, and belaying with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and the Olympics — then move to Mt. Baker and our home base at Hogsback Camp beside the Coleman Glacier. Over the following days the Coleman and Roosevelt Glaciers become our classroom for snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue, ice climbing, fixed-line travel, and more, before we apply those skills on summit day.
This seminar is ideal for climbers building the foundation to tackle bigger objectives. Successful completion prepares you for many of RMI's expeditions worldwide — including Mt. McKinley — and we run it at a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio for a high degree of hands-on instruction and a small, efficient summit rope team.
The mountain guides at RMI have forged an unrivaled reputation as the leading alpine guides in the United States, drawing on years of expedition guiding and alpine climbing worldwide. Each program is led by consummate professionals — celebrated teachers and trainers with a rare blend of compassion, enthusiasm, and the ability to empower others.
Our Expedition Skills Seminars are comprehensive training courses designed to teach the mountaineering skills needed to tackle the world's greatest peaks. The diverse terrain of Mt. Erie and Mt. Baker, combined with a 3:1 ratio, gives you exceptional, hands-on instruction and ample practice across a full range of glaciated-mountaineering skills.
Safety is our highest priority. Our guides undergo formal avalanche and technical rescue training, hold remote-medicine certification (WFR or comparable), carry comprehensive medical and rescue kits and radio communication, and pursue continuing education each year. RMI operates under special-use permit with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. To learn more about RMI's guides and guiding philosophy, visit our About page.
Day 1 covers rock skills at Mt. Erie above Anacortes. On Day 2 we approach Hogsback Camp (5,800') on the Coleman Glacier, our home base. Days 3–4 are dedicated to glacier-mountaineering instruction, Day 5 is the Mt. Baker summit climb (10,781') via the Coleman-Deming, and Day 6 wraps up with optional practice and the descent. With several days at camp, the summit day flexes to the best weather window.
Anacortes, WA
10,781' / 3,286 m
Mt. Erie & Coleman Glacier
6 Days
3:1
Coleman-Deming
This seminar builds foundational and intermediate mountaineering competency across two venues — the rock of Mt. Erie and the glaciers of Mt. Baker — and applies them on a real summit climb. Successful completion prepares you for RMI expeditions worldwide, including Mt. McKinley.
By the end of the seminar, climbers will have practical experience with:
8:00 a.m.: Meet at Mt. Erie Park, Anacortes, WA.
Your RMI guides will meet you at the top parking area of Mt. Erie for introductions and personal gear check. Please see our Travel Details document for driving directions and carpool opportunities.
Our day is spent on the relaxed rock terrain of Mt. Erie learning about the basics of climbing in a spectacular setting. Students will be introduced to rope management, knots, harness and helmet use, and the basics of belaying and lowering, a Leave No Trace primer. For those interested in challenging themselves on Mt. Erie’s steeper terrain (bring your rock shoes), the guides will set up top-ropes on a few of Mt. Erie’s classic climbs.
Please make your own arrangements for lodging this evening.
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7:30 a.m. Meet at the Ranger Station in Glacier, WA
The group will meet at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA). Please see our Travel Details document for driving. Your RMI guides will meet you at the ranger station for group gear distribution and personal gear check. From Glacier we follow the Glacier Creek Road to the Heliotrope Trailhead. During our hike into the Hogsback Camp, we gain approximately 2,200'. The hike winds through old growth forest and up into beautiful alpine meadows. As we move up towards camp, we review some of the foundational skills that make us more efficient and capable climbers.
The approach will take us five to six hours and we generally get into camp at 5,800' in the early afternoon. We spend the remaining afternoon hours learning mountain camp craft and setting up camp, prepare dinner and relax for the evening.
There are no opportunities to purchase or rent gear in Glacier. Participants should be confident with the fit and choice of their gear prior to arriving for the program. Please refer to the program Equipment List and then call the RMI office to speak with a guide about any gear questions you may have.
