About this Event
The SheJumps Shuksan Fundraising Climb: an all-women's adventure with Alpine Ascents International benefitting SheJumps Wild Skills Youth Initiative.
This four-day instructional course/summit climb teaches you some of the basics of glacier mountaineering, including self-arrest training, glacier and rope techniques while on route to Mount Shuksan’s spectacular summit. Successful completion of this program gives you the required skills for more advanced expeditions.
Mount Shuksan (9,127’) is an immense and aesthetically magnificent mountain, the most iconic in the North Cascades. It stands as one of the finest mountaineering objectives in the range, requiring a variety of alpine climbing techniques. Basic snow and glacier climbing skills lead the climber across the mighty Sulfide Glacier until we reach the exciting rock summit pyramid. Depending on the time of year, the route to the summit is usually a fun mix of snow climbing, easy rock scrambling, and plentiful ledges. The truly memorable summit rewards climbers with stunning views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades.
This trip is open to all individuals who identify as female. Some rock climbing experience beneficial, but not required. One day of rock climbing skills review / instruction at Mount Erie included in the climb, as is day of glacier training. Please note, the guide retains the right, at any point, to determine whether a climber is sufficiently fit to continue the climb.
Whether you’re a mountaineering fanatic, knocking one adventure off the bucket list or want to help inspire a new generation of outdoor women, the SheJumps Shuksan Fundraising Climb will give you an experience unlike any other. You’ll receive fundraising support, gear incentives, conditioning recommendations and a community rooting for your success. If you’ve ever wanted to summit one of the world’s most amazing peaks, now’s your chance! The SheJumps Shuksan Fundraising Climb takes place July 22-25, 2021.
SPIRIT OF THE CLIMB
There is a unique spirit of camaraderie with all SheJumps events. Endless high fives, gut busting laughs and summit dance parties are just the beginning. We consciously foster a positive energy that exudes encouragement in stride with the technical, physical and emotional challenge at hand. Our female guides and staff offer support and expertise throughout your training, fundraising and of course, the climb. This is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!
RAISING FUNDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
SheJumps Shuksan Fundraising Climb contributes to the nonprofit’s Wild Skills program. Wild Skills youth programs teach young girls the survival and technical skills they need for outdoor adventuring. Our events encourage girls to learn new skills, take on challenges and think creatively which develops perseverance and fosters confidence. The funds raised from this climb will help further this vision.
A $350 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space. Upon submitting your $350 deposit, you will be notified of your acceptance to the climb and directed to complete the Participation Agreement.
You are not officially registered until you have completed & signed the Participation Agreement.
Each climber agrees to fundraise $2250 for SheJumps Wild Skills. This Eventbrite registration/application is in conjunction with your deposit (paid here through Eventbrite). This climb includes transportation during the climb, meals (except for lunch and snacks), guiding, and course instruction. Each climber must provide their own transportation to the Alpine Ascents International office in Seattle - carpooling opportunities will be provided. Gratuity for the guides is not included, please budget accordingly; it's greatly appreciated. We highly recommend also purchasing trip insurance for this event.
FAQs
How much do I have to fundraise?
As further detailed in the “Participation Agreement”, each climber agrees to fundraise or be personally responsible for a fundraising total of $2,250 for SheJumps Wild Skills. This amount does not include the deposit. Half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by March 19, 2021 (“Midpoint Fundraising Deadline”), and the other half of the Fundraising Total due to SheJumps by July 19, 2021, (“Final Fundraising Deadline”).
What is Wild Skills?
Wild Skills youth events teach young girls the survival and technical skills they need for outdoor adventuring. These skills can be applied in any season and include first aid, navigation, leave no trace and shelter building. Our events encourage girls to learn new skills, take on challenges and think creatively which develops perseverance and fosters confidence. Our goal is to see girls learning, having fun and connecting in an encouraging environment with amazing instruction and support from female mentors. We want Wild Skills to be an experience they will remember, one that will spark a lifetime of passion for the outdoors and will remind them that they are capable of anything. The funds raised from this climb will help further this vision.
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
No. This is a very popular climb with a long list of climbers waiting to participate, we will release open spots to the waitlist.
If I have to cancel for some reason, do I get my deposit back?
No. Your deposit is non-refundable. The closer we get to the climb, the harder it will be for us to fill your spot. We recommend looking into options for trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
What does the climb include?
In addition to guiding / instruction, this climb includes round trip transportation from Seattle to the trailhead, all group climbing equipment, including climbing ropes and technical hardware, and meals (except lunch), and tents. Personal equipment and lunches are not provided. You are responsible for all items on the Gear List.
Alpine Ascents is happy to offer She Jumps climbers a 25% discount on rental prices and a 10% discount at the Alpine Ascents Gear Shop located at their Seattle office.
How fit do I need to be?
