Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Baker Mountain Guides is excited to announce that we have restarted operations in accordance with Washington State’s Safe Start guidance and phased approach to reopening businesses. As community members and guides, we have been showing our support for public health by refraining from mountain adventures throughout the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. As professionals, we intend to model a responsible return the mountains that includes COVID-19 specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and modified operations.

As an organization, our purpose is to “Make Adventure Possible.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, our purpose challenges us to mitigate the risk of contracting Coronavirus while creating meaningful life experiences for those we serve. Like you, we have struggled with adjusting to a new normal that threatens both our physical and mental health. Now, more than ever, we need responsible connection with each other, as well as with the beautiful world in which we live.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

– John Muir

COVID-19 Risks

Could you contract Coronavirus on a Baker Mountain Guides program? Well, the short answer is “yes.” We can only mitigate risk, we cannot eliminate it entirely. We believe in finding a conservative balance between risk and reward that allows us to reclaim some parts of who we are and what we love. However, reward will never take priority over risk.

For the last couple of months, we have been reflecting on our relationship with COVID-19, as well as keeping up to date with current findings and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In an effort to better protect the health of our employees and clientele we have developed and implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 Operations Plan. Our clients can expect clear communication as well as subtle changes throughout all aspects of our programs, from pre-trip health screenings on the front-end to equipment cleaning and disinfection on the back.

Open Activities

Baker Mountain Guides has assessed all aspects of our operations to identify COVID-19 hazards, as well as mitigation strategies. Based on this assessment, we will initially be offering programs within the following categories:

  • Backcountry Skiing / Ski Mountaineering
  • Glaciated Mountaineering
  • Alpine Rock Climbing

Unfortunately, single and multi-pitch rock climbing programs are closed until further notice. Currently, all programs occurring within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park are operational. Our Mount Rainier programs have been postponed one year, and our next availability is not until 2022. Please contact us regarding the status of international programs.

COVID-19 Program Policies

Baker Mountain Guides clients will have the option to postpone their program as per our COVID-19 Program Policies. We encourage individuals who are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19 to carefully consider their risk-factors before booking their adventure or course.

Please feel free to Contact Us with any specific questions. Thanks again for choosing Baker Mountain Guides. We appreciate your patronage, and we look forward to “Recreating Responsibly” with you.

– Owners, John & Jenni Minier