Pro Guiding Service
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Trip

Mt. Shuksan Fisher Chimneys

Overview

Mount Shuksan's Fisher Chimeys is one of the very classic Cascadian alpine routes up the arguably most iconic peak in North Cascades National Park. You will do it all. A scenic hike, climb a complicated series of chimneys, camp in an amazing setting, cross several glaciers and climb the spectacular summit pyramid to the summit of Mount Shuksan.

$1,150 Per Person
3 Days
Difficulty
Ratio:
2:1

Trip Information

$1,150
Price is based on 2 climbers. Please call us for pricing for a single climber. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com
Mount Shuksan's Fisher Chimeys is one of the very classic cascadian alpine routes up the most iconic peak (and most photographed) in North Cascades National Park. To get to this 9127 foot summit, you will do it all. Start with a scenic hike, climb a complicated series of chimneys, camp in an amazing setting, cross several glaciers and climb the spectacular summit pyramid to the summit of Mount Shuksan. The Fisher Chimneys Route is longer and more involved than the standard Sulphide Glacier route and our three day program offers an ideal itinerary to make the experience enjoyable. The Fisher Chimneys route is also a great preparatory climb for any of our climbs offered in the Alps. All routes on Mount Shuksan culminate with the imposing 700 foot summit pyramid. It is commonly climbed up a central snow and rock gully, or the aesthetic mid fifth class rock of the southeast ridge. 
Even though the climb is a "guided climb" and not an "instructional course", we love to teach along the way and you can expect to be exposed to movement in exposed fourth class terrain, extensive roped glacier travel, potentially some crampon front pointing and some mid fifth class rock climbing. It is important to be physically well prepared for this exciting climb. The climb is strenuous and the terrain demanding. Strong physical fitness will make your experience much more enjoyable. 
Duration: 3
Ratio: 2:1
Difficulty Level:
Click here to learn more about difficulty ratings.

Overall Difficulty Level: Difficult

Skills Required: Prior Mountaineering Skills required. Must be comfortable with exposure.

Fitness Level: Very strenuous

Click here for more information on Trip difficulty levels


Private Trips Available

Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest.
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Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet at the Ranger Station in Glacier, WA, conduct a gear check and proceed to the Lake Anne trailhead. From here we actually descend 800 feet of vertical into the headwaters of Swift Creek before reascending to the beautiful Lake Anne. Not far from here we will start climbing into the Fisher Chimneys. There is no hard climbing here (it is all 3rd and 4th class), but there is some exposure in sections. From the top of the chimneys we are not far from our camp at the  bottom of a spot called Winnies slide. The camp spot near the top of the White Salmon Glacier is very scenic and located at about 6800 feet. 
Day 2: An early morning start gets us up the short remaining section of the White Salmon Glacier, then up a section of the Upper Curtis Glacier, onward through Hells Highway and on to the Sulphide Glacier on the south side of the mountain. This section alone is very entertaining and spectacular, though never technically difficult. Now we still have to climb the 700 foot summit pyramid of Mount Shuksan. Most of the time this gets accomplished by climbing the classic "summit gully", which is a 4th class scramble for the most part. More experienced parties can opt to climb the mid fifth class South East Ridge. This route offers moderate rock climbing on solid rock in an unforgettable ambience. We will return back to camp via our ascent route. Camp to Camp travel time hovers usually between 7 to 8 hours. A beautiful evening in a relaxed post-climb atmosphere with the sunset over Mount Baker will conclude this day. 
Day 3: After a little bit later start than on the second day, we will pack up our gear and head down the Chimneys and back to the trailhead. You can assume to be back in the Bellingham in the middle of the afternoon and Seattle in the early evening. 

