Date: Jun 06, 2026 to Jun 08, 2026
Time: All Day
Category: Mountaineering
Mt Shuksan via Fisher Chimneys, June 6-8. Two spots available. Trip leaders Neil Ernst and Chris Neate.
Trip Rating: D4
This trip is a strenuous, committing alpine adventure. Mt Shuksan is 2800 m (9100 ft) high, nearly 50% more than island peaks. The approach into camp is one day, then the next day is summit and return to car. Steep snow, upper fourth class scrambling, abseiling, and crevasse skills are required.
Plan is to leave Victoria on Friday, June 6 afternoon or evening, ferry to Tsawwassen and cross the border at Peace Arch/Pacific Crossing, and stay somewhere east of Bellingham. Saturday get up early and sort out permits, drive to trailhead, hike to camp in alpine. Sunday: alpine start, glaciers, etc., tag the summit, reverse course, break camp, hike out, cross the border, and catch one of the later ferries home.
Required:
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AST 1
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15+ days of back country mountaineering experience and glacier travel.
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Basic crevasse rescue skills (i.e. can build a 3:1 haul).
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Physical fitness to handle the rigours of covering around 30 km and 2000 m vertical over 3 days with heavy overnight mountaineering bags.
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Mountaineering kit – ice axe, crampons, lightweight harness, boots, crevasse rescue kit. Exact specs to be discussed with team members.
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Valid passport and ability to enter US (e.g. US visa, Canadian citizenship, or other visa waiver).
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Winter camping kit.
Weather: we will likely go irrespective of weather forecast, but instead make the call on the day. There is plenty to do in the Baker/Shuksan area so alternate plans may be arranged.
- recent trips (and names of trip leaders if ACC-VI trips)
- past experience with similar trips, and when
- Evidence of ability to cover the terrain at the intended pace
- medical conditions that might be of concern
- other beneficial skills such as first aid or medical background
Participants will be chosen on the basis of team fit, previous experience, and stamina. This is not first-come first-served.
Additional caveat: this trip crosses the US border. People with past problems or anticipating problems with US customs and immigration should plan to cross the border on their own.