Forbidden Peak Climb Two Day Ascent – $465

2012 Dates: July 15, 16

Custom Dates Available

Forbidden Peak Three Day Ascent – $570

2012 Dates: July 19 – 21

Custom Dates Available

Route Description:

Deep in the heart of the jagged spine of the North Cascades The west ridge of Forbidden Peak is one of the must-do climbs in North America. Officially one of the 50 classics, this peak is made up of impressive rock walls flanked by steep glaciers and surrounded on all sides with endless cirques and a sea of jagged mountains with seemingly bottomless valleys. This is a big and intimidating place and the west ridge will surely remain as one of your favorite climbs ever.

The nature of this climb requires at least a basic knowledge of rock climbing and mountaineering skills, equivalent to the courses above. On the climb we will encounter complex glacier travel, steep snow and ice, and a rock climbing up to a 5.6 level.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1:  8:00 a.m. Meet at Back Country Essentials in down town Bellingham. Introductions, gear check and last chance to buy items. Drive to the trailhead, pack up and hike to base camp in Boston Basin.

Day 2:  4 a.m. wake up, hike to the base of the glacier. Rope up and hop on one of Americas greatest alpine climbs.

Expect to get back to the Trail-head between 5 and 8 PM on the climbing day.

Mountaineering skills you will learn

Skills covered Day1:

Efficient backpacking for climbers; Map, compass and GPS; Mountain Weather; Glacier formation

Skills Covered Day 2:

Snow school; Intro to crampons and ice axe; Movement skills on Basic snow and ice;Self Arrest; Intro to using ropes to manage steep terrain; Belay options; Glacier travel and crevasse rescue

Skills Covered Day 3:

Time management; Pacing; Basic Rock Movement; Rappelling; Glacier travel