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Travel
& Logistics — Denali
Your expedition will begin in Talkeetna, a small historic town 118 miles north of Anchorage on the Park's highway. Perhaps best known for its proximity to Mt. McKinley, Talkeetna possesses a rich history on mountaineering and the bush pilots who fly climbers into the Alaska Range. The town of 800+ residents is located at the confluence of the mighty Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna rivers which makes fishing a popular local activity. AMS's office and outfitting are located at the end of 3rd street. Go to Main St., downtown Talkeetna, and turn left at Nagley's General Store onto D street. Drive down D street, along the village airstrip, and turn left on to 3rd street.
ARRIVAL/MEETING TIME
Most students arrive one day before their expedition starts. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. at AMS on the first day of your expedition. We'll have home made muffins, juice and coffee ready for consumption! Please be on time, there is a tremendous amount to do the first day. The morning will be spent with an orientation, issuing equipment and packing lunches for the mountain. In the early afternoon the team will go to the National Park Service for a mountain orientation, and to pay the $150 park fee. Expeditions usually fly into the mountains later that afternoon. If conditions are not flyable, classes will be held at AMS.
DEPARTURE
If possible, do not plan on leaving Talkeetna sooner than the evening of the last day of your expedition so you can enjoy a night out for dinner with your team mates. We will do our best to ensure that your expedition ends on schedule and most do. However, we cannot guarantee flyable weather, remember that the bush planes can only fly if the weather is suitable. We recommend allowing 3 days on the return end of your travel plans or purchase flexible airline tickets in the event a storm keeps your expedition on the glacier for longer than expected.
LOGISTICS
Most students fly into Anchorage International Airport. Talkeetna Travel 888-576-8728 is a good source for flights to and logistics in Alaska. Students usually sign up with Talkeetna Shuttle Service to get to Talkeetna, tel.: 888-288-6008, tshuttle@alaska.net. They leave Anchorage at 8 am, arriving in Talkeetna 10:30 am daily. Contact them for their current schedule of departures. Tickets are $50 per person one way, $90 round-trip. You should make reservations in advance. Other recommended transportation services include: Denali Overland Transportation: 1-800-651-5221, Parks Highway Express: 1-888-600-6001 (make sure your ticket brings you into downtown)
Taking the train to Talkeetna is also a fun option. The Alaska Rail Road train station is in downtown Anchorage on the corner of 1st and C streets. During the summer, one passenger train a day leaves Anchorage in the early morning on its way to Fairbanks and passes through Talkeetna around 11:00 a.m. Be sure to reserve a couple weeks in advance. Information/ reservation phone number is (800) 544-0552. A taxi at the Talkeetna train station can bring you the ¼ mile to town. Tickets are $75 one way.
ANCHORAGE LODGING
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city with a population of 258,000 and is nestled against the Chugach Mountains. Bed and Breakfasts are generally more pleasant and cheaper than hotels in Anchorage. Many climbers stay at Earth B&B, if you choose to stay there, mention you are taking a course with us, you may get a discount. Earth B&B - 907-279-9907, earthtrs@alaska.net, International Backpacker's Inn - 907-274-3870, Hilton Hotel 800-455-8667, Captain Cook Hotel, 907-276-6000
TALKEETNA LODGING
As most students arrive one day before the expedition start date, we reserve a two cabins at Chinook Winds Cabins for team members to share. These are nice, new cabins located next door to our office. Let Jane know that you are with AMS and she will group you with other team members, and apply a discount. Chinook Wind Cabins - 800-643-1899, Cabins shared with 3-5 people (beds for all) are $145 which is divided amongst the group, Private Cabins are also available. You are welcome to stay at the AMS camp ground before or after your expedition free of charge. Our camp ground is located on B street. Go to the end of the Main Street and take a left onto B Street . We're across from the Denali National Park Service ranger station. We have tents on covered decks, but no running water. Showers are available for $3 at the laundromat. Other recommended lodging options are: The Talkeetna Roadhouse - 907-733-1351, is 4 blocks from our office and has bunk house, $21, and private room accommodations, $40-63. Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge - 877-258-6877, is a large modern lodge located ¼ mile from our office prices range from $165-299 depending on the room location.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend that you buy trip cancellation insurance immediately after paying your deposit. This insurance can protect you if you are unable to join the expedition for personal or family medical reasons. One company that sells this type of insurance is Access America at phone #800-284-8300, or you can get recommendations from your travel agent. AMS is not responsible for your choice of whom to buy insurance from, or if you choose to buy it at all. We cannot refund either your deposit or final tuition payment. Please read all of the paperwork carefully.
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