Learn to Climb Ice in Girdwood AK

Alaska is an amazing backdrop to learn or hone your skills of Ice Climbing.

Climbers are fitted with plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet and ice tools. After a short drive to Portage Valley, the hike follows an existing trail to year around avalanche debris. Then hike the glacial moraine (rugged loose rocks) onto the glacier itself. Another 500' of cramponing gets you up to some steep ice faces, above which your guide will set the anchor. Then learn the ropes and practice your technique: "hips in, flick the wrist and trust your feet." The views from the Byron Glacier are fantastic. Come prepared with lunch, your raingear and camera. Expect a very memorable day!

Ages: 14 and up. No previous climbing experience necessary.

This tour requires a minimum of 2 persons to operate.

What to Wear

Please bring sturdy footwear, your camera and appropriate clothing. NO COTTON! Wear comfortable warm winter ski clothes and dress in layers (long john top and bottom, fleece jacket, waterproof rain pants/jacket/gloves, winter wool/fleece hat, winter wool socks); wear hiking boots/trail shoes and a backpack. This attire is necessary to participate. Don't forget to bring lunch and your camera.

Ethics

Guides personally practice and teach "Leave No Trace" (LNT) principles. All garbage from snacks etc. will be packed out. We strive to approach zero environmental impact. We support the Access Fund on conservation projects, land acquisitions and climbing policy.

Accessibility

This tour is offered to guests age 14 and older. Climbing is rigorous in nature; therefore, all participants must sign a Climbing Application and Liability Waiver to acknowledge their understanding of the nature of this activity and the dangers inherent in it.

Handicap access is limited; however, we have accommodated disabled persons in the past and are willing to do our best to give everyone an opportunity to climb. Examples include arranging appropriate transportation, additional rigging (i.e. fixed lines) and a 1 to 1+ client to guide ratio for technical climbing.

MUST BE ORDERED AT LEAST ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE TOUR DATE. This tour does not include hotel pick-up or transportation to Girdwood. Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver. This tour must have a minimum of 2 participants to operate. Maximum per tour is 8 participants. No Children under 14 allowed. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-613-6033.