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Our skills training continues with the introduction and practice of basic mountaineering skills including efficient mountain travel (rest-stepping and pressure breathing), various safety practices including use of helmets, harnesses in an alpine environment, avalanche transceivers, cramponing, climbing in balance, proper use of our ice axe, self and team arrest, and moderate cramponing.
After gaining proficiency with basic foundational skills, we begin to introduce the techniques that allow climbers to safely attempt their own summit climbs or be solid expedition team members on peaks like Mt. McKinley.
These techniques include anchor placements, various self and team crevasse rescue techniques, steep technical ice climbing, belays, rappelling, knots, route finding and fixed rope travel. Evening lectures in camp include group discussions on mountain weather, medicine for mountaineering, altitude wellness, equipment and any requested topics that spark your interest.
Our summit ascent usually takes place on the fifth day of the program, allowing us to put to use on the climb the previous four days of training. Our day begins with a pre-dawn alpine start to give us ample time for this full day of climbing. The Coleman-Deming route is a fun, moderate climb on which we employ our cramponing, route finding and navigational skills, as we ascend the Coleman Glacier and work our way past crevasses to the 9,000’ Coleman-Deming saddle. From the saddle it is usually about an hour to the top, with the Roman Wall — about 1,000' of 35–40° snow — as the crux before the summit plateau.
After enjoying the views and summit congratulations we retrace our steps back to camp.
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On our last morning we rise early for breakfast, break camp, and if energy levels are high, get in some more ice climbing or crevasse rescue practice. We generally arrive back at the town of Glacier by early afternoon where we gather as a team to celebrate our adventure.
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Good physical fitness is needed for a 2,200' approach with a full pack, active skills days, and a long summit day on glaciated terrain.
No prior mountaineering experience required — the seminar teaches the fundamentals and builds from there.
Mt. Baker tops out at 10,781' with no extended high-altitude exposure; the challenge is the approach and summit day, not altitude.
The Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker is designed to teach, so no prior mountaineering experience is required — our guides build your skills from the fundamentals upward. What matters most is good physical fitness and a genuine desire to learn, as the days are full and the terrain varied.
Mt. Baker is a moderate glaciated climb topping out at 10,781'; there is no extended high-altitude exposure, but you should be prepared for a strenuous approach with a full pack and a long summit day. Coming in fit lets you absorb more of the instruction and enjoy the climb.
Physically, prepare for a 2,200' approach hike to camp with a heavy pack, several active days of skills practice, and a pre-dawn summit day on glaciated terrain. Training should emphasize aerobic endurance and uphill hiking with a loaded pack.
Recommended climbing experiences include:
Your climbing resumé should include:
Good aerobic fitness and general health*
Ability to hike a 2,200' approach carrying a full pack
Comfort with several days of glacier camp life
Willingness to learn (no prior technical experience required)
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 — Skills Training Mt. Erie
8 Hours
n/a
n/a
n/a
DAY 2 — Approach to Hogsback Camp
5 - 6 Hours
Gain = 2,200'
4 miles
50 - 60 lb
DAY 3 — Skills Training
5 - 6 Hours
Gain = 1,500' | Loss = 1,500'
2 miles
20 - 25 lb
DAY 4 — Skills Training
5 - 6 Hours
Gain = 1,500' | Loss = 1,500'
2 miles
20 - 25 lb
DAY 5 — Summit Climb
12+ Hours
Gain = 4,600' | Loss = 4,600'
7 miles round trip
20 - 25 lb
DAY 6 — Descend to Trailhead
2 - 3 Hours
Loss = 2,200'
4 miles
50 - 60 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.
Develop your aerobic base for endurance, strength, and performance in alpine environments with RMI’s expert guidance. Level up your training today.
Fitness & Training
Former RMI Guide Adam Knoff reflects on balancing training, parenting, and passions while staying focused on long-term mountain goals.
Fitness & Training
This 16-week plan breaks down into four phases: Base Fitness, Mountaineering-Specific, Peak Simulation, and Taper & Recovery. You'll gradually build aerobic capacity, strength, and the mountain-specific skills you need.
