Gift certificates available! Choose any amount. Click the Resources tab for Gift Certifcates.
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through the magic of the Crystal Mountain backcountry, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through our backyard in the Snoqualmie Pass area, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
Chair Peak in the Alpental Valley near Snoqualmie Pass offers several routes of varying difficulty in an alpine setting barely one hour from Seattle. Chair Peak is a great day trip for anyone looking for a quick alpine outing or a solid training peak for bigger objectives.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry tour. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
The AIARE 2 course builds on your experience as a backcountry traveler. You will learn tools to apply the AIARE Framework, the repeatable process you learned in an AIARE 1, to new situations and to self-direct your learning after the course. You will learn more skills to connect weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain. This can enable you to act as a leader within a small travel group and to identify and target reducing uncertainty about the terrain or conditions. We offer this course with field days at Snoqualmie Pass or Crystal Mountain. Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, location, and in person versus Zoom classroom options).
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is designed for competent inbound skiers or riders with little or no backcountry experience. You'll learn about the gear, its use and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass. This course is also offered at Crystal Mountain.
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is a safe and fun place to gain experience in the sport of backcountry skiing or splitboarding. You will learn about backcountry gear and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass with our professional guides. This course is also offered at Snoqualmie Pass.
There is so much good information in an AIARE 1 course, it is worth brushing up on it! This course is intended to be taken by students who have already completed AIARE 1 and have now gained some experience in the backcountry. In this course, you will refresh your avalanche assessment and awareness skills and keep abreast of updates in best practices. This course does not cover the rescue component of AIARE, which is a separate course (AIARE Rescue).
This stand-alone, one day course is designed to be retaken every few years.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? The goal of our three day course is to give people a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
We also offer this ski touring course at Crystal Mountain.
Navigating in the mountains is one of the most important skills a backcountry traveler can acquire. This course consists of an indoor lecture in North Bend followed by a nighttime ski tour conducted entirely in the dark.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day (8-hour) course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn companion rescue, and returning students will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow, but there are no other prerequisites for this course.
This course is taught at Snoqualmie Pass.
Alpental offers excellent access to surprisingly good ice climbing and bolted mixed climbing. You'll only have to tour or snow shoe about 30 minutes to get to our training spot. Both of these very technical disciplines are fun in their own right and can be used as excellent training for aggressive alpine routes.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options).This course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard PLUS an extra field day to gain a deeper understanding of terrain management and winter backcountry travel skills. The course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught. The extra field day ensures that you will have ample time to review and practice all of the information and skills.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day (8-hour) course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn companion rescue, and returning students will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow, but there are no other prerequisites for this course.
This course is taught at Snoqualmie Pass.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The mountains in Seattle's backyard hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Snoqualmie Pass. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through the magic of the Crystal Mountain backcountry, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through our backyard in the Snoqualmie Pass area, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry tour. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
The AIARE 2 course builds on your experience as a backcountry traveler. You will learn tools to apply the AIARE Framework, the repeatable process you learned in an AIARE 1, to new situations and to self-direct your learning after the course. You will learn more skills to connect weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain. This can enable you to act as a leader within a small travel group and to identify and target reducing uncertainty about the terrain or conditions. We offer this course with field days at Snoqualmie Pass or Crystal Mountain. Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, location, and in person versus Zoom classroom options).
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is designed for competent inbound skiers or riders with little or no backcountry experience. You'll learn about the gear, its use and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass. This course is also offered at Crystal Mountain.
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is a safe and fun place to gain experience in the sport of backcountry skiing or splitboarding. You will learn about backcountry gear and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass with our professional guides. This course is also offered at Snoqualmie Pass.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? The goal of our three day course is to give people a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
We also offer this ski touring course at Crystal Mountain.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? The goal of our three day course is to give people a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
We also offer this ski touring course at Snoqualmie Pass.
This three-day course will build on your previous backcountry skiing experience. You will ski a lot of vert in the Snoqualmie backcountry while learning in depth tour planning, route finding, gear management, terrain management, decision making, uphill and downhill movement skills, and much more from our professional ski guides. You will meet 3 consecutive days.
