Increase your access to the mountains with our progression of Alpine Courses.
 
Designed to provide individualized instruction in a group setting, our courses make it possible for you to pinpoint your goals and learn applicable skills to achieve them. 

Led by our qualified instructors and AMGA certified guides, Edgeworks’ climbing school courses deliver high quality programs and instruction for all abilities and interest levels. Let us help you accomplish something BIG!

While the summer may be winding down for some, Alpine Climbing season is still in full swing! Check out these upcoming courses and guided trips.
UPCOMING SUMMER ALPINE COURSES
INTRO TO GLACIER TRAVEL 
August 7-8
This course brings you to the flanks of one of the heaviest glaciated peaks in the contiguous United States, Mt Baker. During the 2-days of this course you will gain real world experience spending time traveling on a glacier learning the equipment and systems needed to venture out into the glacier clad mountains of the Cascades.
In this course you will learn:
  • Self + team arrest
  • Glacier anatomy + navigation
  • Fundamentals of crevasse rescue
  • How to construct and use snow + ice anchors
Details:
  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Ratio: 5:1

Recommended Prerequisites:
INTRO TO ICE CLIMBING
August 21-22
Ice climbing is an essential and fun part of the alpinists tool kit. This course is designed to be an introduction to the equipment and artistry required to climb all types of ice.

Our instructors will show you proper systems, modern gear, and get you ready for any ice climbing objective.
In this course you will learn:
  • About ice climbing equipment
  • How to build + place ice climbing anchors
  • Low angle + steep ice climbing techniques
  • How to develop a natural + efficient swing
Details:
  • Duration: 2 Days
  • Ratio: 4:1

Prerequisites:
ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 
August 18-21
Offered as a stand-alone course, or better yet, in conjunction with our other programs, this course offers a comprehensive instructional experience.

Building upon the knowledge and experience shared in our Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing course, students will work with our instructors to put their skills into action while climbing some of the best route(s) in the Cascades.
In this course you will learn:
  • Rope team management + travel
  • Application of alpine climbing techniques
  • Belaying + rappelling in alpine terrain
  • How to find the path of least resistance in alpine terrain
Duration: 4 Days

Ratios:
  • 4:1 for the first two days
  • 2:1 for summit attempt

Prerequisites:
UPCOMING SUMMER ALPINE COURSES
Mt Shuksan | Fisher Chimneys
August 22-24
This 3-day, iconic PNW climb offers moderate, enjoyable hiking and climbing trails to a stunning high camp. The terrain above high camp typifies the alpine environment with glacier travel, scrambling, and a few pitches of moderate rock climbing to a pointy summit with extraordinary views of Mt Baker and the North Cascades. After the summit attempt on day 2, we will return to high camp for the night before finishing the descent the following day. Climbers should come prepared with previous glacier experience and comfort climbing up to 5.6 in mountaineering boots. 
ELEVATION: 9,127 ft / 2,782 m
ROUTE: Fisher Chimneys
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
RATIO: 2:1
DURATION: 3 days
Prerequisites:
  • 18 years old
  • Basic rock climbing experience
  • Rappelling Clinic or equivalent
  • Previous glacier experience (recommended)
  • Good physical condition with ability to carry a 40lbs backpack over multiple days
Mt Shuksan | Sulphide Glacier
September 10-12
With its diverse terrain, this trip offers great learning opportunities for new climbers! The approach begins at the Shannon Ridge trailhead via a forested trail that starts gaining altitude quickly before traversing across to moderate glacier travel leading to a rock scramble and an airy summit. The views from the top of this challenging pyramid summit simply can't be beat! 
ELEVATION: 9,127 ft / 2782 m
ROUTE: Sulphide Glacier
DIFFICULTY: Beginner +
DURATION:  3 days
Prerequisites:
  • 18 years old
  • Basic rock climbing experience
  • Rappelling Clinic or equivalent
  • Previous glacier experience (recommended)
  • Good physical condition with ability to carry a 40lbs backpack over multiple days
GUIDE SPOTLIGHT!
KURT HICKS
Director of Climbing School + Guiding

We’re excited to introduce Kurt as our new Director of Climbing School + Guiding.

Kurt grew up in Oregon, started backpacking at age four, and began climbing when he was eight. Since then, he has climbed, skied, and guided throughout the Cascades, Alaska Range, Sierras, Rockies, and the mountains of New England, Canada, Norway, and the Alps. He loves exploring and putting up new routes in the Cascades in all seasons.
 
Kurt is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and has been guiding since 2003. He is an instructor for the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and has served on their Board of Directors. Kurt has also worked as a climbing ranger at Mount Rainier National Park. He founded the Washington Anchor Replacement Project which works to replace aging climbing hardware across the state. Kurt is the author of the climbing guidebook Snoqualmie Rock and a co-author of Backcountry Skiing: Washington.
 
Kurt loves helping people along their own paths in their outdoor adventures. Whether it’s sharing key beta, technical skills, or teaching his children how to ski, he loves seeing people expand their skill sets, gain self-confidence, and have fun in the outdoors.
CONTACT US!
Be sure to check out all the additional details available on our website, give us a call at 253-564-4899 or drop us an email if you’re interested in learning more. 

We look forward to seeing you in the mountains!
Edgeworks Climbing + Guiding