Fitness & Training
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 Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker is a six-day glaciated mountaineering course with camping on the Coleman Glacier and rock skills at Mt. Erie. This gear list reflects that: a glacier-climbing kit (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet), a layered clothing and sleep system for North Cascades conditions, and the personal items for several days of camp life. There are no opportunities to buy or rent gear in Glacier, so arrive with everything dialed.
Most required equipment is available for rent or purchase from our affiliate, Whittaker Mountaineering, and RMI climbers receive a 10% discount on new clothing and equipment ordered from them. Guides conduct a thorough gear check at the start of the program. If you have questions about specific items, contact the RMI office directly before arriving.
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.
Lightweight approach shoes or trail runners for hiking on rugged terrain and use as camp shoes. Particularly useful after snowmelt on lower-elevation approaches.
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.
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 Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker you provide your own mountain food: 6 mountain lunches, 4 breakfasts, and 4 dinners. Ample hot and cold water is provided for meals, drinks, and refilling bottles, but there is no ability to cook — bring foods that need only boiling water at most. Aim for about 1 lb of food per day, high in calories and in a variety of flavors you genuinely enjoy.
Nutrition while climbing is about maximizing energy over a short period. Prioritize high calories, a variety of flavors (sweet, salty, sour), durability and packability, and — above all — foods you actually enjoy, since appetite often dips at altitude. Repack items into smaller Ziploc bags to save space and cut down on the waste you'll carry off the mountain.
Snacks eaten on short hourly breaks throughout the day; aim for about 1 lb per day. Ideas: bagel or tortilla sandwiches, cold pizza, chips, trail mix, peanut-butter pretzels, crackers, cookies, candy and protein bars, chewy candy, veggies and hummus, or a charcuterie of cured meat, cheese, and crackers.
Instant hot cereal (oatmeal, Cream-of-Wheat), granola or cereal, freeze-dried breakfasts, or pastries and fruit, plus a hot drink. Add-ins like peanut butter, honey, raisins, or powdered milk go a long way. PB&J bagels or ramen also work.
Freeze-dried entrees are convenient (watch the calorie count), along with instant soups and ramen, cold pizza, pasta salad, or bagel sandwiches. Eat well to fuel summit day.
Cold water is available at camp; ration your water while climbing. Bring drink mixes (Gatorade, Liquid IV, Nuun) for flavor and hot drinks (instant coffee, tea, cocoa, cider) for camp.
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.
You are responsible for your own transportation to the program trailheads. Most climbers fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before and rent a car for the roughly two-hour, 95-mile drive to Anacortes. The team meets at 8:00 a.m. at the top parking lot of Mt. Erie. Note: as of May 7, 2025, air travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant ID to fly within the U.S.
On the second day the team meets at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA). A Northwest Forest Service parking pass ($30, valid one year) is required to park at the trailhead and can be purchased at the ranger station; there may be an opportunity to carpool from the station.
Bellingham is 36 miles (about an hour drive) from the Glacier Ranger Station, where the team rendezvouses on Day 2.
You are responsible for your own transportation to the program trailheads. Most climbers fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) the evening before and rent a car for the roughly two-hour, 95-mile drive to Anacortes. The team meets at 8:00 a.m. at the top parking lot of Mt. Erie. Note: as of May 7, 2025, air travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant ID to fly within the U.S.
On the second day the team meets at the Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA). A Northwest Forest Service parking pass ($30, valid one year) is required to park at the trailhead and can be purchased at the ranger station; there may be an opportunity to carpool from the station.
We suggest staying in Anacortes the night before the program, then in Mt. Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, or further north before the second day to reduce morning drive time.
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
We highly recommend travel insurance for this program. Harbor Travel Insurance is built for travelers and covers the critical benefits below.
Harbor Travel Insurance is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel security risk company whose team includes special operations veterans, paramedics, Stanford Medicine-affiliated physicians, and global security experts. The Redpoint network covers the globe, making them uniquely equipped to provide elite rescue travel insurance. Travelex also provides travel insurance for this program.
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.
Conditions in the North Cascades change quickly; check current forecasts before you travel. Mt. Baker is famously snowy — it holds the record for the most recorded snowfall in a single season (1,140 inches).
