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Alaska Ski Mountaineering: Little Switzerland!

Open chutes, steep couloirs, and rolling glaciers characterize the ski mountaineering mecca of Little Switzerland. Towering walls and granite spires provide a distinctly alpine feel to an arena that epitomizes big mountain adventure skiing.

Situated in the Alaska Range 35 miles southwest of Denali (also known as Mt McKinley and the tallest mountain in North America), Little Switzerland is a short ski plane flight from Talkeetna. Landing in the heart of this sub-range on the Pika Glacier we set up a comfortable base camp for the week. From here the terrain possibilities are limitless and we spend full days adventure skiing with light daypacks. Snow conditions in the range tend to be excellent during the months of April and May, often ranging from light density “blower” powder, to smooth spring corn.

Spectacular terrain in a dramatic venue, Little Switzerland has long been famous among climbers. Among skiers however it remains a well-kept secret.

Trip Highlights:

• Ski mountaineering in an alpine mecca!
• Highly skilled professional guides prioritize safety, while emphasizing fun.
• Living in style! Comfortable base camp on the Pika Glacier, surrounded by huge mountains, dramatic Alaska Range scenery, and views of Mt McKinley.

LITTLE SWITZERLAND SKIING - DETAILED ITINERARY

The following is a sample itinerary for this trip. Due to individual abilities and goals, as well as the demanding environment of Alaska, all of our trips are customized as they unfold. The guide will constantly make decisions based on weather, logistics and group dynamics to maximize each day’s experience. There can be quite a bit of variation, but we always strive to make every trip your best ever.

DAY 1 - You and your guide meet this afternoon for introductions and a quick gear check in Anchorage. You’ll have a chance to pick up any last minute items before driving to Talkeetna. We’ll eat dinner in Talkeetna at one of the classic climber establishments before settling in for the evening.

DAY 2 - You and your guide meet for an early breakfast at The Roadhouse (huge breakfasts and giant cinnamon rolls) and discuss the plan for the day. The goal is to have packing and preparations finalized by mid morning so that we can fly into the range in the early afternoon (weather permitting).

With beautiful weather you take off from Talkeetna in a Turbine Otter equipped with skis. The 45 minute glacier flight is exhilarating taking you over tundra, rivers, and lakes into the heart of the Alaska Range. Giant mountains like Denali (20,320’, 6,166m), Mt Foraker (17,400’, 5,303m), and Mt Hunter (14,573’, 4,441m) soon tower around you. Many times on a trip like this, the flight itself is a spectacular experience.

A smooth landing in untracked snow sets you down on the Pika Glacier where you construct your base camp and home for the week. After a tasty dinner we’ll pull out a couple ropes and practice some of the knots that are essential for glacier mountaineering before turning in for the evening.

DAY 3 - Waking up in this mountain paradise is surreal. Our focus for the day will be on learning and reviewing the skills necessary for skiing safely in avalanche terrain and glaciated terrain.

We spend the first half of the day close to camp practicing avalanche rescue techniques and rope travel.

The instruction continues in the afternoon as we embark on our first tour in Little Switzerland, exploring the terrain above camp and getting a feel for the snowpack. We practice uphill touring techniques, transitions, and skiing techniques specific to glaciated terrain.

A beautiful run back to camp caps off a full day of learning. We cook up a feast, formulate a plan for the following day, and relax for the evening.

DAYS 4-7 - Ski touring in big mountain glaciated terrain! We ski from peaks and ridges, in open bowls, rolling terrain, chutes, and couloirs…the terrain we choose for a given day depends on weather and snow conditions and is tailored to individual abilities and desires. Safety, skiing, and fun are our priorities, and the possibilities are endless.

Instruction continues throughout the rest of the trip at relevant times. We’ll cover avalanche related topics such as snowpack, stability assessment and decision-making. We’ll also cover mountaineering topics such as anchors, belaying, rappelling, and crevasse rescue systems.

DAY 8 - We wake up early to maximize our last day in Little Switzerland. The ski plane will arrive to pick us up in the afternoon, but there’s time to sneak in one last tour. We savor our turns, snapping pictures before flying back to Talkeetna for a celebration dinner.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• Guiding and instruction from skilled professionals. Our guides have extensive experience, as well as medical, rescue, and avalanche training.
• Round trip transportation between Anchorage and Talkeetna.
• Ski plane flights to and from the mountain range.
• Delicious breakfasts and dinners while in the mountains.
• Group equipment: stoves, tents, ropes, fuel, etc.

What to bring? See our skiing equipment list.

Trip pricing and dates

Skiing Photo Gallery

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