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.
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.
Book with St. Elias Alpine Guides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by St. Elias Alpine Guides · McCarthy, Alaska
Embark on an unforgettable journey with ice climbing in McCarthy, Alaska, guided by the experienced team at St. Elias Alpine Guides. This adventure invites thrill-seekers to ascend stunning icy waterfalls and glaciers, offering a perfect blend of challenge and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The crisp Alaskan air and spectacular icy formations create an otherworldly environment that is both exhilarating and peaceful. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a first-timer, expert guides provide personalized instruction and safety, ensuring that you gain confidence as you conquer frozen waterfalls and ice walls. This experience not only tests your physical limits but also provides an appreciation for Alaska's pristine wilderness. After a day of scaling icy cliffs, you'll be rewarded with views that are nothing short of breathtaking, making it a highlight in any outdoor adventure collection. Explore the stunning frozen landscape, develop new skills, and make lifelong memories while surrounded by Alaska’s rugged beauty. This is more than just ice climbing; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the wild, untouched environment of the Last Frontier with expert support every step of the way.
challenging.
3–6 hours.
Participants should have good physical fitness and endurance to handle sustained exertion in cold conditions.
No prior experience is necessary for beginners, but basic fitness and a willingness to learn are helpful. Guides provide all necessary instruction.
Layering with thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, and insulated gloves is recommended to stay warm and dry.
Ice climbing is generally suited for teenagers and older; the activity requires physical fitness and comfort with cold environments.
Guides monitor weather conditions closely; if safety is compromised, the trip may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund or credit.
All safety equipment, instruction, guiding services, and necessary gear are included; participants should wear appropriate clothing.
It requires strength and stamina, especially in the arms and core, but guides tailor the experience to your skill level.
McCarthy and nearby Kennecott Mine are rich in Alaskan gold rush history, offering a glimpse into the region's rugged past.
St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes sustainable tourism, practicing Leave No Trace principles to protect Alaska's pristine wilderness.
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.
Book with St. Elias Alpine Guides