The Forbidden Tour

The Forbidden Tour is an undeniable classic. It combines breathtaking scenery in the heart of the North Cascades National Park with long glaciated ski/ride descents.  The combination of snow covered terrain and travel on skis allow us to efficiently cover a lot of ground while exploring the national park with a lot more solitude than in mid summer! In addition to completing an outstanding multi-day tour, we will also help you learn new skills -- from navigation to rope work to winter camping, this tour has it all!

Ski Mountaineering Course

This course is designed for the experienced backcountry skier or splitboarder looking to get into more technical objectives in glaciated terrain. Skis are the perfect tools for climbing (and descending) peaks as they allow us to move quickly and cover a lot of terrain. These camps typically take place utilizing both Washington Pass and Mount Baker, and if the weather cooperates, we finish up with a descent of Mount Baker, truly one of the most classic snow descents in the lower 48.

Beyond the Volcanoes

Already climbed Mt. Rainier, Baker or Mt. Hood? Looking for the next step?
 
As guides living and working in the Northwest we run into a lot of climbers that have started their climbing careers on one of the big Northwest Volcanoes. For many of these climbers, their next steps are to climb higher and higher peaks around the world. Unfortunately, this progression is only possible by choosing climbs that do not involve much more than walking on steep snow.
 

North Cascades National Park Climbing

North Cascades National Park contains some of the best alpine climbing in North America.  NCMG offers both climbing courses and custom guided programs in the "Alps of North America".  The vast majority of our programs are booked on a private basis and are guided by some of the best guides in the business.  Book your trip today and climb with the local experts.  

Click on the route links located in the sidebar for more information on climbing in the North Cascades National Park.

Sharkfin Tower - Southeast Ridge

Sharkfin Tower sits in the middle of the famous Boston Basin, surrounded by peaks such as Forbidden Peak, Sahale Mountain, and Mount Torment.  The South East Ridge makes for the perfect introductory alpine rock climb or as an addition to one of the other classic climbs in the area.  The climb has a good combination of glacier climbing, steep snow, and moderate rock, enabling the climber to put to use many of the skills needed to be a well-rounded Alpinist.
 

Sahale Peak - Quien Sabe Glacier

The Quien Sabe Glacier is the perfect introduction to climbing in the North Cascades.  The climb combines moderate glacier climbing with a bit of steep snow and is capped off with an easy but exposed rock climb to the summit.  This climb is perfect for climbers new to the sport or more experienced mountaineers looking to climb a beautiful peak in the heart of the North Cascades.

Eldorado Peak - East Ridge

The East Ridge of Eldorado Peak is one of the Northwest’s classic climbs.  It is a moderate glacier climb with a spectacular knife-edged summit ridge in the heart of the North Cascades.  For fit climbers, the East Ridge is a perfect introduction to climbing glaciated peaks and moderately steep snow.

Forbidden Peak - North Ridge

Forbidden Peak’s North Ridge is a classic mixed route on a remote side of Forbidden Peak.  It combines crossing a large glacier, steep snow climbing and a beautiful alpine granite ridge that takes you directly to the summit.  Don’t let the moderate rock rating fool you (5.7).  This is a demanding climb that requires well-rounded alpine climbing skills.

Forbidden Peak - West Ridge

Forbidden Peak is one of the better-known peaks in North Cascade National Park.  At 8,815 feet it is not the tallest peak in the range, but the quality of climbing and the beauty of the peak make it one of the best.  Its pyramid shape, surrounding glaciers and solid rock make Forbidden Peak a difficult summit to attain.  All of the routes to the summit of Forbidden require technical climbing.  There are no “walk-ups” on Forbidden Peak.
 

North Cascades National Park Skiing

North Cascades National Park offers an enormous variety of skiing, from day trips to multi-day traverses, all set in the majestic backdrop of rugged alpine peaks and glaciers. We can access the park from a variety of trailheads, but much of our skiing lies in the iconic Eldorado and Boston Basin areas accessed via Cascade River Road. Classic ski descents in the area include Eldorado, Sahale, the Forbidden Tour, the Inspiration Traverse and Isolation Traverse.

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