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Intro to Alpine Skills

Learn the skills needed to summit Cascade peaks like Mt. St. Helens, Adams, or South Sister on this beginner friendly overnight trip.

You’ll be educated in the fundamentals of mountaineering in the Cascades, and skills to stay safe and comfortable camping in Pacific Northwest winter conditions.

2 Days

No Experience Necessary

Snowshoeing and Backpacking

Learn Winter Mountaineering and Camping Skills

We Provide the Guide, Snowshoes, Transportation, Meals, and More

$650.00

Upcoming Excursion Dates

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An Introduction to Alpine Skills

Are you looking to summit non-technical peaks in the Cascades like Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, or South Sister? Then this course is for you! We take advantage of the heavy snowfall in winter to simulate alpine conditions at a more accessible elevation.

Learn the fundamentals of mountaineering in the Cascades, and the skills to stay safe and comfortable camping in Pacific Northwest winter conditions. This course does not teach glacier travel or how to lead a rope team, which is not necessary to summit the aforementioned peaks.

Experience Level

Your guides will teach you everything you need to know, no experience necessary.

Participants must be able to snowshoe up to 5 miles a day up moderate inclines while carrying a 40lb (or heavier) pack.

What's Included?
  • A professional guide
  • Transportation
  • Snowshoes
  • Trekking poles
  • Meals
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    • Tea and coffee
  • Group camping gear
    • Kitchen shelter
    • Backpacking tent
    • Stove and fuel canisters
    • Toilet paper and waste bags
    • Small travel trowel
  • Mountain Gear
    • Ice axe
    • Crampons
    • Helmet
    • Ropes
    • Harness
What Do I Need to Bring?
  • Clothing appropriate for two days in winter weather conditions. This trip will run in all weather, unless conditions are unsafe.
  • Personal backpacking gear
  • Winter sleep system
  • Sturdy, warm, and waterproof shoes
  • Snacks

A full packing list will be provided after booking.

Meeting Location

We depart from our office at 121 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060. Note, our office entrance is located below and behind the storefronts in downtown Troutdale. Turn left off the main street immediately after the “Gateway to the Gorge” arch to access the lower parking lot.

​Please contact us if you would like to meet your guides at the trailhead on Mt. Hood.

Cancellation Policy

Please review our company cancellation policy before booking your trip.

​We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip cost.