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Detailed Description PDF »Equipment List PDF »
Only AMS offers this glacier trek which flies directly into Denali National Park from Talkeetna and lands on a snow-covered glacier. This is the Alaska of your dreams and is way off the path of the usual summer visitor, a once in a lifetime experience for the adventure traveler. Your guides will teach you basic mountaineering skills. Wearing climbing harnesses and being roped to your guides, you will go on short forays from base camp to scenic vistas. Having lunch within close proximity to some of the world's most spectacular mountains will make your adventure to Denali an unforgettable experience. The Ruth Gorge, Don Sheldon Amphitheater, Little Switzerland, and some less-known but equally amazing areas are all locations we visit. No prior experience is necessary; participants are expected to be healthy and of average physical fitness. All specialty equipment is provided. Actual difficulty can be customized to participant's desires.
Of special note: please understand that the weather does not always cooperate with our schedule and delays into and out of the mountains may occur. Emergency provisions are included on all treks.
Glacier treks fly to pre-determined areas in Denali National Park & Preserve, home to North America's largest and most spectacular mountains. The flight is an unforgettable experience in its own right and a highlight to the adventure. The exact location of your trek depends on the best snow conditions. Typically, we fly into one of the following mountain areas: Ruth Gorge, Little Switzerland, or Eldridge Glacier. Each of these areas are unique, beautiful, and well-known by AMS to ensure the best possible experience. You will be on snow for the duration of your trek.
Glacier treks visit remote glaciated wilderness areas where there are no physical amenities. We live in the outdoors and sleep in four season mountaineering tents. The Mountain House may be available as a base for your glacier trek. Whether in the Mountain House or in our tent camps, there is no running water; we melt snow using camp stoves and use the Park Service issued clean mountain cans (CMC) for human waste. Safety is paramount; therefore, we equip ourselves with mountaineering clothing and survival equipment such as tents, kitchens, supplies, emergency radios and cell phones in the event un-flyable weather prevents a timely return.
We meet at 8:00 am at AMS' office at the end of 3rd street. It is important to be on time as we do not want to miss a moment on the glacier. There will be freshly-made muffins, juice and coffee at AMS, but please eat a more substantial breakfast and take care of personal business beforehand. After introductions, our instructors make sure you are properly outfitted by checking any personal equipment and clothing beforehand and issuing items you may need from AMS. Treks are scheduled to fly into the Alaska Range at 9:30 a.m. and return to Talkeetna at 6:00 p.m.
As we explore the glaciated areas of Denali National Park and Preserve, participants take pleasure in their amazing surroundings and learn about this spectacular setting at the same time. Photographers and outdoor enthusiasts are rewarded with stunning views and incredible landscapes. Those with little or no mountaineering experience benefit from the instruction on glacier travel techniques, snowshoeing, and ice axe use. Natural history enthusiasts enjoy discussions on the glaciology and history of Denali National Park and Preserve. There is something for everyone who enjoys being in the mountains and appreciates true wilderness and untamed beauty.
All treks begin with orienting participants to the hazards of a glaciated environment and teaching techniques on how to travel safely on a glacier. These include dressing appropriately, wearing a climbing harness, roping up, belaying, and performing self-arrest. Opportunities exist during longer treks to learn more about rescue and self-rescue techniques. Trekking routes are chosen for their minimal crevasse hazard danger. It is not entirely possible to eliminate the chance of a crevasse fall on a snow-covered glacier.
ONE DAY TREK
One day treks review glacier travel techniques, rope up, and travel to a scenic over look. Talks are given on the glaciated mountain environment from the climber and naturalist's perspectives. A glacier tour and/or optional small peak ascent completes the day. We travel back to the airstrip for a 5:30 pm flight. Distance: 1-3 miles.
TWO DAY TREK
Spending the night in the middle of Denali National Park is a wonderful experience with the proper equipment and guidance. After flying in, you and your guide build camp just like on Denali with expedition tents and a pyramid tent for the kitchen and group area. Later in the day, you rope up and travel to a scenic overlook. Talks on glaciology and the climbing history of the park are given. Once back in camp, an enjoyable evening is spent around a dining room table made of snow. With plenty of good food, don't plan on losing any weight! The evening's alpenglow brings out the true colors of Mt McKinley and the surrounding mountain peaks. The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, you rope up for an extended tour which may include a small peak ascent depending on the goals of the group. Other options include ice climbing and lowering into a crevasse for rescue training. We travel back to the airstrip for a 5:30 pm flight. Distance: 1-5 miles.
THREE DAY TREK
The advantage of the three day trek is that you starting the second day knowing you do not need to catch a plane, no third party logistics to be concerned with. Plus you have the better part of the third day to further get to know and explore the mountains. This affords you the opportunity to go on a longer climb or glacier tour, absorbing in the experience of living in a mountain range. With the 24 hour light, you won't have to worry about getting caught out after dark.