Private Trips

Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest. Smaller, more intimate custom itineraries or instructional tours are available for any of our destinations. Tell us what you want to do, and we can create a customized plan for you.
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Pricing

$1,150
per person
Price is based on 2 climbers. Please call us for pricing for a single climber. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com
View Dates & Availability
Payment Policy
If booking a domestic trip that is over 30 days away or an international trip that is over 60 days away, you can book your trip by paying a 20% deposit.  View Full Policy
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel for any reason 30 or more days before domestic trips or 60 or more days before international and Alaska trips, we will refund everything you have paid minus half of your deposit. No refunds will be provided if you cancel your trip for ANY REASON (this includes but is not limited to illness including CoVid-19, injury, or work-related issues) within 30 days of the start of domestic trips or 60 days of international and Alaska based trips.  View Full Policy

Equipment List

Clothing
Base Layer
  • 1 Bottom - midweight or lightweight
  • 1 or 2 Tops - midweight or lightweight
  • Socks - 2 pair
Mid Layer
  • Windshirt or light soft shell jacket
  • Fleece or similar warm layer
  • Synthetic climbing or hiking pants
  • Shorts ok if forecast is good
Outerwear
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Jacket
  • Lightweight Waterproof/Breathable Pants--may be substituted with softshell pants if forecast is good
  • Warm Hat - should cover your ears
  • Sun Hat - baseball cap or visor
  • Lightweight gloves--wind block or fleece/wool
  • Warm gloves
  • Down or Synthetic Puffy-type Jacket
  • Gaiters--low top or full size (may not need in late season)
Personal Gear
  • Internal Frame Pack - 30 Liter/1800 cu.in. minimum
  • Headlamp - lightweight LED recommended
  • 1-2 Water Bottles - liter bottles, wide mouth recommended
  • Small Knife
  • Sunglasses - adequate for snow travel
  • Sunscreen - SPF 25+, waterproof
  • Lip Balm - SPF 15+
  • Small Personal First Aid Kit - just the basics: blister care, ibuprofin, prescription meds, etc.; your guides will have a substantial group first aid kit
Technical Gear
  • Ice Axe - lightweight aluminum, 55-70cm (may not be necessary in late season)
  • Light Mountaineering/Hiking Boots - crampon compatible
  • Rock climbing shoes (depending on objective)
  • Boot Crampons - 10-12 point aluminum (may not be necessary in late season)
  • Climbing Harness - mountaineering style preferred (no padding; ex: Petzl Altitude, Black Diamond Couloir)
  • Helmet - climbing helmet UIAA approved
  • Climbing Equipment:
    • 3 Locking Carabiners - 2 regular lockers and at least 1 large HMS style
    • Belay Device
    • Person Anchor System
Optional Items
  • Camera - we’d like some shots for the PGS website!
  • Thermos - vacuum type
  • Electrolytes - tablets/powder/gel/blocks
  • Note Pad and Pencil - Rite-in-the-Rain brand waterproof notebooks work well
  • Compass - adjustable declination required
  • Altimeter
  • Map Case - large Ziploc bag works well
  • Maps - contact guiding office for appropriate quadrangles
  • Adjustable Trekking Pole(s) - nice to have for approach/crevasse navigation
  • Liner socks - if blister-prone
  • Neck gaiter - for protecting your face from sun, wind, cold

PGS Supplied

  • Elaborate Group First Aid Kit
  • Ropes
  • Emergency communication devices
Equipment Sales & Rental

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FAQs

How much prior mountaineering experience is required?

Some prior mountaineering experience is recommended.

Should I tip my guide?

Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or flat amount that you are comfortable with.

Can I use this guided climb as a prep trip for more difficult European climbs?

Yes, it is perfect for that and some of the climbs are just as hard as the Alps climbing objectives.

Why Book With Us? 

Certified Professional Guides & All Access
All of our guides have the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate.
Safe, Well-Planned Tour Design
Every tour has a carefully thought-out guide-to-customer ratio. You always get a safe, high-quality trip or learning environment with us.
Pioneers In The Industry
You will travel and learn from experts. We've pioneered several alpine climbing routes, ski descents, and traverses and we've written books on skills and routes in the industry. 
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