SheJumps Glacier Peak Fundraising Climb 2023

The SheJumps Glacier Peak (Dahkobed) Fundraising Climb: A group climb guided by Alpine Ascents International benefitting the mission of SheJumps to increase participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.

The Glacier Peak climb is perfect for climbers that enjoy the journey as much at the destination. The 5-day itinerary allows us to move at a slower pace, provides time for additional instruction while making the ascent, and allows an extra day to summit in case of inclement weather. Originally named Dahkobed, Glacier Peak beckons mountaineers through old growth forests, resplendent high alpine meadows, and across several glaciers to the secluded summit in the heart of the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness. Climbers can expect a long and incredibly scenic approach to an enjoyable and straightforward glacier climb that offers an excellent introduction to mountaineering.

This instructional course/summit climb teaches the basics of glacier mountaineering, including proper ice axe use and self-arrest skills, glacier travel, and basic rope techniques while aiming to summit a remote peak. With a 3:1 climber-to-guide ratio, you will receive personal and hands-on training with an experienced guide team. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for more advanced expeditions. This trip is open to all individuals who identify as female or non-binary.

The SheJumps Glacier Peak Fundraising Climb takes place July 28 - August 1.

SPIRIT OF THE CLIMB

There is a unique spirit of camaraderie with all SheJumps events. Endless high fives, gut busting laughs and summit dance parties are just the beginning. We consciously foster a positive energy that exudes encouragement in stride with the technical, physical, and emotional challenge at hand. Our all-female guide and staff offer support and expertise throughout your training, fundraising and of course, the climb. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!

REGISTRATION AND COST

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space. Upon submitting your $500 deposit, you will be notified of your acceptance to the climb and directed to complete the Participation Agreement.

You are not officially registered until you have completed & signed the Participation Agreement here:

Each climber agrees to fundraise $3,250 for SheJumps, which is in addition to the $500 deposit (paid here through Eventbrite). This climb includes roundtrip transportation from the Alpine Ascents office in Seattle to the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead, guiding, course instruction, all group climbing equipment, tents, and meals (except for lunches). Gratuity for the guides is not included, please budget accordingly; it's greatly appreciated. Each climber must provide their own transportation to Seattle, WA. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance for this event.

FAQs

How much do I have to fundraise?

As further detailed in the “Participation Agreement”, each climber agrees to fundraise or be personally responsible for a fundraising total of $3,250 for SheJumps . This amount does not include the deposit. Half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by April 20, 2023 (“Midpoint Fundraising Deadline”), and the other half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by July 12, 2023, (“Final Fundraising Deadline”).

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

No. This is a very popular climb with a long list of climbers waiting to participate, we will release open spots to the waitlist.

What is SheJumps’ cancellation policy?

A non-refundable registration fee of $500.00 is due at the time of registration to reserve a space on the trip. If you cancel your reservation prior to the midpoint fundraising deadline, you are responsible for and will be charged/billed 50% of the total fundraising amount . If you cancel your reservation after the midpoint fundraising deadline, you are responsible for and will be charged/billed the full fundraising amount. The closer we get to the course, the harder it will be for us to fill your spot. Under no circumstances are fundraising amounts refunded or credited back to the individual donors.

We strongly recommend purchasing trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Factors such as illness, injuries, family emergencies, business obligations, missed or canceled flights, lost baggage, etc., may require you to cancel or delay your trip. Unless you are willing to absorb the entire cost of your program in the event of a cancellation, we encourage you to obtain trip insurance to protect your investment. Contact an insurance broker for more information.

What does the climb include?

This climb includes transportation from the Alpine Ascents International office in Seattle to the North Fork Sauk River Trailhead and back, guiding, course instruction, all group climbing equipment including climbing ropes and technical hardware, tents, and breakfasts and dinners on the mountain. Each climber must provide their own transportation to Seattle, WA. Gratuity for the guides is not included, please budget accordingly; it's greatly appreciated.

What is the team size and guide ratio?

Team size is 9 climbers with 3 guides, for a guide ratio of 3:1. With one guide for every three climbers, you have more individualized instruction, great assistance on summit day, and overall success and safety are increased. The guides will be teachers and impart knowledge throughout the program.

Do I need to have Alpine/Rock climbing or mountaineering experience?

This climb is open to any enthusiastic, physically fit novice, beginner, or advanced beginner. One day of training is included in the climb. Prior experience with backpacking and camping is recommended.

What kind of gear do I need?

All group climbing equipment is provided, including climbing ropes and technical hardware, tents, and breakfasts and dinners on the mountain. Personal equipment and lunches are not provided. You are responsible for all items on the gear list: https://www.alpineascents.com/climbs/glacier-peak/gear-list.

Alpine Ascents is happy to offer SheJumps climbers a 25% discount on rental prices and a 10% discount at the Alpine Ascents Gear Shop located at their Seattle office.

