Thread: Board touring Baker Summit

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone has any info on touring to Mt. Baker summit and riding down. I have a little back country experience. But realistically this is going to be a long term goal, perhaps not even this coming season.

What I was wondering is how long (roughly) does it take to hike form the top of the ski area to the summit and if anyone knows of any good resources for info on the differing ascent and descent routes. Also, due to my lack of experience, does anyone know of guiding companies that under take the trip.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Touring mont baker from the ski area is pretty easy. Make sure to get up early so you can get first chair on 8. Ride it to the top then head up the bootpack to the top of hemispheres. From there the route should be fairly obvious. Start skiing towards the summit. If you have some experience you should be able to hit the summit by noon. For the descent just reverse the ascent. For a nice variation on descent head straight down the backside to hit the tap room in time for beers. Oh hell fuck yeah you just crushed it.

If you need a guide your in luck. I can guide you. I recommend my intro course - snowboard mountaineering .101 - we cover how to purchase a guide book at REI and how to read a basic map. If you pass that I'll put you in snowboard mountaineering .102 - how to ask for rad beta on the Internet.

If you want to sign up send rontele (the course registrar) a PM.

Thanks for you interest!

This video might help you learn how to successfully tour Mt Baker backcountry: