Best Ice Climbing In Alaska. Learn about some of the best places to climb in Alaska, incl
Learn about some of the best places to climb in Alaska, including sport and trad climbing, bouldering, guided climbing, and rock gyms. Find glacier hiking and climbing in Alaska, including glacier tours and multi-day trips. This exhilarating experience takes you deep into the icy landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll scale vertical walls of ancient glacial ice. For many, the allure of standing atop a pristine glacier is a bucket-list experience. Both our trekking and ice-climbing trips include a short, mandatory Balance Test before departure. On the Matanuska Glacier, the ice is so thick that you can be ice climbing in the sunshine. As the largest state in the country, there is an abundance of incredible ice climbing centered around Anchorage. Whether tackling roadside ice walls or hiking to For a truly unique ice climbing experience in Alaska, head to McCarthy-Kennecott in Wrangell-St. Thanks to Kenai Backcountry Adventures and Kyle, our instructor, all I can say is this was the best highlight during my stay in Alaska!! From our first call to Kenai Backcountry Adventures, Kyle was very helpful with all the forthcoming wilderness hiking. But even on warm, sunny days, it's like standing in front of an open refrigerator. However, one common question arises for those planning to embark on this adventure: Do Alaska helicopter tours on glaciers provide ice cleats? This […] Jan 11, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Alaska is a region inside of United States About this tour Our summer ice climbing tour takes place at Worthington Glacier and has a few options. Flight tours also boast heli-hiking, heli-camping, heli-packrafting, glacier paddle boarding, heli-fat tire biking, heli-rock climbing, heli-mountain running, heli-winter ice climbing – and even heli-proposal and wedding venues! All gear and guiding will be provided, so you can take the anxiety and stress out of your planning. Our expert guides will ensure you feel confident and safe, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned climber. We have divided the Ice Guide into five generally recognized regions to make it a little easier to navigate. Ice climbing south of Anchorage can be challenging because of the changing conditions. . Duration: 7 hours Stop At: Seward, Seward, Alaska Matanuska Glacier trekking, ice climbing adventures, and helicopter tours. … Continue reading "Southcentral Alaska" Set against a backdrop of rugged terrain and remote wilderness, rock climbing in Alaska is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience. We've successfully Jul 11, 2020 · Iceland is one of the world's best ice climbing destinations thanks to more than 4,500 square miles of glaciers. Experienced guides will take you to new heights in summer or winter. Winds pick up near glaciers as well. Alaska offers some of the best ice climbing in North America, with frozen waterfalls, blue glacier walls, and wild mountain settings. When the ice is in, one is sure to see many people trying to take advantage of the limited window of opportunity. With its awe-inspiring ice formations, towering icefalls, and dramatic crevasses, Knik Glacier provides an ideal playground for ice climbers. Here's my list of favorite ice climbing gear for the big routes in the 49th state. Expert guides, all gear included! 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. Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing Looking over the ice mounds of a valley glacier, the Matanuska Glacier hiking is a “bucket list” item for many. Elias Nat'l Park. Whatever your passion, the Kenai … Continue reading "Kenai Peninsula" Southcentral Alaska is home to approximately 40% of the state’s population, which is why it is one of the more explored areas. Alaska and ice climbing just go together like milk and cookies! Join us and our professional guides for some of the absolute best ice climbing around Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla. Go climb an ice mountain with experienced guides. With nearly 100,000 glaciers, 5% of Alaska is covered by ice year-round. – Conditions and Weather – Access – Eklutna River: – Maddog – Champipple – TJ Swann – Ripple – Boonesfarm – Annie Greensprings – The Beer Climbs – Caribou Creek Alaska – a land of untouched wilderness and extreme weather conditions which provides the perfect backdrop for exhilarating outdoor activities. Eagle River Ice Climbs … Continue reading "North Anchorage" We're the only ice climbing guides in Valdez, and the only guides in Alaska offering winter ice climbing on ice falls. In summer we offer ice climbing on glaciers. This includes a demanding 2 mile one-way hike to the best climbing terrain, and 3-4 hours of ice climbing in which you can expect 3-4 climbs per person depending on group ability and pace. The region has ice for all interests, ranging from easy-access intro ice climbs, to multi-pitch routes in the mountains. Get all the details you need to know: Moose, caribou, Deer bear: bag your trophy legally! Introduction Alaska, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and majestic glaciers, offers a unique adventure through helicopter glacier tours. Especially when you are headed out with the local professionals. These six came out on top. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most exciting adventure trips you can embark […] Ice Cleats for Shoes and Boots,Silicone Crampons,11 Stainless Shoe Spikes for Snow and ice,Heavy Duty Traction for Hiking,Climbing &Mountaineering,Ice Fishing (Ultra-Cold -45°C, Easy On/Off,Unisex) 400+ bought in past month Save 10% with coupon (some sizes/colors) See options Jul 30, 2025 · Plan your ultimate hunting adventure in Alaska for the 2025 season with comprehensive information on dates, licenses, and bag limits. Google maps, current weather, and photos of each ice climb will get you out the door and onto the ice. The helicopter will drop you off within a reasonable distance of your destination so that you can spend as much time actually climbing as possible. One thing remains common in all of these areas, the climbing is wild, the approaches are often long and the best climbs are remote, and usually without cell coverage. Joe also teaches ice climbing courses that will give you the skills to climb on your own. And we are excited to share it with you! Join us and our professional guides for some of the absolute best ice climbing around Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla. Conquer towering ice walls and explore stunning crevasses, all while taking in breathtaking views of Alaska’s wilderness. It can also include ice caves, and canyoneering type traveling. Because these areas are near Anchorage, you might have to wait to get on your favorite climb. While Matanuska Glacier in the Mat-Su Valley is a premier and highly accessible location, Alaska offers many world-class ice climbing destinations. Introduction Alaska, known for its rugged wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. The best way to maximize climbing time is to book a custom trip. Explore untouched glaciers and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the Last Frontier. Stepping foot onto a glacier for the first time is something that few are lucky enough to experience. Exposure Alaska lowers into crevasses on the Matanuska Glacier on a guided adventure. What distinguishes Valdez is its awe-inspiring natural beauty and challenging ice formations. Ice climbing Ice climbing tours on the glaicer blue ice, icebergs of Valdez, Alaska. Or take an exciting all-day ATV adventure to experience the shimmering lake at the glacier’s face. Feb 3, 2014 · The best value for a small group or family is a private ice-climbing tour or trek. November through March offers the most reliable conditions for climbers. This is some of the best, and most concentrated, ice climbing on Planet Earth (and without the crowds of places like Hyalite, Montana and Ouray, Colorado). Helicopter Ice Climbing Tour This climber reaches the top of their climb with the help their glacier guide Skip the hours and miles of moraine hiking and save your energy for some of the best Guided hiking and ice climbing in Anchorage connects adventurers of all abilities with Alaska vistas, hidden natural wonders, and towering glaciers. Nestled between towering peaks and Experience the challenge and the thrill of ice climbing in Alaska—combined with a scenic helicopter ride—when you go on a private expedition with Alaska Helicopter Tours out of Palmer. Rock & Ice Climbing Alaska Mountain Guides offers rock and ice climbing programs in Alaska, Utah and the Pacific Northwest. Routes are accessible off of either the Parks Highway or Richardson Highway and many do require an approach time that can range from 10 minutes to several hours. Year-round Ice Climbing Icefalls, Glaciers, and Icebergs With the exception of April Valdez offers year round ice climbing. Other popular spots include ice parks near Valdez, the Root Glacier, and various locations close to Anchorage, like Byron Glacier and Caribou Creek. Dec 19, 2025 · Climb Exit Glacier’s Ice Walls – Experience the thrill of ice climbing on stunning glacial formations deep in Kenai Fjords National Park. Advanced and Expert Climbing Challenges Alaska boasts some of the toughest climbing routes in North America, drawing seasoned mountaineers from across the globe. Here are Alaska's seven best roadside glaciers: Note: Stepping out of your car to scratch the face of a blue ice glacier is awe-inspiring. MICA provides boots, gloves and helmets and clients should bring a small daypack, snacks, lunch, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothing and raingear. Harness the energy and try ice climbing near Anchorage. Soar over the ice, touch town for a landing, and explore the ice with grippers on your shoes. Feb 28, 2023 · Ice Climbing Alaska In this article, Golden Mountain Guide Pat Schamlix talks about the wonder that is ice climbing in Alaska. On top of that, the season for climbing is short, and dedicated Alaskan climbers learn to embrace all disciplines from bouldering, to trad and bouldering to ice and alpine climbing. Other areas are home to beautiful ice formations that are extremely technical and that prove to be the test piece in difficulty. com is built by ice climbers for ice climbers in the Last Frontier. Interior Alaska The interior of Alaska is a large central region of the state that is home to to wide selection of climbs. The best time for ice climbing in Alaska is from late fall to early spring when temperatures are ideal for ice formation. They are located further to the north which means the ice conditions can be more consistent throughout the year. Most of the routes get their name from cheap wine, something all climbers operating on a low budget can appreciate. To protect the route, the ice climber uses steel ice screws that require skill to employ safely and rely on the ice holding firm in any fall. If you placed the state on top of the continental United States, you would have ice climbs from Texas to Minnesota to nearly California. Not only is the drainage a close drive from Anchorage, but the approaches are easy, letting you conserve your energy … Continue reading "Eklutna Canyon" AlaskaIceClimbing. These locations provide a combination of rock and ice climbing challenges, offering a unique opportunity for those interested in transitioning from summer to winter climbing techniques. Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU! Classic Climbing Routes at South Central Alaska Ice and Alpine Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of ice The Journey Once you have hiked out with your climbing gear, you will be rewarded with some of the best views in Alaska. Valdez's abundance of glaciers allows for summer ice climbing adventures. The tour includes hiking, ice climbing, rappelling, scrambling/rock climbing, and a traverse crossing. Glacier ice climbing is a great way to hone in your skills, explore the intricacies of solid ice and its beauty, and have a great time. All of our equipment is top of the line quality mountaineering gear, no plastic boots and cheap crampons. Ptarmigan Peak … Continue reading "South Anchorage" Experience the thrill of ice climbing in Alaska on Root Glacier! View the stunning beauty of Wrangell-St. Outside of the ice climbing season as described above, opportunities for climbing glacier ice are available year round with the best venues being the Worthington Glacier (Thompson Pass) near Valdez and Root Glacier near Kennicott in Wrangell-St. Modern highways throughout the region provide easy access to ice of varying caliber. The Eklutna canyon is home to some of the most frequently climbed ice in Alaska. Most places you must learn to ice climb on frozen waterfalls (rather than glaciers) but this is far colder and more dangerous. As one begins to enter the Knik Gorge area, one will find the Knik River separating a massive wall of the glacier on one side … Continue reading "Knik Gorge" Choose from full day Alaska's Wrangell-St Elias National Park ice climbing trips with instruction to 1-3 day advanced climbing seminars for experienced climbers. Check out beautiful glacier features as you hike with your professional guide. An Alaskan ice climbing trip can be an experience of a lifetime. Ice climbing on the Knik Glacier in Alaska offers a unique and exhilarating adventure. One such pursuit that has gained popularity over the years is ice climbing. Your time climbing vs. It's really intended to for those who are looking for all around adventure centered around ice climbing. Alaska Helicopter Tours offers the best way to see glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and more. One of the top things we wanted to do in Alaska was to go ice climbing and it was hands down the craziest, most challenging, scariest, and coolest (literally Set against a backdrop of rugged terrain and remote wilderness, rock climbing in Alaska is a unique, challenging, and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or a family searching for memorable experiences, the best Alaska adventure trips offer something for everyone. Just north of Anchorage lie several major river drainages that spill into the Cook Inlet. Alaska is a big place. Valdez, Alaska, stands as an unparalleled destination for ice climbing enthusiasts, offering a unique and thrilling experience that sets it apart from other locations around the world. Rock Climbing in Girdwood For those staying at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, our rock climbing tour provides adventure for all abilities and ages. In winter Valdez's many waterfalls freeze over for fabulous ice climbing on ice falls. Equipped with top-of-the-line gear and led by experienced guides, you’ll safely navigate the glacier’s breathtaking crevasses, icefalls, and formations. Some climbs drop straight into the Cook Inlet with towering volcanoes in the distance. Most ice climbing trips are geared more towards the climbing itself than the hiking across the glacier. From multi-pitch waterfall ice programs in Utah to glacier trekking across the blue ice glaciers of Alaska we've been guiding technical climbing trips since 1992. A popular climbing destination is the Svínafellsjökull Glacier as it has a number of glacier walking and vertical ice climbing opportunities. Interior Alaska Ice Climbs North Alaska Ice … Continue reading "Ice Guide" Jan 2, 2025 · I've been chasing frozen formations in Alaska for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious beginner, Alaska ice climbing offers an unforgettable experience. There is plenty more in the backcountry. Post your pics, videos, and whatever about ice climbing in Alaska. Feb 21, 2025 · For more than 40 years, Alaskans have been gathering in the tiny coastal town of Valdez to celebrate the art of climbing ice Corey Buhay Alaska’s hardiest residents have gathered around the This is a two day tour that includes iceberg kayaking, glacier ice climbing, overnight camping with a catered crab leg dinner and travel on the Alaska Railroad and a scenic helicopter flight. Ice Climbing Near Anchorage Alaska Join IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock for ice climbing around Anchorage. Moved Permanently The document