Mt. Baker, Coleman Headwall Route

Join MAA members for a highly technical ascent of Mt. Baker via the Coleman Headwall route. This is a very steep technical climb providing glacier travel and steep snow & ice. We will approach the route via the stunning Heliotrope Ridge trail. This is a Grade IV, AI2-5, strenuous climb and team members should have solid skill and experience in the following: snow camping at high elevation, steep snow (up to 60 degrees) and alpine ice climbing (up to AI4-5) , glacier travel, and self-arrest & crevasse rescue training. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 6. Hope to have you out with us!

SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Coleman Headwall steep snow and ice (up to 90 degrees), glacier travel, winter camping. If conditions are not good for the Coleman Headwall we will try the North Ridge route. 
• Where to meet: Guesthouse in Bellingham (805 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229). 
• Event Leaders: Todd Martin 949-922-2253 todd@mountainascent.org, Frederick Lorenz
  
• Minimum / Maximum: 3,6
  
• What to bring: List will be sent in body of registration confirmation email
• Costs: Expedition fee of $370 per participant. This covers EL costs that could include airfare, car rental, hotel, permits, MAA gear, etc. Registration is confirmed upon payment of expedition fee. Before arrival (after joining the expedition), each climber must pay the Mount Rainer Climbing Cost Recovery Fee; $50 as of Feb. 2019. Without an annual NPS parks pass entry to the park is $30/vehicle.
• Refund policy: Full refunds outside of 90 days, 50% refund between 30 and 90 days, no refund possible closer than 30 days. 
• Travel and gear coordination: Group spreadsheet on G-Drive will be shared with confirmed participants.
  
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
  
• Additional Info: Rainier climbing pass is required. This needs to be obtained in advance of the trip and can be done here.

ITINERARY:

Prior: TBD expedition team conference call to coordinate logistics, and a training event, probably eastern Sierra.

• DAY 1, Sat., July 20th: Meet at Seatac airport as early as possible and drive to hotel in Bellingham.
• DAY 2, Sun., July 21th: Hike to Hogsback camp & scout the route. 
• DAY 3, Mon., July 22h: Climb to summit & return to camp.
• DAY 4, Tues., July 23th: Exit/Weather day.
• DAY 5, Wed., July 24th: Depart Seattle Late (6pm or after)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• In order to register you must be a Base, Peak, or Apex member.
  
• Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
  
• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event.
• Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
  
• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.