Discover the thrill of ice climbing in McCarthy, Alaska, with expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides. Surrounded by breathtaking icy landscapes, this adventure promises excitement and stunning views for thrill-seekers of all levels.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good physical fitness and endurance to handle sustained exertion in cold conditions.
Wildlife
History
McCarthy and nearby Kennecott Mine are rich in Alaskan gold rush history, offering a glimpse into the region's rugged past.
Conservation
St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes sustainable tourism, practicing Leave No Trace principles to protect Alaska's pristine wilderness.
St. Elias Alpine Guides
Discover the thrill of ice climbing in McCarthy, Alaska, with expert guides from St. Elias Alpine Guides. Surrounded by breathtaking icy landscapes, this adventure promises excitement and stunning views for thrill-seekers of all levels.
St. Elias Alpine Guides is a guiding company based in McCarthy, Alaska, offering guided adventures throughout Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and surrounding wilderness. The company leads a range of trips including packrafting, multi-day rafting, glacier hiking, ice climbing, fly-in hiking, and private basecamp expeditions. Popular itineraries include Doubtful–Nizina Packrafting, Tebay Lakes Basecamp Packrafting, Chitina River trips, Western Copper River rafting, Raft and Flightsee, Full-Day Glacier Hike on Root Glacier, Skolai Pass fly-in hiking, Bremner Mine basecamp hiking, and multi-day Ice Climbing and Ice Climbing Camp programs.
Trips are available as scheduled group departures or fully private, customizable experiences with options for day trips and multi-day expeditions. Many itineraries accommodate families and groups; for example, Chitina River trips welcome guests ages eight and up and Western Copper River trips can include children as young as three. Several trips conclude with scenic bush plane flights or operate from remote fly-in access points.
St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes small-group guiding, route planning, and trip customization to match client skill levels and objectives. Guides provide logistics, gear guidance, and route choices appropriate to each itinerary. Booking information lists fixed departures for some trips and private-date options for others, with clear descriptions of duration and difficulty. The company’s offerings focus on authentic wilderness experiences in McCarthy, Root Glacier, Tebay Lakes, the Copper River corridor, and surrounding Alaskan river systems.
Clients can select multi-day basecamps, day hikes, guided ice-climbing instruction, or combined raft-and-flightsee itineraries to tailor pace, challenges, and family needs. Booking details and gear lists.
Tours Offered
11 trips
Guided packrafting, rafting, climbing.
Base Location
McCarthy, AK
Gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias.
Trip Lengths
Day to Multi-day
From 9-hour to multi-day trips.
Private & Group
Private & Group
Custom dates and scheduled departures.
Choose scheduled departures or request private dates for packrafting, ice climbing, glacier hiking, and multi-day river expeditions.
Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear
Temperatures can vary widely in winter, so layering and waterproof clothing are essential for comfort and safety.
Start early in the day
Morning light offers the best conditions and fewer crowds on popular ice climbing routes.
Stay hydrated and snack regularly
Cold weather can mask thirst; bringing water and high-energy snacks keeps you fueled throughout the climb.
Listen closely to your guide's instructions
Proper technique and safety precautions are vital for a safe and enjoyable climb on icy surfaces.
Insulated waterproof jacket
Keeps you warm and dry while climbing in freezing temperatures.
winter
Climbing harness
Necessary for safety when ascending ice walls and waterfalls.
Crampons and ice axes
Provide grip and stability on icy surfaces, enabling safe ascent.
winter
Thermal base layers
Layer underneath clothing to maintain body warmth during cold climbs.
winter