Navigating in the mountains is one of the most important skills a backcountry traveler can acquire. This course consists of an indoor lecture in North Bend followed by a nighttime ski tour conducted entirely in the dark.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day (8-hour) course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn companion rescue, and returning students will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow, but there are no other prerequisites for this course.
This course is taught at Snoqualmie Pass.
Alpental offers excellent access to surprisingly good ice climbing and bolted mixed climbing. You'll only have to tour or snow shoe about 30 minutes to get to our training spot. Both of these very technical disciplines are fun in their own right and can be used as excellent training for aggressive alpine routes.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? Join like minded women for our three day course where our goal is to give you a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options).This course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard PLUS an extra field day to gain a deeper understanding of terrain management and winter backcountry travel skills. The course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught. The extra field day ensures that you will have ample time to review and practice all of the information and skills.
The high alpine ski touring in Garibaldi Provincial Park features everything you want in a hut trip: easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler/Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain, and lodging at the new Kees and Claire hut! It seems incredible that terrain of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Whistler ski area) can still offer so much solitude and such a wilderness experience.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The mountains in Seattle's backyard hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Snoqualmie Pass. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The peaks around Crystal Mountain hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Crystal Mountain's backcountry. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
The ski touring trip into the Norwegian fjords around Romsdalen is a world-class experience. The lands along the Norwegian Coast have been inhabited for thousands of years and yet a lot of the primeval character of the landscape remains. The meeting of mountains and ocean is truly remarkable. The coastline may very well be the most complicated one in the world. Thousands of fjords ranging from a few hundred meters to over 100 kilometers make up the coast of Norway. After having been there, we saw just enough to realize that the skiing possibilities are just about endless.
The Haute Route is most likely the single most famous ski traverse in the Alps. Pro Guiding Service has guided this super classic ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt about 45 times in 5 different variations. We have guided the original route via the Valsorey hut, the "classic route" via Verbier, from Zermatt to Chamonix ending in Courmayeur and other variations in between. Our guides speak French and English. Martin Volken, the founder of Pro Guiding Service and IFMGA guide, grew up in the Zermatt valley and speaks German, French, Italian and English. Because of Martin's background as a Swiss Mountain guide, we have many local connections in the area. Believe us, it makes a difference.
A fantastic week of ski touring in the high Italian Alps awaits you on the Ortler ski traverse. We keep returning to the Stelvio National Park in the Valfurva Region because of the great combination of ski touring terrain, comfortable huts and Italian hospitality. The Branca and Pizzini huts are famous and the ski touring in this area just south of the Austrian Border is some of the best we have ever experienced.
For a quick impression, check out this video from one of our latest trips.
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through the magic of the Crystal Mountain backcountry, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through our backyard in the Snoqualmie Pass area, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry tour. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please scroll down to the Trip Information section to see the specific configuration for each course (including dates, mode of travel, day of week for classroom and field days, and in person versus Zoom classroom options). This 24-hour course follows the standard AIARE 1 curriculum. The level 1 course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip. The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is designed for competent inbound skiers or riders with little or no backcountry experience. You'll learn about the gear, its use and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass. This course is also offered at Crystal Mountain.
Are you curious about backcountry touring? Have you tried it, but want a more structured introduction? This course is a safe and fun place to gain experience in the sport of backcountry skiing or splitboarding. You will learn about backcountry gear and the basics of touring while actually moving through the landscapes of Snoqualmie Pass with our professional guides. This course is also offered at Snoqualmie Pass.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? The goal of our three day course is to give people a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
We also offer this ski touring course at Crystal Mountain.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? The goal of our three day course is to give people a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
We also offer this ski touring course at Snoqualmie Pass.
This three-day course will build on your previous backcountry skiing experience. You will ski a lot of vert in the Snoqualmie backcountry while learning in depth tour planning, route finding, gear management, terrain management, decision making, uphill and downhill movement skills, and much more from our professional ski guides. You will meet 3 consecutive days.
Have you been longing to take your skiing and riding skills into the backcountry but don’t know where to start? Join like minded women for our three day course where our goal is to give you a foundation in the use of the gear and the skills to plan and execute a simple tour.
The high alpine ski touring in Garibaldi Provincial Park features everything you want in a hut trip: easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler/Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain, and lodging at the new Kees and Claire hut! It seems incredible that terrain of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Whistler ski area) can still offer so much solitude and such a wilderness experience.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
This course is designed as an introduction to spending the night in winter conditions in the alpine. Whether you're looking to summit Rainier or spend days doing a ski mountaineering trip, this course will help you dial in your winter camping skills and equipment so you feel confident and prepared to take your next adventures to higher elevations.
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The mountains in Seattle's backyard hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Snoqualmie Pass. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The peaks around Crystal Mountain hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Crystal Mountain's backcountry. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Europe has the Haute Route. The Northwest has the Spearhead Traverse, a classic high alpine ski tour. This 3-day trip has easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of the continent's best ski area, heavily glaciated terrain, and even a new state-of-the-art hut, making it a must for anybody who is serious about ski touring. It is incredible that a ski traverse of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Blackcomb ski area) can still offer so much solitude and a true wilderness experience.
Europe has the Haute Route. The Northwest has the Spearhead Traverse. This high alpine ski tour in Garibaldi Provincial Park features everything it takes to become a classic. Easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler/Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain and even a hut (Yes! A stay at the new Kees and Claire hut is part of our trip!) make it a must for anybody who is serious about ski touring.
It seems incredible that a ski traverse of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Blackcomb ski area) can still offer so much solitude and a true wilderness experience.
Valdez is well known for its backcountry skiing, and the Thompson Pass area is one of our favorite ski mountaineering areas in the U.S. The mountains are wild and spectacular, but surprisingly easy to summit on skis. The snow pack is very maritime and therefore perfect for steeper lines. The fact that we get to stay in the port town of Valdez and enjoy great salmon dinners night after night makes this a uniquely Northwest American experience.
The Haute Route is most likely the single most famous ski traverse in the Alps. Pro Guiding Service has guided this super classic ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt about 45 times in 5 different variations. We have guided the original route via the Valsorey hut, the "classic route" via Verbier, from Zermatt to Chamonix ending in Courmayeur and other variations in between. Our guides speak French and English. Martin Volken, the founder of Pro Guiding Service and IFMGA guide, grew up in the Zermatt valley and speaks German, French, Italian and English. Because of Martin's background as a Swiss Mountain guide, we have many local connections in the area. Believe us, it makes a difference.
A fantastic week of ski touring in the high Italian Alps awaits you on the Ortler ski traverse. We keep returning to the Stelvio National Park in the Valfurva Region because of the great combination of ski touring terrain, comfortable huts and Italian hospitality. The Branca and Pizzini huts are famous and the ski touring in this area just south of the Austrian Border is some of the best we have ever experienced.
For a quick impression, check out this video from one of our latest trips.
Ski touring and ski mountaineering in the Bernese Oberland is the quintessential Swiss Alps experience. Pro Guiding Service has guided the Konkordia glacier, the Jungfrau and the Finsteraarhorn region for well over 20 years in many variations. We have many local connections there and speak the local language. The area south of the Jungfraujoch is the most glaciated zone in the Alps.
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through the magic of the Crystal Mountain backcountry, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
Mount Baker is the quintessential ski summit. Huge vertical, spectacular glaciers and moderate skiing. On the Bullet Train, we ski it in one day!
Martin Volken pioneered this multi-day ski tour in 1999 and we still love guiding it. The combination of the high alpine atmosphere, the great skiing and mountain wilderness make this trip a must for every serious backcountry skier. The region hosts every element that is needed to show what advanced ski touring in the Cascades is all about.
Calling all backcountry skiers and splitboarders-- come join us for our Backcountry Meetups, offered every other Friday from January through April! The emphasis is on the journey and building community while enjoying our time in the outdoors. Come meet like-minded folks, find new partners, and follow our guides through our backyard in the Snoqualmie Pass area, where you will find a collection of backcountry gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with exceptional views, and hidden powder lines to discover. Come and discover it with us. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Please note that these trips are not instructional in nature. You must have at least some experience with your uphill equipment, and be a strong intermediate downhill skier/splitboarder. If you need instruction on the uphill movement, please sign up for a 1-Day Ski Touring Course (offered at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain) or our 3-Day Ski Touring Course (also available at Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain).
