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Discover the thrill of ice climbing in Alaska with a private camp designed for all skill levels. Guided by expert instructors, you'll scale spectacular frozen waterfalls and learn vital safety techniques. Prepare for an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with unforgettable accomplishment.
Discover the thrill of ice climbing in Alaska with a private camp designed for all skill levels. Guided by expert instructors, you'll scale spectacular frozen waterfalls and learn vital safety techniques. Prepare for an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with unforgettable accomplishment.
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 adrenaline-pumping adventure with the Ice Climbing Camp offered by St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy, Alaska. This private experience is perfect for thrill-seekers eager to conquer towering ice formations and learn essential technical skills under the guidance of expert guides. The camp combines the raw beauty of Alaska’s glacial landscapes with the challenge of ice climbing, making it a truly unforgettable journey. Participants will get hands-on experience with ice tools, crampons, and safety techniques, all while immersed in a remote wilderness setting. The stunning scenery, including frozen waterfalls and clear, crisp winter air, creates a magical backdrop for this activity. Whether you're a beginner seeking an introductory course or an experienced climber aiming to refine your skills, this camp offers customized instruction suited to your level. The sense of accomplishment after ascending a glacier wall in the rugged Alaskan wilderness makes every moment worth it. Prepare to be inspired by the pristine surroundings and the camaraderie built with fellow adventurers. This trip is ideal for outdoor lovers looking to experience the icy thrill of Alaska's legendary landscapes in a safe, guided environment. End your day with stories by the fire, sharing the memories of conquering one of nature’s most exhilarating challenges in the heart of McCarthy.
challenging.
3–6 hours.
Participants should be in good physical condition with basic strength and endurance.
No previous experience is necessary for beginner levels, as guides provide comprehensive instruction; however, basic fitness is recommended.
Dress in layered, moisture-wicking, and waterproof clothing suited for cold weather, and wear sturdy, insulated boots with crampons.
It can be challenging, requiring strength and endurance, but guides tailor the experience to your skill level.
Guided instruction, climbing gear (crampons, axes, harness), safety equipment, and scenic transportation are included.
No, participants should plan to bring their own meals and arrange accommodations in McCarthy or Anchorage.
Winter and early spring offer the most stable ice conditions, with the coldest temperatures providing optimal climbing environments.
McCarthy was established during the gold rush era and has retained its frontier spirit, making it a historic hub for adventure seekers.
St. Elias Alpine Guides emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and sustainable practices to preserve Alaska’s pristine wilderness for future generations.
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