The Mount Baker Mountaineering School Scholarship
Mount Baker is the ultimate training camp for emerging mountaineers, and we are excited to make available not one but two scholarships available for an all-women 4-day glacier school and summit climb on Mount Baker in July 2025 led by AWExpeditions. With a skills-focused itinerary, this course is a fantastic option for all women are enthusiastic about learning the ins and outs of snow travel, glacier crossings and crevasse safety. The skills curriculum begins with the very fundamentals of mountaineering: snow travel, crampon techniques and self arrest with an ice axe. That means that you do not need prior mountaineering experience, just an open mind and the desire to push yourself and learn - a lot. On the flip side, and with plenty of time to go beyond the most fundamental skills, our intermediate glacier school is also a fantastic building block for those who already have some familiarity with basic mountaineering skills and are looking to spend more time practicing and diving deeper into the technical challenges of roped travel across glaciers and and crevassed terrain.
Note: there are two scholarships available for this Mountaineering School Scholarship - one “at-large” scholarship for all women, and one scholarship spot exclusive for a female resident from Kane County, Utah, thanks to support from the Kane County Community Impact Grant.
This scholarship includes the expedition fee for an all-women 4-day mountaineering school and summit bid on Mt Baker (with a night in Seattle before and after the mountain), a $500 travel stipend to help offset the cost of airfare from/to Seattle, top-notch mountaineering footwear from LOWA Boots, mountaineering attire from Fjällräven, and more. Each scholarship’s total value is >$4,000.
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At 10,781 feet above sea level, Mt. Baker offers the perfect introduction to mountaineering. Mt Baker is often considered the best glacier training venue in the US; a true wilderness outing, climbers carry gear to camp, spend a full day training, and summit via the beautiful Easton or Squak glacier.
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This 4-day Mountaineering School and Summit Climb on Mount Baker’s South Side is offered in collaboration with AWExpeditions. The curriculum starts with a review of the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques, before moving on to intermediate skills including snow anchors, knots, hauling systems and, time permitting, crevasse rescue setups - all while also aiming to summit. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we offer personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Completion of this foundational mountaineering course gives you the required skills for many more advanced climbs and expeditions.
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July 13-17 2025
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No mountaineering experience is required though this course is appropriate both for enthusiastic and fast-learning beginners as well as climbers who are already familiar with basic snow climbing and rope travel techniques. Participants must be in very good physical condition. Previous hiking experience is required. Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended but not mandatory.
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Hotel accommodation pre-and post climb in Seattle and/or Burlington, double occupancy
Welcome & final dinners in town
Transfers from Burlington or Seattle to Mount Baker and return
Professional female guide team including AWE expedition leader and experience local guide(s)
Team gear including four-season tents (double occupancy), ropes, snow anchors & team medical kit
On-trail real-time GPS tracking and communications
Top-notch mountaineering footwear from LOWA Boots, mountaineering attire from Fjällräven, and trekking poles from LEKI
A $500 travel stipend to help offset travel costs to/from Seattle
Access to substantive discounts for personal gear purchases
The Summit Scholarship award does not cover:
Travel to & from Washington beyond the travel stipend
Travel insurance or mandatory rescue insurance
Extra hotel nights in town in case of early departure from the mountain
Beverages and personal expenses
Personal mountaineering gear not covered by program sponsors - rentals are available)
Guide gratuity