The Isolation Traverse takes you through the mountain wilderness north of Eldorado. From the high peaks of the Colonial-Snowfield group to the glacial expanses of the McAllister and Inspiration glaciers, this trip is a true North Cascades adventure. We will cross high cols, summit lonely peaks, and cross big glaciers. It's a natural and compelling route that offers some great skiing and an unforgettable adventure.
It's been named the best view summit in the North Cascades and this may well be true. Some folks claim that one can see over 200 Cascadian summits from the top at just under 9,000 feet. On this 2-day trip there is a touch of ski mountaineering involved to reach the actual summit. Skiing down the Sahale Arm or the Quien Sabe Glacier is moderate and the setting is spectacular.
The Snoqualmie Haute Route was pioneered by Martin Volken in 2000. It is a multi-day alpine traverse through the big mountain terrain from Alpental to Mount Hinman and beyond. This committing, rugged, and absolutely incredible traverse has brought new meaning to Snoqualmie Pass ski touring.
Mt. Baker offers some of the best ski touring in the state. It's hard to argue with 8,000 feet of vertical! It is a treat to take 3 days to enjoy this amazing mountain.
Martin Volken pioneered this multi-day ski tour in 1999 and we still love guiding it. The combination of the high alpine atmosphere, the great skiing and mountain wilderness make this trip a must for every serious backcountry skier. The region hosts every element that is needed to show what advanced ski touring in the Cascades is all about. This tour is the same route as the regular Forbidden Tour but we do it in 3 days instead of 4.
Mt. Shuksan boasts some of the most impressive icefalls, faces, and towers this side of Alaska. The 2-day White Salmon ski tour provides all the elements that make Mt. Shuksan great: a spectacular setting, long descents, and bona fide ski mountaineering challenges throughout.
Our Mt. Baker Ski Mountaineering course is the perfect course for the already experienced backcountry skier who is interested in exploring ski mountaineering in glaciated or more complex alpine terrain. It is also ideally suited as preparation for multi-day ski tours that are not hut supplied. The course locations could be anywhere on Mount Baker (Coleman Glacier on the North side, Easton and Squak Glaciers on the South side or the Park and Mazama Glaciers on the East side). It is important to note that due to weather, snow, and road access conditions, Pro Guiding Service needs to reserve the right to change course locations. Other locations include the North Cascades National Park or the Snoqualmie Pass area.
This course takes place in the heart of North Cascades National Park, where you will spend four days in one of the best settings for a ski mountaineering course in the lower 48 states. You will learn techniques for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, route finding, tour planning, and steep skinning and skiing, all while camping and skiing in incredible terrain.
It is important to note that due to weather, snow and road access conditions, Pro Guiding Service needs to reserve the right to change course locations. Other locations for this course include the glaciers of Mount Baker or the Snoqualmie Pass area.
This 1-day course near Snoqualmie Pass will introduce you to the skills necessary for performing a crevasse rescue. This is a great course if you are new to mountaineering or looking for a refresher on the important systems of crevasse rescue.
Over 4 days we will ski tour through a beautiful old-growth forest up into a vast expanse of subalpine meadows, climb to the summit of this broad stratovolcano in the heart of the North Cascades wilderness, then enjoy a memorable ski descent all the way back to camp.
The high alpine ski touring in Garibaldi Provincial Park features everything you want in a hut trip: easy access, a spectacular setting in the backcountry of Whistler/Blackcomb ski area, heavily glaciated terrain, and lodging at the new Kees and Claire hut! It seems incredible that terrain of such quality and easy access (we take the lift to the top of the Whistler ski area) can still offer so much solitude and such a wilderness experience.
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The mountains in Seattle's backyard hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Snoqualmie Pass. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Offered January through April! For advanced backcountry skiers only! The peaks around Crystal Mountain hold a collection of backcountry skiing gems that should not be missed. There are couloirs to ski, peaks and slopes with views hard to find, and hidden powder lines to discover. If you are an experienced backcountry skiier, come with us and discover the amazing terrain of Crystal Mountain's backcountry. If our scheduled dates don't work for you just give us a call and we can add your preferred date to our calendar!
Mount Baker is the quintessential ski summit. Huge vertical, spectacular glaciers and moderate skiing. On the Bullet Train, we ski it in one day!
Martin Volken pioneered this multi-day ski tour in 1999 and we still love guiding it. The combination of the high alpine atmosphere, the great skiing and mountain wilderness make this trip a must for every serious backcountry skier. The region hosts every element that is needed to show what advanced ski touring in the Cascades is all about.
Do you simply want to summit this beautiful peak on skis over a quick weekend? Are you fit and ready? Come join us!
A ski traverse through the famed Pickets subrange of the North Cascades National Park. This trip is the experience of a lifetime.
Mt. Baker offers some of the best ski touring in the state. It's hard to argue with 8,000 feet of vertical! It is a treat to take 3 days to enjoy this amazing mountain.
Martin Volken pioneered this multi-day ski tour in 1999 and we still love guiding it. The combination of the high alpine atmosphere, the great skiing and mountain wilderness make this trip a must for every serious backcountry skier. The region hosts every element that is needed to show what advanced ski touring in the Cascades is all about. This tour is the same route as the regular Forbidden Tour but we do it in 3 days instead of 4.
Mt. Shuksan boasts some of the most impressive icefalls, faces, and towers this side of Alaska. The 2-day White Salmon ski tour provides all the elements that make Mt. Shuksan great: a spectacular setting, long descents, and bona fide ski mountaineering challenges throughout.
Our Mt. Baker Ski Mountaineering course is the perfect course for the already experienced backcountry skier who is interested in exploring ski mountaineering in glaciated or more complex alpine terrain. It is also ideally suited as preparation for multi-day ski tours that are not hut supplied. The course locations could be anywhere on Mount Baker (Coleman Glacier on the North side, Easton and Squak Glaciers on the South side or the Park and Mazama Glaciers on the East side). It is important to note that due to weather, snow, and road access conditions, Pro Guiding Service needs to reserve the right to change course locations. Other locations include the North Cascades National Park or the Snoqualmie Pass area.
Our Mt. Baker Ski Mountaineering course is the perfect course for the already experienced backcountry skier who is interested in exploring ski mountaineering in glaciated or more complex alpine terrain. It is also ideally suited as preparation for multi-day ski tours that are not hut supplied. The course locations could be anywhere on Mount Baker (Coleman Glacier on the North side, Easton and Squak Glaciers on the South side or the Park and Mazama Glaciers on the East side). It is important to note that due to weather, snow, and road access conditions, Pro Guiding Service needs to reserve the right to change course locations. Other locations include the North Cascades National Park or the Snoqualmie Pass area.
This course takes place in the heart of North Cascades National Park, where you will spend four days in one of the best settings for a ski mountaineering course in the lower 48 states. You will learn techniques for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, route finding, tour planning, and steep skinning and skiing, all while camping and skiing in incredible terrain.
It is important to note that due to weather, snow and road access conditions, Pro Guiding Service needs to reserve the right to change course locations. Other locations for this course include the glaciers of Mount Baker or the Snoqualmie Pass area.
This 1-day course near Snoqualmie Pass will introduce you to the skills necessary for performing a crevasse rescue. This is a great course if you are new to mountaineering or looking for a refresher on the important systems of crevasse rescue.
Over 4 days we will ski tour through a beautiful old-growth forest up into a vast expanse of subalpine meadows, climb to the summit of this broad stratovolcano in the heart of the North Cascades wilderness, then enjoy a memorable ski descent all the way back to camp.
Mount Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys is one of the classic Cascadian alpine routes up what is arguably the most iconic peak in North Cascades National Park. You will do it all: hike through amazing scenery, climb a complicated series of chimneys, camp in an amazing setting, cross several glaciers and climb the spectacular summit pyramid at the top of Mount Shuksan.
2025 Shuksan Climb Dates:
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climbing this strenuous but technically moderate 10780 foot peak can be done as an overnight trip!
