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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with basic strength and endurance.
Wildlife
History
McCarthy was established during the gold rush era and has retained its frontier spirit, making it a historic hub for adventure seekers.
Conservation
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
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.
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
Ensure you wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells to stay warm and dry.
Stay vigilant on ice conditions
Always listen to your guide and pay attention to changing ice conditions to stay safe on the glacier.
Practice proper use of gear
Familiarize yourself with crampons, ice axes, and harnesses before climbing to ensure safety during your ascent.
Hydrate and fuel up
Keep yourself energized with water and high-energy snacks during the climb to maintain stamina.
Insulated Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you warm and dry in harsh cold and snowy conditions.
winter
Layered Clothing system
Includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear for versatility.
Climbing Harness
Safety harness essential for secure climbing on ice formations.
Crampons and Ice Axes
Crucial tools for traction and stability on icy surfaces.
winter