 Alaska Summer Ski Mountaineering Course
Carving turns on glaciers, rappelling into couloirs, skiing off of big summits – this is ski mountaineering, the art of turning mountaineering terrain into skiing terrain.
On this 8 day intensive program, we’ll use the Bagley Icefield in the Eastern Chugach Mountains as our classroom. The annual snowfall in the Chugach Range is anywhere from 30 to 80 feet per year, and it's not uncommon to be skiing beautiful corn snow well into August. This is a classic ski mountaineering venue and an unrivaled environment for hands on learning. Throughout the course participants will have opportunities to lead ski mountaineering ascents and descents, building confidence on ‘the sharp end’, tackling new challenges, and honing their skills in the process
Trip Highlights:
- Action packed hands on learning in a positive and encouraging environment
- World-class venue, big mountain glaciated terrain
- Instruction from professional ski mountaineering guides
- Spectacular scenery
SUMMER SKI MOUNTAINEERING COURSE - 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 "0" - Travel to Anchorage. In the afternoon you will meet your guide for introductions and a gear check (this will be an opportunity to pick up any last minute items), followed by a welcome dinner.
DAY 1 - Drive to McCarthy (about 8 hours). Discuss equipment selection, trip planning, and risk management for a remote expedition. Finalize packing and preparations for the following day.
DAY 2 -
Ski plane flight into the Eastern Chugach Range (weather permitting). This is an hour long flight and the scenery is spectacular. We land on the Bagley Icefield where we establish our base camp for the next six days.
Topics for the day: Glacier camping techniques, avalanche rescue, knots & hitches.
 DAY 3 - Morning ski tour emphasizing weather observations, snowpack and stability assessment, terrain selection, uphill touring techniques, and glacier skiing techniques.
Afternoon skills clinic: Self-arrest, snow anchors, and crevasse rescue systems.
DAY 4 - Full day ski objective moving through a variety of terrain, stopping for teachable moments along the way. Skills covered on this tour: route finding, glacier travel, steep snow climbing techniques, steep skiing techniques, and group management.
Evening session: Emergency shelter construction & improvised rescue.
DAY 5 - Ski objective involving a peak ascent. Our goal is to ski from a prominent summit! Along the way we’ll practice setting up a rappel, and run through an improvised rescue scenario in steep terrain.
Evening session: Tour planning and navigation. Participants create a tour plan for the following day.
DAY 6 - Participants lead a full day ski mountaineering objective! Possibilities include a peak ascent, ridge traverse, long couloir… Guides offer helpful hints and coaching from the back seat. In the afternoon we debrief the day and offer individual participant feedback for the trip. We review the skills we’ve learned, and discuss where to proceed from here.
DAY 7 - Short morning tour, ski plane arrives to pick us up in the afternoon. Fly back to McCarthy for a celebration dinner!
DAY 8 - Van trip back to Anchorage. Goodbye!
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 McCarthy.
- 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
Back to Alaska Ski Trips
|
