Basic Glacier Ski Recommendations

[ChuckC]

I recently finished a glacier skiing/crevasse rescue class and am looking for some not so intimidating glaciers to try to gain some basic experience on. Any recommendations on where to start in WA? I'd prefer something not super steep or hairy to begin with.

[Pete04]

I'd recommend getting up to the Ingraham Flats camping area on Rainier. It will get you some glacier experience - crossing the Cowlitz - get you some exp dealing with scree - Cathedral Gap - and will give you a good descent - Muir to Paradise.

I recommend this b/c there will prob be a pretty established route and many other ppl. This may make you feel safer, but I wouldn't head onto any glacier without being able to execute a rescue unassisted, though. Any snowfield will be just fine for practicing.

[JoshK]

Pete has a good suggestion. If you are willing to do a bit more of skis-on-pack walking, some of the classic north cascade glacier routes make excellent skis. The sulphide glacier on mt shuksan is very tame and offers you the option to summit if you want. I also love glacier peak for skiing but access is still very difficult due to multiple washouts over the past decade.

[ropegoat]

I just did the Sulphide glacier route this weekend, and it was an excellent intro to glacial skiing in NCNP. Trip report will be posted tonight. There is about an hour of skis on pack walking involved though.

[thelawgoddess]

Mount Baker is actually not that steep or intimidating when you're ready to try one of the bigger volcanoes.

[Jim]

This time of year the Frying Pan glacier on the Sunrise side of Rainer is a beautiful ski with moderate slopes.