Ski Mountaineering

Expedition

5 days

  • “Nothing more to be desired. I went into the program thinking that it would be an incredible experience, and it was. We learned skills necessary to experience the terrain competently. We developed quickly bonded over a shared experience and developed a supportive, fun community. We experienced and appreciated the the space we were in and its range of moods. We pushed ourselves physically and enjoyed the reward of that challenge. Really a great experience and I’m grateful as always to Julz.”

    Ted Debonis, 2023 Ski Mountaineeing Expedition

  • “I'm so glad I signed up for this program! More than anything, I felt like I left the course confident in my ability to go out and try the skills we learned (obviously with a lot of space for growth!). I think the group size, repetition of content, and hands on learning all added to this.”

    Danielle Alleman, 2023 Ski Mountaineering Expedition

  • “A fully encompassing trip due to being a renewed newbie to snow camping and Ski Mo. 25+ years ago I ventured into it these types of trips without specific training and a lot of trust in other stronger experienced individuals. This course has provided me the context, the experience, the skills, and the confidence to take on more of the same in the future and I'm so stoked that I signed up. Every part of it was memorable- the uphill challenge, the howling winds, the mtn vistas, the acquired skills, and the new found friendships -never to be forgotten!”

    Lesley Gifford, 2024 Ski Mountaineering Expedition

  • “Wow, how do you put this into words. There were times when I was almost overwhelmed by the experience (in a positive way) and consciously thought about how I could retain my memory of it. You’ll do all the things that you anticipate: learn skills, climb and ski in amazing places, live in and appreciate a beautiful environment. It’s really what Julz herself offers and the atmosphere she supports that make the experience special. Our group really quickly bonded over our shared challenge and adventure and that made the climbing and skiing even better.”

    -Ted Debonis, 2023 Ski Mountaineering Expedition

  • “Julz puts so much thought and care into the courses/programs/experiences she guides. It’s much more than a simple objective attempt. I always leave a course or experience guided by Julz being a little better. I have better skills in a certain area. I have better awareness of my place in and contribution to a community. I have had a shared experience more valuable than summiting a certain peak or skiing a certain line. It’s always a truly holistic experience that I cling to until the next time. I’m really grateful for Julz’s ability to provide that opportunity.”

    -Ted Debonis, 2023 Ski Mountaineering Expedition

  • “You should take this course so you can go where you didn't think you could go, do what you didn't think you were capable of, learn more than you already know, gain invaluable skills to enable remote travel, and aspire to do more of the same with likeminded individuals who became solid friends and strong support for your future adventures. “

    Lesley Gifford, 2024 Ski Mountaineering Expedition

The Glaciers on Kulshan

ARE REMOTE SKI OBJECTIVES REQUIRING ADVANCED BACKCOUNTRY SKIING ABILITY AND A DEEP DESIRE TO COMMUNE WITH A WILD AND POWERFUL PLACE.

These ski mountaineering expedition involve a one day ski approach, two days of skills, a summit attempt, and one day of egress.

On each expedition, we ski a different glacier — making this an accessible adventure to do year after year!

5 days total, affords participants the opportunity to brush up on crevasse rescue and glacier skills prior to attempting the summit.

2025 DATES:

March 31 - April 4

&

April 6 - 10

  • 4:1 ratio, 2 guides, 8 spots per expedition.

  • $2500 - $3000 sliding scale. *$2200 starting for Alumni.

  • Includes: Instruction, ski mountaineering guide, and group gear. (Does not include: Required personal gear, transportation, lodging, food, parking fees.)

* Please read prerequisites and sample itinerary, listed below before applying.

Prerequisites: Previous glacier travel experience, previous self-arrest experience or instruction, previous cold weather camping experience, Avalanche Level 1 course, Advanced to Expert level skiing or riding ability, at least one season of backcountry touring experience (10+days), comfortable spending 8 hours moving in snowy and potentially inclement weather, the fitness ability to cover 10 miles and up to 5,500' of vertical gain on skis or splitboard in a day, and the ability to travel and ski/ride with a 30lb backpack all day while moving through challenging terrain.

**If you have questions regarding if you meet the prerequisites, please email me at julieann@groundingtruth.com.

* Previous snow camping experience, exposure to crevasse rescue, or expedition experience recommended.

* Wilderness First Aid training (optional and desired)

The course is not solely aimed at accomplishing any large objectives, rather, it serves as an opportunity for participants to learn the craft of winter camping, packing a ski pack for an overnight adventure and how to traverse terrain.

The course will be about “experiencing the place” and involves skiing/snowboarding out of camp, navigation skills, group travel to move camp, and crevasse rescue skills refresher.

Interested in joining me on this adventure?

Dates:

March 31 - April 4, 2025

April 6 - 10, 2025

2 woman guides

8 spots available in each course.

*It costs nothing to apply, serious inquirers only PLEASE.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Travel to Camp ~5.5 - 8 hours

Day 2: (Bump Camp if needed ~2.5 hours) and/or Glacier Travel Skills and Rescue Basics

  • Ice Axe Anatomy, Techniques, and Uses

  • Booting Techniques (Up/Down)

  • Self Arrest/Team Arrest

  • Roping up for glacier team travel

  • Glaciated Ski considerations

  • Glacier Navigation

  • Travel Considerations (rope lengths, team configurations, experience and order, etc.)

  • Using the rope, Using our tracks, Using the map/tools

  • Snow Anchors (Ski T, H, I, Body belays, Axe, Other)

  • Knots Review

  • Mechanical Advantage

Day 3: Crevasse Rescue

  • Putting it all together

  • Hyperstatic Rope considerations

  • Roped and Unroped fall considerations

  • Team travel differences with Skis vs. Without

  • Rope Ascension

  • Team C

  • Practice

Day 4: ~6-8 hour Summit Attempt & Ski (alpine start, BIG day, naps and hang time!)

Day 5: Egress ~5-6 hours (Post Course Dinner in Bellingham?)