Alaska Mountaineering School
" Absolutely satisfied. I had no previous camping experience and now feel as though I'd be ready for a trip without a guide. I liked the true sense of adventure, of working for the experience, of testing myself. "
— Peter Freer, 7-day Wilderness Hike
" I was very impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail of the entire organization, from start to finish. "
— Gary Davis, 12 day Mountaineering Course

Wilderness Trek

Experience Alaska by spending four days surrounded by the vast and pristine alpine tundra bordering Denali National Park and Preserve or the neighboring Talkeetna Mountains. From these areas, the views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range are up close and fabulous. In addition to views, classes include an introduction to the unique tundra ecosystem under foot and the variety of wildflowers. Wildlife sightings may included moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, porcupines, bear and eagles. AMS instructors teach the essential wilderness skills to allow you to be safe and comfortable in a backcountry setting: tent set up, stove use, cooking, bear camping, basic knots, map and compass, and first aid.

Alaska's wilderness is one of the wonders of the world and joining a 4 day wilderness course will be an unforgettable experience. Treks are educational, fun and explore the wilderness areas of Alaska's alpine tundra ecosystems. Photographers and outdoor enthusiasts are rewarded with stunning views and incredible landscapes. Those with little or no backpacking and camping experience benefit from the instruction on hiking techniques, camping skills, and map use. Natural history enthusiasts enjoy discussions centering on the plant identification, animal sightings, and human history of the region. There is something for everyone who enjoys being in the mountains and appreciates true wilderness and un-tamed beauty.

COURSE SPECIFICATIONS

Deposit: $250 (Balance Due: 60 days prior to starting date.)

Group Limit: 8 students, 2 AMS Instructors

Tuition Includes: Instruction, van shuttle (Talkeetna- trailhead -Talkeetna) , food and fuel, group equipment, camping at AMS in Talkeetna.

You are responsible for: Transportation to and from Talkeetna, lodging in Talkeetna, travelers cancellation insurance, personal equipment and clothing.

FEATURES OF THE TREK:

  • Wilderness Trek offers excellent scenic opportunities
  • Learning basic backpacking and camping skills
  • Bear avoidance skills while traveling and camping
  • Leave-No-Trace camping and traveling techniques
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Understanding the ecosystem, identifying plant species
  • Optional peak ascent
  • Approximately 20 miles hiked with elevations 3,000 to 5,000 feet
  • 1:4 instructor/student ratio

ENVIRONMENT AND COURSE LOCATION

Wilderness treks drive to a trailhead in the Talkeetna Mountains or Peter's Hills, both spectacular areas southeast of the boundary of Denali National Park and Preserve. Each of these areas is unique and beautiful and well-known by AMS to ensure a high quality experience.

REMOTENESS

Wilderness treks visit remote wilderness areas where there are no physical amenities. AMS teaches camping techniques to keep you warm, dry, and properly nourished. We live in the outdoors and camp in tents for the duration of the trek. We gather water from alpine lakes and streams and always treat the water using filters, iodine, or boiling before drinking. We dig cat holes in the earth to bury our human waste. Safety is our number one priority and while prevention is always the best strategy, the wilderness is inherently dangerous, thus treks are equipped with first aid and drug kits and emergency radios in case of an accident.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Wilderness courses vary in route, group dynamics, and environmental conditions. Working with these variables, it is our intent to strive for the following goals for each person.

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT

AMS teaches backcountry skills which promote the health and safety of all expedition members. Each graduate is expected to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the hazards in a wilderness environment
  • participate in making sound decisions affecting the health and safety of the expedition
  • display knowledge of personal limitations and the judgment to stay within them

LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK

Students are exposed to theory and practice of outdoor leadership, teamwork, and expedition behavior. Each graduate is expected to:

  • work effectively as a team member
  • demonstrate sound expedition behavior: commitment to the group, a positive attitude, and cooperation to achieve group goals
  • effectively communicate ideas and concerns with individuals and within a group
  • use decision-making and planning skills to participate fully in a safe, environmentally sound expedition

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

An integral part of every course is to raise students' understanding of the natural ecosystem in which they are traveling. Each graduate is expected to:

  • consistently perform minimum impact living and traveling skills
  • show an understanding, appreciation, and respect for the local natural history
  • develop natural history and interpretive skills

OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: CAMPING AND TRAVELING

AMS courses focus on learning and practicing backcountry skills which are safe for the individual and environment. Each graduate is expected to:

  • live comfortably and efficiently in a mountain environment, learning to camp, cook, and dress for a variety of conditions
  • travel competently using appropriate map and compass skills, off-trail navigation, and route-finding techniques
  • consistently use appropriate bear-awareness camping and travel techniques
  • take responsibility for the organization, maintenance, and repair of group and personal equipment