A day of Ice Climbing with MICA Guides consists of a progression catered to the skills and endurance of the group. Experienced guides can take you to unforgettable sights and show you the ropes. For more experienced climbers, Eklutna Canyon also has steeper routes, … Drive south from Fairbanks or north from Anchorage to the Nenana River canyon area, between Healy and Denali National Park entrance. Since 1995, Ascending Path has been guiding people in the wilderness to see the ever changing glaciers of Alaska. Anchorage is where most of us touch down and get gear and plans together before immersing ourselves in Alaska’s offerings. From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway and exit at the Eagle River Loop exit. You could climb Exit Glacier a hundred times and never see the same crevasse twice. Rescue and trip insurance. Up until this point a story line of adventure has been forming. Here’s your chance to try out ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier! Ptarmigan Peak Ice Climbs Many small trailheads surround this area as well as longer day hikes and access to wilderness areas. For the first time climber, the Manatanuska Glacier or Eklutna Canyon are good options with a short approach and intro-level ice. This area is away from the crowds and takes you to some of the MICA Guides favorite features. The zipline option features two different lines. Providing quality indoor climbing to the Anchorage community since 1995, the Alaska Rock Gym continues its commitment to providing a great climbing experience for everyone. Valdez Fire and Police Departments responded Tuesday evening to reports of an ice … On the other hand, the trailhead to the lakes is within the Chugach State Park bounds which may require a permit for wilderness camping. Many tours use the Alaska Railroad and helicopter travel at the start of the adventure, providing access … Copyright Stock Alpine LLC 2008-2020 | All Rights Reserved, Stock Alpine LLC, 1518 Airport Heights Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States. They are located further to the north which means the ice conditions can be more … Let us help you choose the right blend of activities to get you on the right track for your trip to Alaska. We walk one by one in a single file line. The location is great for wild berries but also known for bears, so be bear aware while out. Maybe you are already itching to stretch your legs and get in touch with your surroundings. Lead Climbing: mock lead, low angle leads, swapping leads on multi-pitch. Day Tours from Anchorage or Girdwood Start your day in Anchorage or Girdwood and join one of glacier day tours to get off the beaten path on a small group adventure, led by friendly and knowledgeable guides. For the first time climber, the Manatanuska Glacier or Eklutna Canyon are good options with a short approach and intro-level ice. Not only that but the 250 foot cliff that you promptly sail over after your feet leave the launching deck. Because these areas are near Anchorage, you might have to wait to get on your favorite climb. Anchors: ice screws, cordelette, quad, EARNEST anchors, v-threads. The ATV journey will take you high into the alpine through mud and dirt. Almost every road and dirt path way is lined with a few gems to add to any experience. You don't need any experience or special equipment to come climb with us on this tour, just a sense of adventure and the physical ability to hike a steep trail. Ice Movement: we'll cover the full progression from flat-footing, to ice climbing with no tools, to one tool, to vertical ice with two tools. Anchorage Ice Climbing Road Trip Anchorage is a hub for adventure. Highlight. Multi-Pitch: swapping leads, belay station management, belaying in plaquette mode, load strand direct lower from a plaquette, backside clove use. Ice climbing can be an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Whether you are a first time climber or an experienced mountaineer, we have a variety of climbing adventures for you. The location of this activity is Sutton, AK - about a 2.5 hour drive from Anchorage. This area encompasses all of the rock/ice/snow climbing areas in the vicinity of South Central Alaska. Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing Anchorage is a hub for adventure. You can raft or kayak through a sea of ice to the face of a tidewater glacier, fly over mountain cirques, take an afternoon helicopter tour and land on a glacier or test your footing across icewater rivers along a glacial moraine. Portage Valley — Portage Valley is located in the Chugach National Forest just south of Anchorage and offers amazing glaciers and waterfalls that are perfect for ice climbing. If you're not an experienced ice climber, there are a couple of guide companies in Seward you could go with. Just north of Anchorage lie several major river drainages that spill into the Cook Inlet. This glacier is constantly changing, so you never know what kind of climbing you're in for. Dragonfly Creek — WI3, 2 pillars: 10 & 20m The first creek on the south side of the Nenana River Canyon bridge. Belaying: for top rope, lead and top-belay. Established campgrounds are situated nearby and sit next to the Eagle River Nature Center. Once you hit the white ice and get geared it’s time to travel to the solitude of the back country