Our guides put considerable effort into your safety and success. If you have a positive experience, a gratuity is a wonderful way to show appreciation; tips for excellent service typically range from 10% to 15% of the program cost. Guides can accept gratuities in cash, Venmo, or check, or you can pay by credit card through the RMI Office.
If you'd like to share a ride, post your information in the Ride Share forum of your North Cascades Discussion Board by logging into your RMI account.
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 $500 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.
We highly recommend travel insurance for this trip. Please see our Travel Tab for details.
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 Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker raises questions specific to an instructional course and summit climb in the North Cascades. The answers below cover the seminar, the climb, and the logistics.
No. This is an instructional course that builds skills from the fundamentals, beginning with rock basics at Mt. Erie and progressing to glacier travel and crevasse rescue on Mt. Baker. Good fitness and a willingness to learn matter most.
The seminar covers the core toolkit of glaciated mountaineering: rock fundamentals (knots, belaying, rappelling, and movement) at Mt. Erie, then roped glacier travel, cramponing and ice-axe technique, snow and ice anchors, crevasse rescue, and expedition camp craft on Mt. Baker — all applied on a summit attempt via the Coleman-Deming route.
It's primarily instructional. The focus is on learning and practicing expedition skills across the course, with a summit attempt of Mt. Baker as the capstone rather than the sole objective.
We run the seminar at a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, ensuring a high degree of hands-on instruction and small, efficient rope teams on the glacier.
Successful completion prepares you for many RMI expeditions worldwide, including Mt. McKinley, and gives you a solid foundation for other major glaciated peaks.
Day 1 begins at the top parking lot of Mt. Erie in Anacortes at 8:00 a.m.; Day 2 meets at the Glacier Public Service Center in Glacier, WA at 7:30 a.m. before we head to the trailhead.
Most participants fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and rent a car for the drive north to the Mt. Baker area.
Many climbers stay in or around Anacortes near Mt. Erie, then Bellingham or Glacier as the course moves north. Camping is fine as long as you arrive rested and ready for early starts.
After the Day 2 team meeting we drive to the trailhead. You are responsible for getting yourself to the meeting locations; carpooling with teammates is often possible, and RMI provides a forum to coordinate rides in advance.
Yes — a Northwest Forest Service parking pass is required to leave a vehicle at the trailhead. Passes are valid for one year and available locally.
Arrive in strong physical condition, prepared for multiple days of uphill travel with a pack and long, active days on the glacier. Fitness directly affects your pacing, energy, and how much you get out of the instruction.
Summit day is a long, pre-dawn alpine start — a sustained effort of 12 or more hours round trip, with glacier travel, steady uphill movement, and a long descent back to camp.
Expect packs in the 50–60 lb range on the approach and descent as you carry your share of personal and group gear, with a lighter pack on summit day.
Guides monitor the team closely and can adjust pacing or objectives to keep appropriate margins and support you — the instructional format gives real flexibility to meet climbers where they are.
Mt. Baker via the Coleman-Deming is a moderate glaciated route. Summit day involves cramponing and route finding past crevasses, finishing with the Roman Wall — about 1,000' of 35–40° snow — to the to the 10,781' summit.
Primarily moderately angled glacier travel with sections of snow and a short, easy alpine finish near the summit — ideal terrain for putting newly learned skills into practice.
After the Mt. Erie rock day, the team establishes camp on Mt. Baker and uses it as a base for skills instruction, crevasse-rescue practice, and the summit attempt, practicing expedition camp craft throughout.
Mt. Baker is known for rapidly changing weather. Be prepared for cold, wind, sun exposure, and precipitation even during the summer season.
Guides continuously assess weather, snow and glacier conditions, and team performance, making decisions based on disciplined risk management and appropriate margins for the group.
The guide team makes all final decisions on the mountain, prioritizing your security and the team's long-term success over reaching the summit.
Guides are trained in remote medicine and rescue techniques and are equipped to manage injuries or illness in the field. Responses depend on severity and conditions and may include descent or evacuation if necessary.