How fit do I need to be?

You need to be in excellent physical condition, as mountaineering requires a high degree of physical stamina and mental toughness. During training for this climb, you are preparing for:

• Hiking with a 55+ lb backpack for 5.5-7 hours at a time
• Steep climbing and glacier travel with a 15-20 lb backpack
• Moving on your feet for 8-10 hours on summit day
• Movement techniques requiring balance, core strength, and flexibility

Certain ascent rates are required for this climb. When hours are prolonged due to slow ascent times, climbers become fatigued, dehydrated, and have a greater chance of getting cold. This also puts the team at risk in rapidly changing weather on the mountain. It is a matter of safety that climbers ascend at the rates stated below.

BENCHMARK ASCENT RATES FOR GLACIER PEAK CLIMB:

• Climb from Mackinaw Shelter to High Camp in 4.5-6.5 hours. This ascent is over 3,800 feet elevation gain in approximately 6 miles. You will carry a pack of 50+ pounds during this ascent. Meeting this pace and having reserves upon arrival at camp is a minimum standard for summit team members. Proper strength training and sport specific endurance work carrying a weighted pack will pay off here.
• Climb from High Camp to Summit in 6-8 hours. While this will involve a lighter pack (approximately 15-20 pounds), it is all above 6,000 feet and covers steeper terrain. Here is where your more challenging training days, like intense weighted hill climbs, will pay off. You want to be able to climb efficiently and clear-headed at this altitude, with plenty in reserve for contingencies and to descend safely.

Comprehensive training information can be found on AAI's website here. Be sure to note the separate tabs for phase 1, 2, and 3 of training.

What's the itinerary?

GLACIER PEAK 5 DAY CLIMB ITINERARY

Day 1: July 28

Meet at AAI’s Seattle office for a 6:30 a.m. orientation and gear check. A big part of developing the necessary skills of mountaineering starts with having the proper equipment and food. Your guides will discuss each piece of gear and ensure that everything is in good condition and is a proper fit. They will evaluate conditions, discuss the weather forecast, and give a route overview. We’ll also review packing our backpacks, wilderness ethics, and Leave No Trace practices.

From the office, we will drive to the North Fork Sauk River trailhead (2,300’). Our approach begins in towering old growth forests of the North Fork Sauk River Valley. We’ll warm up and acclimate to the weight of our backpacks on the first five miles of mellow trail to the Mackinaw Shelter, where we’ll make our first camp.

North Fork Sauk River Trailhead to Mackinaw Shelter

• Distance: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft.
• Hours: 2.5-3.5

Day 2: July 29

After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and continue toward Glacier Peak. Shortly after the shelter, the trail begins gaining elevation in earnest for roughly 3 miles to the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (6,000’). Although this stretch is steep, there will be glimpses of the mighty Sloan Peak, fields of wildflowers, and whistling marmots. From the junction of the PCT, we’ll hike to White Pass, where we’ll meet up with the Foam Creek Trail which we’ll follow to the edge of the White Chuck Glacier around 6,800’ where we’ll establish our high camp.

Mackinaw Shelter to High Camp

• Distance: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft.
• Hours: 4.5-6.5

Day 3: July 30

Today is all about learning the ropes of glacier travel. After a good night’s sleep to recover from the last two days of approach, we will begin a robust day of training. Guides will cover important safety aspects of the climb, including glacier travel, self-arrest, crampon technique, ice axe usage, and proper rope techniques including knots. With a break for lunch and some additional practice to follow, training will take most of the day. After an early dinner, we will head to bed in anticipation of a pre-dawn start for the summit, resting and recovering as much as possible.

Day 4: July 31

Summit day! We get a pre-dawn start (alpine start) to take advantage of the best snow conditions on our journey towards the summit. The climb is very remote with a few short steep sections as we head around Disappointment Peak and climb snow and rock slopes on our way to the summit at 10,520’. Expect sweeping panoramic views of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, Mount Baker, and Mount Rainier. After descending from the summit, we will either return to our high camp, or move our camp back towards White Pass, shortening our final day’s mileage and debriefing our summit day.

High Camp to Summit

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 4,200 ft.
• Hours: 6-8

Summit to White Pass

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Elevation loss: 4,620 ft.
• Hours: 4-5

Day 5: August 1

We’ll hike the final distance along the river and through the old growth forest, aiming to reach the trailhead in the early afternoon. We’ll rest our tired legs in the van on the drive back to Seattle, stopping for a celebratory meal en route.

White Pass to North Fork Sauk River Trailhead

• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Elevation Loss: 3,850 ft.
• Hours: 4-6

Itinerary subject to change due to conditions.

Questions?

Contact Robyn Gelfand: [email protected]

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SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.

SheJumps strives to fight against racism and acknowledges that our events and programs take place on traditional, unceded Indigenous lands.

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