Ski the Ptarmigan Traverse
Enjoy one of the most classic ski mountaineering traverses in the United States on this five-day adventure through the heart of the North Cascades. Traveling approximately 40 miles from Cascade Pass to Bachelor Creek, this iconic route follows the crest of the range, linking together a series of dramatic alpine basins, ridgelines, and glaciers.
Over the course of the trip, skiers can expect roughly a dozen memorable ski descents while crossing nearly as many glaciers, offering a true big-mountain experience in remote and wild terrain. While the overall distance and commitment are significant, the technical skiing is generally less demanding than many other long ski traverses. This makes the route an excellent option for experienced backcountry skiers who are comfortable with long days, glacier travel, and variable conditions, and who are looking to step into a multi-day ski mountaineering traverse without the sustained steep skiing required on some other classic routes.
This trip emphasizes efficient travel, sound decision-making, and thoughtful route selection, combining long alpine days with the reward of classic Cascade ski descents and an immersive wilderness experience.
Cost (5-day)
1:1 $3250 per person
2:1 $2375 per person
3:1 $1875 per person
4:1 $1125 per person
Skiing the Ptarmigan Traverse

