Skiing the Watson Traverse on Mount Baker is one of the most classic and committing ski mountaineering traverses in Washington State. This demanding two-day objective crosses the mountain from north to south, linking massive glaciers, a true summit, and a full-length alpine ski descent into a single, elegant line. The route begins at the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead, ascends the iconic Coleman–Deming Route to the summit, and finishes with a long descent of the Park Glacier, ending at Mount Baker Ski Area. Few ski lines in the Cascades offer the same sense of scale, continuity, and commitment.

The Watson Traverse blends sustained glacier travel, efficient uphill movement, and complex decision-making with one of the longest continuous ski descents on Mount Baker. Spreading the route over two days allows time for thoughtful pacing, glacier travel systems, and adapting to changing snow and weather conditions—key skills for advanced ski mountaineering. From the crevassed upper mountain to the sweeping fall-line skiing of the Park Glacier, the terrain demands strong fitness, solid ski skills, and comfort operating in exposed alpine environments.

With expansive views across the North Cascades, the Puget Sound, and on clear days even the Olympic Mountains, the Watson Traverse delivers a complete ski mountaineering experience. Ideal for strong backcountry skiers looking to step into multi-day objectives on glaciated terrain, this traverse combines classic Cascade volcano skiing, professional risk management, and the satisfaction of crossing an entire mountain under your own power—an unforgettable way to experience Mount Baker at its most dramatic.

2 Day Ski Descent

1:1  $1300

2:1 $950 per person

3:1 $1125 per person

4:1 450 per person