Ski Mountaineering
Expedition
3 or 5 days

The Glaciers on Kulshan
ARE REMOTE SKI OBJECTIVES REQUIRING ADVANCED SKIING ABILITY AND A DEEP DESIRE TO COMMUNE WITH A WILD AND POWERFUL PLACE.
These ski mountaineering expeditions 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.
3:1 ratio, 2 guides, Julz Holder & Jodi Redfield, 6 spots per expedition.
May 8-13th TBD exact dates: 5 day Program: $1800-$2300 sliding scale. *$1600 starting for Alumni.
May 23-25th: 3 day Program: $1000-$1200 sliding scale. *$800 starting for Alumni.
Includes: Instruction, ski mountaineering guide, and group gear. (Does not include: Required personal gear, transportation, lodging, food, NW Forest Pass.)
* Please read prerequisites and sample itinerary, listed below before applying.





















Prerequisites: 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, glacier travel 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:
May 8-13th TBD exact dates: 5 day Kulshan Ski Expedition Program
May 23-25th: 3 day Kulshan Summit Ski Program
2 woman guides
6 spots available in each course.
Open to all genders!
*It costs nothing to apply, serious inquirers only PLEASE.
Sample Itinerary 5-DAy Expedition:
Day 1: Travel to Camp ~5 - 8 hours
Day 2: 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!?)
Sample Itinerary 3-DAy Summit Ski:
Day 1: Travel to Camp ~3-4 hours & Snow Skills
Ice Axe Anatomy, Techniques, and Uses
Booting Techniques (Up/Down)
Self Arrest/Team Arrest
Day 2: Glacier Travel Basics & Team Rescue Fundamentals
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
Team C
Practice
Day 3: ~6-8 hour Summit Attempt & Ski (alpine start, BIG day) & Pack up Camp/Egress ~5 hours