What level of experience do I need for the Mt. Sanford Expedition?

This expedition is best suited for expert climbers and ski mountaineers with advanced technical skills and experience in glacier travel.

Is the trip customized to individual schedules?

Yes, St. Elias Alpine Guides can tailor the expedition timing and pace to fit your personal preferences and goals.

What kind of accommodations are provided during the expedition?

The trip includes comfortable backcountry lodging and transportation to/from the base area to maximize your comfort off the mountain.

How do I prepare physically for this expedition?

Training should include endurance conditioning, strength training, and technical climbing practice to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Are there risks from wildlife on the route?

While wildlife such as bears are present in the region, guides follow strict safety protocols to minimize encounters.

What is the best time of year to book this expedition?

Summer is ideal for climbing and glacier travel, while late spring and early fall offer quieter conditions with some skiing opportunities.

Mt. Sanford Expedition: Climb and Ski in Alaska’s Wild Backcountry | Climbing | Wellness

The Mt. Sanford Expedition is a thrilling 13-day private adventure designed for climbers and skiers seeking an unmatched experience in Alaska’s rugged McCarthy region. Guided by the expert team at St. Elias Alpine Guides, this journey covers over 10,000 feet of climbing and skiing through pristine backcountry terrain. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor the expedition schedule to your needs, allowing you to savor the remote landscapes and challenge your technical skills. Beyond the physical feats, the trip offers cozy lodging and seamless transportation, ensuring you stay comfortable between intense days of adventure. Whether you’re ascending towering snow-covered peaks or skiing untouched slopes, the Mt. Sanford Expedition delivers a combination of adrenaline and serene wilderness beauty. This is a perfect expedition for those with deep outdoor experience, passionate about wilderness exploration and alpine challenges in one of the most remote corners of the United States.

About St. Elias Alpine Guides

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.