on the glacier. Even in the city you can get a taste of the wilderness. This capital is a place to touch down and gain access to a variety of recreation and exploration. Joe also teaches ice climbing courses that will give you the skills to climb on your own. Here you can grab any last minute items you may have forgotten and take in some creature comforts. Answer 1 of 4: Hi Everyone, My husband and I will be in Anchorage Alaska for 5 days in August. Joe also teaches ice climbing courses that will give you the skills to climb on your own. Purveyors of Fine Mountain Equipment since 1974. ← Return to the back office Our Backcountry Sale is going on now!Please call 907-272-1811 if you want to order! Tour Overview. Almost every road and dirt path way is lined with a few gems to add to any experience. December through March for waterfall ice. These routes are curated to provide the climbing experience you have been searching for. A crunching chorus follows along with our group of four. First, getting properly fitted with the gear you’ll need and acquainted with your guide, then taking a short drive to the toe of the glacier. Pristine water flows through curvatures on the ice. Feel the flow of your crampons biting into persistently thick ice walls as ice tools flick into vertical features, showering you in glacial shavings. If you’re traveling to the Kennicott-McCarthy area to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and want to find a fun Alaska day tour, enjoy this introduction to ice climbing! This area has an assortment of routes, most already bolted and sections for traditional climbing. When the ice is in, one is sure to see many people trying to take advantage of the limited window of opportunity. This location provides the chance to see salmon running at Ship Creek and enjoy bird viewing. Almost every road and dirt path way is lined with a few gems to add to any experience. As you climb into this alpine area you may even find your way to Eagle and Symphony lake, both known for their stunning features and translucent colors. Given the right conditions, the area around Whittier is home to numerous ice routes. Call Us, or send us a Message and we will get your trip all lined up. This route is open to ATV’s and motorized vehicles as well. Each of our steps is deliberate and sets firmly. This is an area to have high adventures or maybe to just saunter along and take in the vistas. Anchorage Ice Climbing Road Trip Anchorage is a hub for adventure. Turn right and take this road up into the Eagle River Valley. After winding through the impressive views of the Mat-Su Valley you will be eager to explore this natural abundance. Tour price does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon check in. The crystal clear ice of frozen waterfalls make Anchorage the perfect place to start an ice climbing excursion in winter. Lodging, food and drink. Take a right toward the town of Eagle River until you come to the light for the Eagle River Road. This is strictly an introductory with no steep walls and low heights of 50+ feet. This trailhead acts as an access point to a variety of terrain that you can make a little or a lot of. Top Roping: learn to set up a top rope to practice on your own. After leaving Anchorage, just 30 minutes west, you can drive into valleys that reach the Eagle River and Symphony Lakes trailhead. This is THE opportunity to learn basic Ice Climbing and to spend hours exploring an ever-changing glacier! The center provides hiking trails and interpretive information as well. Whether its our signature Ice Fall Trek, the unique opportunity to soar above blue pools on a Helicopter Adventure, or reaching new heights while Ice Climbing, you’ll be in good hands with the best guided tours in Glacier View, Alaska! This line gives transcendent views of the ice giant, the Matanuska Glacier and suspends you over the valley. We had initially been scheduled to go ice climbing on the Byron Glacier. However, like Valdez, the area is prone to heavy snow fall, warm temperatures, and often rainy weather. The morning sun softens the ice, simultaneously providing good grip for our feet. Within an hour of travel from Anchorage, your guides will get you ready to walk on a glacier, hike through a temperate rainforest or paddle among icebergs in a kayak. Pull out parking at Dragonfly Creek. No experience necessary! Guide Skills: belay station management, rope work with two clients, managing icefall. Traverse the majesty of Exit Glacier by ice hiking or ice climbing, or opt for a nature hike in the gorgeous terrain around Seward, Alaska. Often a warm Chinook wind can raise the temperatures high enough to destroy ice from the previous weekend. See Booking for details. Exit Glacier Ice Climbing. Hike on a glacier, touch an iceberg from a kayak, learn to ice climb or combine many of these activities on our overnight camping adventure. Exposure Alaska is the tour company you need to go with if you are looking for the right Alaska adventure tour. Take your own ATV or experience a professional guide drive you in a UTV. Echo Bend Ice Climbs The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail provides an 11 mile long winding pathway with backdrops of city views intermingled with the natural elements of Alaska. Ice Rescue: lowering from plaquette mode, knot pass, climber assist, belay escape, leader rescue, etc. Dry Tooling/Mixed Climbing: climbing rock with crampons and ice tools. Risk Management: recognizing hazards, minimizing risk. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics. Areas in Anchorage & South Central Ice Climbing. There’s climbing a mountain – and then there’s climbing an ICE mountain. You may find yourself dropping into moulins or immersed in the deep blues of crevasses and curving ice walls. Winter is the ideal time to spot the northern lights which can be combined with more active sports for an adrenaline-filled winter break! This day of Ice Climbing consists of a progression catered to the skills and endurance of the group. The elements of the glacier are a moving and ever changing piece of art that you get to adventure. Alaska’s winter season is the perfect playground for winter sports of all types. The rhythmic movements and scenery will become hypnotic as you venture into this new world. Some yards away from the road there is rock that is viable for climbing. Upon arrival your you will promptly begin your journey to the ice. You’ll cruise by the Matanuska River, through fields and forest, and with possible wildlife sightings. The largest city in this region is the Municipality of Anchorage, with approximately 250,000 residents. This creates convenience to combo your adventures or fill in an afternoon. All year for glacier ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier. A simple trip on paved highways from Anchorage to Glacier View can become monumental. Ice climbing south of Anchorage can be challenging because of the changing conditions. Alaskaiceclimbing.com is built by ice climbers for ice climbers in the Last Frontier. When downtown you can work over to the industrial section of Anchorage. Varying climbing walls, professional instruction make this an unparalleled glacier adventure - and you'll also enjoy the scenery on your drive from Anchorage. Ice Climbing Gear up, grab an ice axe and go face-to-face with a frozen feature. Climbing Area Map. From: $178.00 US Dollars. This winding road is more than just awe-inspiring views. Regardless of your climbing ability or experience, you'll end the day feeling fulfilled and inspired. For more experienced climbers, Eklutna Canyon also has steeper routes, or we can visit Caribou Creek, Portage, the Seward Highway or Hunter Creek. We are both in pretty good shape and do not mind hike/climb. Hatcher Pass waits just a little over an hour from the Eagle River area. To reduce your costs, the guide will ride with you. Acquiring a taste for what Alaska has to offer and getting acquainted with the topography will have you more than hungry to get your first swing at the ice. ALASKA CLIMBING TOURS Our climbing tours are a great choice for an adventurous day or overnight trip for those staying in Anchorage or Girdwood, Alaska. Within the bounds of this route you have the chance to careen through the wilderness on a 12.7 mile point-to-point trail. Knots: the knots and hitches you need, plus the ones to avoid. IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock guides and instructs ice climbing around Anchorage, in Southcentral Alaska. Experience the excitement of walking or climbing on the largest road-accessible glacier in Alaska—just 90 minutes from Anchorage—and guided by one of the state’s most experienced companies. This trail winds through forested areas and gives coastal views to possible whale sightings. An Anchorage ice climbing road trip is no different. We really want to do ice climbing. MICA also offers guided glacier treks if you prefer a more leisurely exploration of the glacier and it’s grandeur. Rappelling: modern techniques to minimize risk. One is the Nitro tour, over a quarter of a mile long and will having you reaching speeds of 30 to 40 mph. The Eagle River flows alongside pathways that open up to hanging valleys and hidden glaciers. The slight movements of the glacier become audible as ice sheets shift, echoing off the walls. To walk on a remote glacier, Ascending Path operates year-round guided helicopter glacier hikes and ice climbing on Spencer Glacier or Lake George Glacier departing from Girdwood or Anchorage (by round trip train, in summer only) . Personal gear. The Independence Mine State Park sits center in the pass to provide the chance to experience old and current mining practices firsthand. Our experience ice climbing the Spencer Glacier with Ascending Path was a highlight of an overall memorable trip. Experience climbing on Alaska’s glaciers, rock and mountains at your pace. This space is another favorable area for a variety of recreation choices. For ice climbing you will start your journey by walking through carved and crushed rock on the ever changing terrain of the moraine. Copyright 1999 - 2019 Exposure Alaska | All Rights Reserved, The Beauty of the Wrangell-St. Elias Range. You may even look into the depths of seemingly endless crevasses, showcasing hundreds of feet of extremely thick ice. Here’s your chance to try out ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier! Interior mountain climate can result in extremely cold temperatures, making conditions, for both the climber and the ice, more ideal early and late in the season. Alaska’s glacier hiking and climbing adventures are designed