In the best interest of personal safety, success and team compatibility, adequate training and excellent physical condition are required. Prior experience with backpacking and camping is required. Climbers must be able to carry an average of 45-50lbs or more. Climbers need to be in excellent physical condition for both personal enjoyment and to be an integral team member. We’re here to help you along the way with training recommendations.
Do I need to have climbing or mountaineering experience?
Some rock climbing experience beneficial, but not required. One day of skills review is included in the climb. Please note, the guide retains the right, at any point, to determine whether a climber is sufficiently fit to continue the climb.
What kind of gear do I need?
Check out the full gear list here.
Please Note: There is a mandatory 6:30AM gear check at Alpine Ascents International’s Seattle office on the first day of the course. You will pick up any rental gear at this time.
What’s the itinerary?
Day 1
We’ll meet at 6:30am at the Alpine Ascents Seattle office and start with a gear check. A thorough gear check ensures everyone is fully equipped and prepared for the course. Rental gear is fitted and packed at this time.
From the office, we will drive to Mt. Erie to learn the basics of rock climbing in a spectacular setting. The climbing areas on Mt. Erie overlook the Puget Sound, with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands, the Olympics, and several of the Cascade volcanoes. Students will learn belaying, rappelling, lowering, descending, rope management and climbing techniques. Plan to spend several hours practicing movement skills and working on technical skills that will be used on the summit pyramid of Mount Shuksan. In the evening we will set up camp at a campground near our approach trailhead.
Training: During the gear check, we will review the functionality of each piece of gear, packing our backpacks, wilderness ethics and LNT principles. In the field, we will cover climbing movement, belaying, rappelling, lowering, descending, and rope management.
Day 2
The group will pack up and ready themselves for the approach to the mountain. From the trailhead (approximately 2500 ft. elevation) climbers will make their way up the trail to Shannon Ridge at approximately 4600 feet. After another 2 miles along a flat crest through patches of timber and meadows, the crest leads to a sloping mountainside. Teams can choose to make camp here (approximately 5400 ft. elevation) or continue hiking an additional 1,000ft for more camping opportunities at the edge of the Sulfide Glacier.
Training: Instruction includes nutrition, hydration, rest steps, pressure breathing, and temperature management. Camp set-up, cooking in the mountains and in depth Leave No Trace will be discussed. During rest periods we will have short discussions on mountain physiology and mountain environments.
Day 3
Climbers will spend the day learning and refreshing mountain travel techniques including cramponing, rope travel, self-arrest, and other techniques necessary to make a summit attempt the next day. With spectacular views of the North Cascades from camp, this is sure to be a memorable, informative, and relatively restful day in preparation for the summit bid!
Alternatively, if weather or route conditions require a Day 3 summit bid, we will begin our trip to the summit in the early morning hours (see Day 4 for more details), having trained in all necessary skills on the evening of Day 2.
Training: Discuss safety aspects of our climb, rope management, knots, anchors, crampon technique, self-arrest and glacier travel. Afternoon topics might include local history, glaciology, mountain weather, along with a map and compass.
Day 4
Summit day! To ensure safety and optimum traveling conditions, we begin with an early morning wake-up to bring us close to the summit by sunrise. We will cross the gentle Sulphide Glacier until we reach the exciting crux of our route, the 700-foot rock summit pyramid. This is where we will begin belayed and pitched climbing up the steep central gully. Depending on the time of year, the gully is usually a fun mix of snow climbing, easy rock, and plentiful ledges. From the summit, climbers will be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Baker and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades.
After celebrating this truly memorable summit and taking photos, we’ll carefully descend the summit pyramid via a series of lowers, rappels, and down climbing until we reach the easier terrain of the Sulphide Glacier. Once we reach our camp, we’ll pack up and descend back to the trailhead.
Training:This day allows us to implement and enforce what we have learned in the previous days.
Itinerary subject to change due to conditions.
Is food provided on the trip?
Yes. We provide on-mountain breakfast and dinners on the climb. Please bring a cup, bowl, and a spoon. Climbers are responsible for their own lunch foods and snacks. If you have any food allergies or requirements, please let us know in advance. There is a place on the application to do this.
What is the climber to guide ratio?
The trip will be run at a 2:1 ratio. 6 climbers, 3 guides.
What happens if the climb is cancelled due to a global pandemic?
If the the climb is cancelled in the case of continued risk of the spread of COVID-19, SheJumps will credit Participant with 50% of funds raised at the time of cancellation. These funds may only be used toward a fundraising climb in the following calendar year. Under no circumstances are fundraising amounts refunded or credited back to the individual donors. Participant may choose to donate these funds to SheJumps.
More questions?
Contact Christy Pelland: [email protected]
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SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership, and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education.
We believe in increasing diversity in the outdoors and providing ALL women and girls with the spark that will lead to a lifetime of outdoor learning and empowerment. We welcome all women and girls (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community.
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www.shejumps.org
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Alpine Ascents International, 109 W Mercer St, Seattle, United States
USD 350.00