Mountaineering

A great stepping stone to Denali; Mt. Bona poses similar challenges: arctic weather, high elevation, and heavy glaciation. Bona, however offers more remoteness, more solitude, and less likelihood of altitude-related illness.

At 16,390 ft. (4,995 m), Mt. Blackburn is the tallest peak in the Wrangell Mountains and the fifth highest peak in the United States. A challenging peak, Blackburn is ideal for the mountaineer looking for a "full-on" Alaskan peak without having to take a month away from family and work.

This course is a great Alaska mountaineering course for people of all skill levels to push their own personal limits, learn new skills, and spend some quality time in the splendid Alaskan wilderness.

At 16,237 feet (4,949 m) Mt. Sanford is the 6th tallest mountain in the United States and anchors the Wrangell Mountains on the north. Well-suited for ski mountaineering the ascent up the Sheep Glacier offers a great introduction to big-mountain Alaska climbing. The views aren't bad either....

The magic of the Wrangell and St. Elias Ranges are the myriad of unexplored peaks and glaciers. There are few exotic places left on this earth where a climber can experience the deep awe of exploring mountains no one has ever set foot on. The First Ascents Expeditions are designed for climbers who want to weave exploration together with climbing, who want to climb in solitude and in true wilderness.

If remote mountain climbing in Alaska appeals to you; Mt. Bear is as deep in the St. Elias Mountains as you can get.

A challenging peak, Mt. Drum offers technical climbing without the commitment or rarified air of its larger neighbors. Drum is suitable for intermediate climbers, or fit novices in search of a real challenge. Basic mountaineering skills and comfort with exposure are required for this 8-10 day climb.

Exploring the mountains with knowledge and experience allows climbers to move "fast and light." The Alpine Light Expedition is an introduction to this method of Alaska mountaineering.

Whether you're just beginning or have some experience and want to push your mountaineering endeavors farther afield this is the course for you. Our friendly, knowledgeable guides will teach you the basics of expedition style climbing and help you hone your skills in crevasse rescue, avalanche avoidance, and roped travel.

If you have personal mountain climbing experience and are looking to take your rope-work and climbing skills to the next level, or have taken our basic mountaineering course, then our Technical Mountain Course is a great next step.

Steep snow and ice climbing, weaving through a maze of enormous seracs, and aesthetic climbing lines all characterize an ascent of the North Ridge of University Peak.

With its wicked combination of technical difficulty and foul weather Mt. St. Elias is the crown jewel. This is a world-class mountaineering objective for experienced climbers.