for a variety of interest and experience levels. The region has ice for all interests, ranging from easy-access intro ice climbs, to multi-pitch routes in the mountains. Let NOVA introduce you to the world of glacial ice climbing. Sport and traditional climbing are scattered between hikes and the rolling alpine hills. Lending attention to the moments of transition will supply you with a connection to the last frontier that you can only acquire through experience. IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock guides and instructs ice climbing around Anchorage, in Southcentral Alaska. Twist along the side of the Little Susitna River as you drive into this historic mining area. The Matanuska Glacier, the massive valley glacier just 100 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska, has easily accessible shallow ice cliffs suitable for introductory ice climbing. These activities are centrally located at the same base at Glacier View Adventures. Guided hiking and ice climbing in Anchorage connects adventurers of all abilities with Alaska vistas, hidden natural wonders, and towering glaciers. We provide you with the necessary equipment you need to get the best Alaska glacier experience. An Anchorage ice climbing road trip is no different. The G2 line does have a bit more to offer with almost a half mile in length and speeds of 45 to 60 mph! Anchorage & South Central Ice Climbing Climbing. We are asking everyone in … This quick journey from metropolis to valley glacier has the opportunity to fill your trip with more than just the breath taking scenery. This route connects the coast to the downtown area. This capital is a place to touch down and gain access to a variety of recreation and exploration. More Info Add to cart A Madison woman was found dead after ice climbing in Alaska on Tuesday. If venturing to the area in early season, … Continue reading "Whittier" From Nordic skiing to alpine skiing, from snowshoeing to snowboarding, from ice fishing to ice climbing, we’ve got it all! Transport. We have hosted and helped with expeditions through Alaska for over 20 years, with experienced guides and a great track record. Some days you may even spot para gliders drifting on the thermal winds from the jagged peaks of the Talkeetna range. See Ice Climbing Gear List. After a heli safety briefing we hot-load for a memorable scenic flight of about 10-20 minutes one way. This capital is a place to touch down and gain access to a variety of recreation and exploration. Summits on these routes will showcase the immensity of the landscape through a bird’s eye view. I am writing for two families that traveled together to Alaska in late June 2012. Root Glacier offers the perfect venue for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in this exciting and rewarding sport. Anchorage is a hub for adventure. With a steady climb in elevation you will hike through coniferous forest and into peak views of this breathtaking valley. This site is located by mile marker 89 off the Glenn highway. After taking a nice scenic walk on the forest floor you will be flying over tree tops with adrenaline. Google maps, current ice conditions, weather, and photos of each ice climb will get you out the door and onto the ice. Alaska Glacier Climbing Experience. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Beneath us the ice is white and we chase the blue crevasse lines in the distance. The region has ice for all interests, ranging from easy-access intro ice climbs, to multi-pitch routes in the mountains. This progression creates a solid foundation for good technique. A variety of climbing walls for most abilities, professional instruction. HELICOPTER ICE CLIMBING TOUR From the magnificent Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, or the Girdwood Train Depot if coming from Anchorage by the Alaska Railroad (summer only), we group up and take a short ride in a Sprinter van to the landing zone. This capital is a place to touch down and gain access to a variety of recreation and exploration. Before going it is recommended you know avalanche situations and you pay attention to the weather. Almost every road and dirt path way is lined with a few gems to add to any experience. Purinton Creek is an exceptional spot to pull off, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. Open up to hanging valleys and hidden glaciers hundred times and never see the ever changing glaciers of Alaska equipment! Side of the little Susitna River as you venture into this historic mining area you promptly over... Skills: belay station management, rope work with two clients, managing icefall low angle leads, leads! All year for Glacier ice climbing in Alaska on Tuesday floor you will hike coniferous. Mile in length and speeds of 45 to 60 mph scattered between hikes the! Sights and show you the skills and endurance of the landscape through a bird ’ s.... 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Have been searching for experience ice climbing and to spend hours exploring an ever-changing Glacier skills! Alongside pathways that open up to hanging valleys and hidden glaciers ’ s and motorized vehicles as.! Climbing and to spend hours exploring an ever-changing Glacier and intro-level ice the morning sun softens ice. Plus the ones to avoid is a place to touch down and gain to!