2025 Climb Dates:
Mount Rainier is extraordinary. At 14,411 feet Mount Rainier is the third highest peak in the lower 48 states and arguably the most massive, high alpine peak. We will climb Mount Rainier via the Emmons Glacier for a more enjoyable experience away from the crowds. We also have the option of climbing the Kautz Glacier if a group is committed to obtaining the permits one to two years ahead of time. These routes are slightly more advanced than the standard Disappointment Cleaver Route.
Learn essential skills in this 3-day mountaineering course, including glacier travel, crevasse rescue and ice climbing on many glaciers of Mt. Baker. Mt. Baker is arguably the best location to gain intensive glacier travel skills in the lower 48, and we have been guiding there for over a decade.
2025 Course Dates
In this course you will be introduced to all aspects of classic mountaineering in the arguably most diverse venue in the lower 48 states - the North Cascades National Park. The immediate access to moderately crevassed glaciers, steep climbing on great rock and exposed ridge travel make the North Cascades National Park the ideal setting for a mountaineering course. Most often these courses take place in the Boston Basin, but locations may vary, depending on weather and general mountain conditions.
2025 Course Dates:
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climb this technically moderate 10,781' peak with us on a 3 day day trip. We will climb via the Coleman-Deming route or the Easton Glacier. We also offer this trip as a 2-day climb.
2025 Climb Dates:
At this 3-day camp, kids aged 8-14 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, climbing etiquette, and belaying techniques.
2024 Camp Dates:
July 16-18 (full)
July 30-Aug 1 (several spots open)
Mount Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys is one of the classic Cascadian alpine routes up what is arguably the most iconic peak in North Cascades National Park. You will do it all: hike through amazing scenery, climb a complicated series of chimneys, camp in an amazing setting, cross several glaciers and climb the spectacular summit pyramid at the top of Mount Shuksan.
2025 Shuksan Climb Dates:
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climbing this strenuous but technically moderate 10780 foot peak can be done as an overnight trip!
2025 Climb Dates:
The Mount Baker North Ridge is one of top 5 classic ice routes in the lower 48 states and one of the 50 classic climbs of North America. Standing at 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the third highest peak in the State of Washington. This route is a super classic.
2025 North Ridge Dates:
Climbing Forbidden Peak via any route is a quintessentially North Cascadian experience. All the classic ridge routes - the famous West Ridge, the East Ridge, or the lonely North Ridge - are well worth the effort and provide an unforgettable experience in a stunning setting.
2025 Forbidden Climb Dates:
Learn essential skills in this 3-day mountaineering course, including glacier travel, crevasse rescue and ice climbing on many glaciers of Mt. Baker. Mt. Baker is arguably the best location to gain intensive glacier travel skills in the lower 48, and we have been guiding there for over a decade.
2025 Course Dates
In this course you will be introduced to all aspects of classic mountaineering in the arguably most diverse venue in the lower 48 states - the North Cascades National Park. The immediate access to moderately crevassed glaciers, steep climbing on great rock and exposed ridge travel make the North Cascades National Park the ideal setting for a mountaineering course. Most often these courses take place in the Boston Basin, but locations may vary, depending on weather and general mountain conditions.
2025 Course Dates:
Climbing Mount Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier is a special experience. The approach consists of a hike through old growth forest and a short ascent up a snowfield to the spectacular camp on the Sulphide Glacier. The summit days consists of a mellow glacier climb to the 800 foot summit pyramid. Here the nature of the climb changes radically and becomes a steep snow climb in early season or an easy, but engaging rock scramble in 4th and easy 5th class terrain in the later season. Either way you will be belayed by our experienced guides on the way up with some rappelling on the way down. A spectacular way to experience the rugged cascades on one of the most photographed mountains in North America.
2025 Shuksan Climb Dates
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climb this technically moderate 10,781' peak with us on a 3 day day trip. We will climb via the Coleman-Deming route or the Easton Glacier. We also offer this trip as a 2-day climb.
2025 Climb Dates:
The most remote of Washington's 5 major volcanoes, Glacier Peak provides a long walk through an old-growth rain forest, vast expanses of subalpine meadows, easy to moderate glacier travel, and a 10,541 foot summit deep in the heart of the North Cascades.
2025 Glacier Peak Climb Dates:
At this 4-day camp, kids aged 8-14 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, climbing etiquette, and belaying techniques.
