Not much beats a day at the crags! We'll spend a full day learning and practicing climbing techniques and important skills. We cover equipment selections appropriate for the female physique, harness fitting and basic knots, teminology and communication, belaying, lowering, rappelling, movement skills and most importantly, flattering hairstyles for use under a climbing helmet.

  A sunny day at the crags

These courses are an excellent precursor before heading into the mountains for an alpine ascent. Rescue skills and techniques can also be covered.

• 2006 prices and dates TBA
• Cragging Equipment List

This is a 2 day program designed to teach you the basics of rock climbing and enable you to apply it to alpine summit climb. This course is offered throughout the summer season with no previous experience required.

• 2006 prices and dates TBA
• Maximum ratios: Day 1 – 4:1, Day 2 – 2:1
• More details and course dates
• Alpine Rock Equipment List

North Cascades Mountain Guides extend a cordial invitation to all women with an inclination to the vertical world.Please join us in the "Alps of North America" for distinctly feminine adventures and camaraderie.

This six day course is designed to provide the aspiring lady alpinist with the skills necessary to move fluidly during an ascent of one of the world class alpine mountaineering climbs in the North Cascades. Join your sister debutantes and our skilled female instructors in learning the concepts and practice of snow, ice, glacier, and rock climbing techniques. Cooperation and camaraderie are some of the greatest benefits of these types of activities and we will foster an atmosphere of fun, teamwork, and learning. The finale of the course will be a student led ascent utilizing newfound skills and confidence . This course aims to prepare participants for a lifetime of competent mountain travel.

• 2006 prices and dates TBA
• Maximum ratios:3:1
• More details and course dates
• Alpine Finishing School Equipment List

North Cascades Mountain Guides invites you to experience a "European-style" climbing trip.Mazama is ideally suited to offer a multitude of excellent alpine climbs that are comfortably done as day trips.This allows a climber to enjoy the comforts of our charming town and its fine Inns, hotels and restaurants.There are few places in America where one can experience true alpine climbing during the day, followed by a hot shower, warm meal and a soft bed.This is an excellent option for our clients who are traveling with non-climbing friends or family.We offer discounted lodging packages with several local Inns and can assist you in arranging your visit.

Our "European-style" climbing trips are unique in the United States and are preferred by many returning NCMG clientele who enjoy the combination of granite spires and Methow Valley comforts.

We leave Mazama early, drive to the Washington Pass area and ascend a granite peak with excellent climbing and stunning vistas. Learn mutli-pitch skills such as route finding, anchor and belay management, and natural and artificial protection concepts. Numerous route possibilities abound that vary in difficulty (see Classic Climbs.) An excellent way to experience some of the best alpine rock climbing in North America.

• 2006 prices and dates TBA
• Alpine Rock Equipment List
• Classic Climbs in the North Cascades

Maximize your experience and learning by heading overnight into the alpine backcountry of the North Cascades. Multiple peak ascents and in-depth skills training in an spectacular mountainous setting makes these trips an unforgettable adventure. On these excursions we practice snow skills, glacier travel, moving over fourth and fifth class terrain, camp craft and much more. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the mountains and encounter a wide range of techniques, challenges and rewards.

• 2006 prices and dates TBA
• Mountaineering Equipment List
• Classic Climbs in the North Cascades
• Food Planning for the mountains