Our Alaska Alpine Challenge Course is a challenging and instructional introduction to travel in the mountains.

On this 9-day course you'll learn to travel, live and climb in alpine and glacier environments. Your class room is some of the most spectacular terrain on the planet. On successful completion of the trip, you should be prepared to join and contribute to climbing teams on glaciated peaks in the northwest and Alaska. This could be your first step towards climbing Denali (Mt. McKinley)!

Our first day will be spent learning technical ice climbing skills on the spectacular Matanuska Glacier. That evening we'll sort gear and get ready for our ski-plane flight into a high alpine area that will offer a variety of conditions and climbing challenges.

Most of our climbing will be from an established base camp though we may hike, ski or snowshoe to move camps, incorporate a traverse route or tackle a peak once basic skills are mastered. Depending on the weather and snow conditions of course!

Challenge Level:
5; Travelling, living and climbing in potentially harsh weather. Carrying heavy loads.

Accommodation:
Tent camping in snow.

Requirements:
Must be 18 years old and fit. No experience required.

Cost: $2350

We'll train you in the following essential mountaineering skills:

• Mountain Safety: hazard recognition, judgement, avalanche awareness.
• Expedition Life: Contributing to the team to face challenges.
• Camping in the mountain environment: living comfortably, snow shelters, adapting!
• Glacier Travel: Rope teams, navigation, sled and snowshoe travel, route finding.
• Snow School: Snow and ice techniques, Use of ice axe and crampons, Self arrest.
• Climbing Skills:Rope and knot work, anchors, belaying, protection, ice and mixed route techniques.
• Crevasse Skills: Recognition of hazards, crevasse rescue.

  This trip is limited to 4 guests only! This small group size ensures you'll get plenty of personal attention and time to get the most out of the week. Virtually a private trip at the cost of a large group experience.