has moved here. Glacier View Ice Climbing Located along the Glenn Highway, Glacier View is one of the easiest places in Alaska to try ice climbing—no bush plane or backcountry trek required. Scale Alaska’s Frozen Waterfalls: Your Ultimate Winter Ice Climbing Adventure Experience the thrill of Alaska’s frozen landscapes on our Winter Ice Climbing tour! With convenient road access, you’ll scale stunning ice formations just off the beaten path, guided by experts who ensure a safe, unforgettable adventure for all skill levels. Alaska Glacier Climbing on a valley glacier. Come and enjoy 5 days of exciting ice climbing and exploration of the beautiful Davidson glacier near Haines, Alaska with one of our AMGA certified guides. To ascend, the ice climber uses specialist equipment, particularly double ice axes (or the more modern ice tools) and rigid crampons. Home of MICA Guides Adventures in Glacier View, Alaska. Just a short hike from the historic Kennecott Mine, the Root Glacier offers stunning blue ice walls ideal for beginner to intermediate climbers. Our step-by-step training will have you scaling vertical walls of ice and getting some incredible photos in this unforgettable day on the glacier. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk on the ice or seeking the thrill of ice climbing, we craft each experience to suit your abilities. The Matanuska Similarly, this giant river of ice is a great spot for an introduction to the fun and challenging sport of ice climbing, in the warm comfort of summer! This glacier has many sunny days that make for exceptional afternoons of Alaska ice climbing. During this time, the ice is well-formed, and temperatures are conducive to climbing. A great adventure even for first-time ice climbers. Jan 16, 2007 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The ice climbing season in Alaska generally runs from November to March, with the best conditions typically found in January and February. com is the website built for ice climbers by ice climbers. Looking for beta? Read more to learn about the adventure waiting for you up North. Often a warm Chinook wind can raise the temperatures high enough to destroy ice from the previous weekend. Accessing the climbs in the Knik Gorge area can be quite an adventure in a surreal setting. Nov 24, 2025 · Five gear nerds tested 31 ice climbing products, from carbon-fiber ice tools to top-of-the-line apparel. Experience the thrill of Alaska ice climbing on stunning glaciers with Alaska Helicopter Tours. Just minutes from the road, the Matanuska Glacier offers stunning ice walls and crevasses perfect for climbers of all levels. You can also go ice climbing, paddleboarding in the blue melt pools, or dogsledding up on the glacier’s snowfield. Alaskaiceclimbing. Ice climbing is a climbing discipline that involves ascending routes consisting entirely of frozen water. All skill levels. We offer guided ice climbing in famous Keystone Canyon just out of Valdez and Valdez Glacier icebergs. Join us at the Matanuska Glacier for the best Ice Climbing Alaska has to offer. Find route information, climbing partners, ice conditions and more on the ice climbing routes across Alaska. Sep 10, 2024 · Discover the thrill of Alaska's hidden ice climb adventure. Experienced guides since 1999. With the right gear, knowledge, and preparation, you can safely explore the frozen wonders of this remarkable state. Most climbs are located in proximity to the terminus of the Knik Glacier. Step into a world of ice and adventure with our Exit Glacier Ice Climbing Tour! Located in the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park, this epic experience takes you onto the ancient ice of Exit Glacier, where you’ll scale shimmering blue walls, navigate dramatic crevasses, and immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild beauty. Jan 23, 2022 · Ice climbing frozen waterfalls during winter in Alaska provides the ultimate challenge for seasoned summer rock climbers. Book now! Welcome to Valdez Ice Fest with more climbs than you can shake an ice screw at. Bring a light jacket, and as always, dress in layers. SuperTopo offers the world's best boulderings, rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Alaska, Denali, Yosemite National Park and other climbing destinations in both online downloadable format and in printed books The Kenai Peninsula offers incredible ice climbing in some of the most spectacular settings. Sep 13, 2021 · Looking for a cool adventure in Alaska (pun intended)how about ice climbing in Kenai Fjords National Park? Get all of the details here. However, if you have the temptation to explore, then head for the hills. This course teaches the fundamentals of ice climbing in Alaska. Elias National Park. Whether you're a beginner looking for a guided tour or an experienced climber chasing technical routes, Alaska has something for everyone. Oct 23, 2025 · Alaska ice climbing is an incredible adventure that offers challenges, rewards, and unforgettable experiences. Our ice climbing tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Book your tour today! Valdez host some of the best ice climbing in Alaska. Alaska Ice Climbing Tours We've been helping people learn to ice climb on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Never ice climb Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing is one of the best activities you can experience in Alaska. moraine hiking depends on group ability and pace.