The Squak is one of our favorite ski routes on Mt. Baker -- with fewer people than the Easton and a fairly direct south-facing route, it is well-situated for some of the most aesthetic corn skiing in Washington! While the route involves predominantly moderate skiing, the summit is gained by via the steeper Roman Wall and the exit from the Squak can involve some brushy skiing.
The Squak route is typically skied in 2-3 days, depending upon previous glacier and skiing experience.
We typically meet our guests in the town of Concrete for a gear check and last minute baked goods before proceeding to the trailhead. In the early season, we can often skin right from the car, and even in early June, we typically don't have to hike too far before swapping into ski boots!
Day 1: After leaving the trailhead, we ascend to around the 6000' elevation (camping is only permitted above 6000'). We can often find some dry campsites near Crag View along the moraine crest.
Day 2: For trips where we teach and review glacier skiing skills, this is our skills day. There are great sites to practice skills such as skinning with ski crampons, walking with boot crampons, self-arresting both with and without skis and basic crevasse rescue.
Day 3: Depending on the forecasted temperatures, we typically leave camp between 2 am and 5 am and ascend to the summit of Mt. Baker utilizing a combination of skinning and climbing with our skis on our packs. After we enjoy the views, the fun really begins as we rip skins and begin one of the longest ski runs in the state! We're typically back at the trailhead in the early afternoon with enough time to grab a frosty beverage and head home after an amazing ski descent.
Experience with backcountry skiing or splitboarding, preferably at least 2 seasons of backcountry experience. Ability to ski/ride downhill in control on steep slopes in highly variable snow conditions. Experience climbing or skiing in glaciated terrain is preferred. Our Glacier Travel Training or Ski Mountaineering Courses are a great primer!
EQUIPMENT LIST – OVERNIGHT SKI MOUNTAINEERING
TRIPS COVERED BY THIS LIST:
A NOTE ABOUT EQUIPMENT LISTS: Nothing can ruin a trip faster than having the wrong gear for the conditions at hand. All our programs are subject to rapid and severe changes in the weather. Select garments that are warm, lightweight and durable. Generally speaking, the best arrangement is to think in terms of layers – a system that dries quickly, allow flexibility and resists wind, water and abrasion. All of us have different tolerances for heat or cold; for example, you might choose warmer gloves than specified here if you tend to get cold hands. If you have doubts about a specific garment’s appropriateness, please talk to your guide in advance about conditions you are most likely to experience. This list is built for a trip with an unsettled weather forecast. With a good weather forecast some of these items may be left behind to save weight. All trips require that you bring adequate food and water, please see our “food” equipment list for details.
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CLOTHING Head, Hands & Feet
Upper Body Layers
Lower Body Layers
ACCESORIES
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ACCESSORIES continued…
SKI / RIDE
AVALANCHE SAFETY (these may be rented from NCMG)
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CLIMBING / TECHNICAL (these may be rented from NCMG)
CREVASSE RESCUE GEAR (this is required for our ski mountaineering course and recommended for skiers that have crevasse rescue experience)
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OVERNIGHT GEAR
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