Guides carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and communication devices to support coordination and decision-making in an emergency.
Yes. You bring your own 6 mountain lunches, 4 breakfasts, and 4 dinners. Hot and cold water is provided, but there is no cooking — pack foods that need only boiling water at most.
Yes. Required equipment is available to rent or buy from our affiliate Whittaker Mountaineering (RMI climbers receive 10% off new items), and your guides conduct a thorough gear check before heading onto the mountain.
When you've been in business since 1969, you pick up a thing or two about mountains you guide. Below are the resources relevant to this program, but you can check out our full Resources section for all of our hard earned knowledge.
Not sure which RMI program is right for you? Learn the key differences between Summit Climbs, Courses, Seminars, and Expeditions—so you can train smart, climb strong, and reach your goals.
Rainier
Not every climb ends at the top. Learn how to handle not summiting, understand the role of decision-making and safety, and discover why experienced guides matter in the mountains.
Rainier
Climbers rated RMI with an average of 5 stars across 0 ratings
Reviews of RMI's Expedition Skills Seminar – Baker consistently highlight the depth of instruction, the 3:1 ratio, and the satisfaction of applying brand-new skills on a real summit of Mt. Baker. Climbers frequently describe the course as the launch point for bigger objectives — the foundation that made Mt. McKinley and other glaciated peaks feel within reach.
September 2, 2025
Expedition Skills Seminar - Baker: Coleman-Deming
Being around some really impressive people. The guides are impressively knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. The participants are always cool and interesting.
Adrian Y
September 2, 2025
Being around some really impressive people. The guides are impressively knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. The participants are always cool and interesting.
Additional Comments
Office team was extremely helpful in answering questions and sharing insider information. Website was very helpful in giving a picture of what to expect. We were given two equipment lists that didn't match though, and both had equipment on it that were not used and left behind. Also we used a lot of equipment that wasn't on the list (slings, etc.). With that in mind, I know it can be hard to know the conditions of the mountain for the exhibition ahead of time
Additional Comments
no transportation provided, amazing regard for the environment, hot water and drinking water was always abundant and available. Itinerary seemed rushed at times, and also too relaxed at other times. Sometimes it felt like we were doing the same things for too long, and at other times it felt like we just got to do something once then move on, not really letting the information or muscle memory set in.
What did you enjoy most?
Being around some really impressive people. The guides are impressively knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. The participants are always cool and interesting.
What needs improvement?
On other guiding exhibitions, a small post ceremony where certificates/rewards/prizes are handed out would be a nice way to leave everyone on a positive note. Tighten up equipment lists. Overall, a near perfect experience, very impressive.
July 3, 2024
Expedition Skills Seminar - Baker: Coleman-Deming
Tatum and Will are both super enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers. They did a great job tailoring the program to what we all wanted to learn. When the weather turned, they went above and beyond to adapt and make sure we still got the most out of the week. I left feeling a lot more prepared to get out on my own and psyched for all the trips to come!
Grace H
July 3, 2024
Tatum and Will are both super enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers. They did a great job tailoring the program to what we all wanted to learn. When the weather turned, they went above and beyond to adapt and make sure we still got the most out of the week. I left feeling a lot more prepared to get out on my own and psyched for all the trips to come!
Additional Comments
Suggested additions to the equipment list: - Foam sleeping pad (I brought one anyway, people who didn’t were cold) - Microtraxion/tiblock as optional (wished I’d brought mine to practice with)
What did you enjoy most?
Tatum and Will are both super enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers. They did a great job tailoring the program to what we all wanted to learn. When the weather turned, they went above and beyond to adapt and make sure we still got the most out of the week. I left feeling a lot more prepared to get out on my own and psyched for all the trips to come!
Sorry! there are no available dates that meet your current criteria
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Additional Comments
Clear demonstration of expertise. Wasn't afraid to say he didn't know the answer and seek it out from other guides or participants. Very high level of concern when it came to safety, and wasn't afraid to put in extra hours and effort when he thought it was beneficial. Good guy who encouraged participation and social interaction.