Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Mount Baker Ski Area

Activity Overview

This tour will take place in the Mt. Baker backcountry. The specific route will be chosen based on weather, avalanche conditions, and group dynamics. Expect approximately 3,000 ft of elevation gain and at least 6 hours of touring. Uphill pace will be 800–1000 ft/hour—steady, efficient, and on the slower side, with multiple transitions throughout the day.

Skill & Experience Requirements

This tour is intended for advanced backcountry skiers with strong fitness and the ability to move confidently in variable terrain.

Uphill expectations:

• Efficient skinning and kick turns
• Comfort on steep or confined terrain
• Ability to set skin tracks and contribute to route selection
• Willingness to navigate brush, low coverage, and off‑trail travel

Downhill expectations:

• Ability to ski ungroomed black‑diamond terrain (advanced runs) in the resort
• Competence in variable snow: crust, wind‑affected, heavy powder, breakable surfaces
• Willingness to ski poor snow when necessary to access better terrain

Group Participation
Everyone is expected to participate, including:

• Take turns navigating and setting the skin track
• Contribute to terrain assessment and decision‑making
• Maintain a supportive, communicative group dynamic

Safety Culture: We will operate with a strong, open safety culture in avalanche terrain:

• Voicing concerns is expected and encouraged
• Everyone has veto power
• Critical decisions will be made collaboratively
• Please read the NWAC forecast the night before and arrive prepared to discuss conditions
• Avalanche Forecast Zone: West Slopes North Avalanche Forecast - Northwest Avalanche Center

Avalanche Education Requirements

• AIARE Level 1 (or equivalent)
• A recent avalanche course with a rescue component within the last 24 months
  (AIARE 1, AIARE 2, or standalone rescue course)

Leader Permission Required is required for all participants, including co‑leaders.
Please include the following in your request:

• Year you completed AIARE 1
• Details of your last two backcountry tours, including:
  date, distance, elevation, duration, location, and snow conditions

Potential Route Options: Final route will depend on conditions. Possible objectives include:

• Table Mountain Circumnavigation with descent into Wells Creek (approx. 9 miles, 3300 ft gain)  Gaia Route
• Swift Creek laps
• Mazama Bowl and Herman Saddle

Weather & Conditions Contingencies

The trip will be canceled for:

• Extreme avalanche danger
• Significant rain events
• Highway 542 closures

If NWAC forecasts High avalanche danger, inbounds lift skiing may be considered as a fallback option.

Optional Lodging

Baker Lodge will be open for those who want a warm, social place to stay with meals and festivities.
Registration available via the Mountaineers website under Baker Lodge Calendar.

Baker Lodge Calendar — The Mountaineers

8:30AM inside Baker Lodge. Hit the trail around 9AM.