2024 Camp Dates:
At this 3-day camp, teens 14-17 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, climbing etiquette, and belaying techniques. Depending on group size, and skill level, participants may have a chance to learn how to lead climb.
2024 Teen Climbing Dates:
Mount Shuksan's Fisher Chimneys is one of the classic Cascadian alpine routes up what is arguably the most iconic peak in North Cascades National Park. You will do it all: hike through amazing scenery, climb a complicated series of chimneys, camp in an amazing setting, cross several glaciers and climb the spectacular summit pyramid at the top of Mount Shuksan.
2025 Shuksan Climb Dates:
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climbing this strenuous but technically moderate 10780 foot peak can be done as an overnight trip!
2025 Climb Dates:
The Mount Baker North Ridge is one of top 5 classic ice routes in the lower 48 states and one of the 50 classic climbs of North America. Standing at 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the third highest peak in the State of Washington. This route is a super classic.
2025 North Ridge Dates:
Climbing Forbidden Peak via any route is a quintessentially North Cascadian experience. All the classic ridge routes - the famous West Ridge, the East Ridge, or the lonely North Ridge - are well worth the effort and provide an unforgettable experience in a stunning setting.
2025 Forbidden Climb Dates:
Learn essential skills in this 3-day mountaineering course, including glacier travel, crevasse rescue and ice climbing on many glaciers of Mt. Baker. Mt. Baker is arguably the best location to gain intensive glacier travel skills in the lower 48, and we have been guiding there for over a decade.
2025 Course Dates
In this course you will be introduced to all aspects of classic mountaineering in the arguably most diverse venue in the lower 48 states - the North Cascades National Park. The immediate access to moderately crevassed glaciers, steep climbing on great rock and exposed ridge travel make the North Cascades National Park the ideal setting for a mountaineering course. Most often these courses take place in the Boston Basin, but locations may vary, depending on weather and general mountain conditions.
2025 Course Dates:
Climbing Mount Shuksan via the Sulphide Glacier is a special experience. The approach consists of a hike through old growth forest and a short ascent up a snowfield to the spectacular camp on the Sulphide Glacier. The summit days consists of a mellow glacier climb to the 800 foot summit pyramid. Here the nature of the climb changes radically and becomes a steep snow climb in early season or an easy, but engaging rock scramble in 4th and easy 5th class terrain in the later season. Either way you will be belayed by our experienced guides on the way up with some rappelling on the way down. A spectacular way to experience the rugged cascades on one of the most photographed mountains in North America.
2025 Shuksan Climb Dates
Mount Baker is arguably the best location in the lower 48 for a mountaineering course! This course is for women wanting an introductory or refresher course on mountaineering skills including glacier travel and crevasse rescue. You will be learning and climbing with a group of like-minded women! We hope to provide a female guide for this course, but cannot always guarantee that.
2025 Course Date: August 1-3 (call or email for custom dates)
Mount Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the West Coast. Climb this technically moderate 10,781' peak with us on a 3 day day trip. We will climb via the Coleman-Deming route or the Easton Glacier. We also offer this trip as a 2-day climb.
2025 Climb Dates:
The most remote of Washington's 5 major volcanoes, Glacier Peak provides a long walk through an old-growth rain forest, vast expanses of subalpine meadows, easy to moderate glacier travel, and a 10,541 foot summit deep in the heart of the North Cascades.
2025 Glacier Peak Climb Dates:
At this 4-day camp, kids aged 8-14 will learn about basic rock climbing skills, knot tying, climbing etiquette, and belaying techniques.
2024 Camp Dates:
Kilimanjaro represents an outstanding opportunity for high altitude trekking, with a summit elevation of 19,341 feet above sea level, yet a non-technical trail to the top. Kilimanjaro represents one of the most unique of the seven summits, as climbers traverse several distinct biomes on the way to the top. Climbers should be in good physical condition, able to hike 4,000 vertical feet in the Cascades in a day without becoming exhausted. High altitude experience is not required.
Summer 2025 dates: August 9 - 20 (August 9-23 with optional safari)
No trips or courses currently available.
No trips or courses currently available.
No trips or courses currently available.
No trips or courses currently available.
