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Alpine Ice FT 1

Field trip: Alpine Ice

Alpine Ice FT 1 - Heliotrope Ridge and Lower Coleman Glacier & Seracs

Learn the basics of alpine ice climbing including crampon technique, anchor building, v-thread, A-thread and climbing with ice tools.

Info
COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.

Contacts

Jerry Logan
Jerry Logan
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft

Meet at the trailhead for Heliotrope Ridge at Mount Baker at 0730 to depart the trailhead at 0800.

Students will learn

  • different crampon techniques for ascending and descending on ice
  • build v-threads
  • build ice anchors
  • build top rope anchors on ice
  • place ice screws
Route/Place

Heliotrope Ridge and Lower Coleman Glacier & Seracs


  • USGS Mt Baker
    Green Trails Mount Baker Wilderness Climbing No. 13SX
    Green Trails Mt Baker No. 13
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • Everything needed for an alpine rock climb (minus the rock protection)
  • Sharp 12 point steel crampons (no aluminum)
  • Conventional ice axe
  • Ice tools (bring them if you have them. We have several sets to share.)
  • v-thread tool
  • 4-5 feet of 7 mm nylon cord
  • 2-3 ice screws, including one 22 cm
Trip Reports