On this 9-day course you'll learn to travel, live and climb in alpine and glacier environments.

Your classroom is some of the most spectacular terrain on the planet.

On successful completion of the trip, you should be prepared to join and contribute to climbing teams on glaciated peaks in the northwest and Alaska.

This could be your first step towards climbing Denali (Mt. McKinley)!

Alaska Alpine Challenge from Anchorage Length: 9 Days  Prices - including tax Our Adult Retail Rate: $2,766.95 Our Adult Internet Rate: $2,666.95 Savings: $100.00 Time: Two 2008 Departures -Saturday, May 10 -Saturday, June 7 Time on Availability Calendar is for booking purposes only. You will be notified on your E-Ticket of the specific meeting time on the morning of your departure day.  Summary: Must be 18 years old and fit. No experience required. Limited to 4 guests only. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs available. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3640. ** You will receive an E-Ticket for your tour/activity. We attempt to provide your E-Ticket within 72 hours (if your tour/activity is in less than 10 days). If your tour/activity is within the next 72 hours, your E-Ticket will be processed as quickly as possible. You will need to print your E-Ticket at www.reserve123.com/tickets; you must have your E-Ticket, or you will be charged again with no refund. There is a $3.95 processing fee per order. This is a flat fee regardless of the number of tickets or tours purchased on an order.

Our first day will be spent learning technical ice climbing skills on the spectacular Matanuska Glacier. That evening we'll sort gear and get ready for our ski-plane flight into a high alpine area that will offer a variety of conditions and climbing challenges.

Most of our climbing will be from an established base camp though we may hike, ski or snowshoe to move camps, incorporate a traverse route or tackle a peak once basic skills are mastered. Depending on the weather and snow conditions of course!

We'll train you in the following essential mountaineering skills:

Mountain Safety: hazard recognition, judgement, avalanche awareness.
Expedition Life: Contributing to the team to face challenges.
Camping in the mountain environment: living comfortably, snow shelters, adapting!
Glacier Travel: Rope teams, navigation, sled and snowshoe travel, route finding.
Snow School: Snow and ice techniques, Use of ice axe and crampons, Self arrest.
Climbing Skills:Rope and knot work, anchors, belaying, protection, ice and mixed route techniques.
Crevasse Skills: Recognition of hazards, crevasse rescue.

Challenge Level: 5; Travelling, living and climbing in potentially harsh weather. Carrying heavy loads up steep hills.

Long days of hiking on rough, unmaintained or non-existent trails in remote areas with 50 - 60 pound packs. 10 hours or more paddling, hiking or outdoor activities per day. 4 - 14 consecutive days in the backcountry tent camping in primitive areas with no established toilet facilities. The group may take on all camp chores.

A Level 5 trip demands excellent physical and psychological condition. Just going to the gym 3 days per week probably won't cut it.

Depending on your base level of fitness, you should be exercising 5 - 6 days per week, with at least one long run, hike or bike on one of those days.

No experience required but you must be over 18 and in very good physical condition. This is an extremely remote expedition, participants should be in excellent health.

Accommodation: 8 nights camping.

Includes: all related local transportation. All meals from lunch on day of pick-up to lunch on last day. Tent camping. All guides and instruction. Group equipment (tents, cook gear, ropes, sleds). Technical personal gear such as plastic boots, crampons, harness, helmet, skis or snowshoes is also available.

Not included: Anchorage accommodation. Personal expenses. Personal gear and clothing (sleeping bag, pad, backpack, outerwear, all other clothing.)

Must be 18 years old and fit. No experience required. Limited to 4 guests only. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs available. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3640.