AK Ski Mountaineering
Carve Lines Through Untouched Wilderness
Discover Alaska's Limitless Ski Terrain
Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of the Alaska Range with our intensive Ski Mountaineering course. Explore the essentials of crevasse rescue, master the intricacies of roped glacier travel, and gain invaluable insights through field avalanche education and the indispensable skills required for winter camping.
Led by seasoned experts, this immersive experience isn't just about hunting for fresh tracks — it's about cultivating a deep understanding of mountain environments. From choosing an appropriate objective, to navigating glaciated terrain and setting up luxurious camps in the snow-covered wilderness, you'll learn essential techniques crucial for thriving in your ski mountaineering pursuits.
Join us to unravel the mysteries of the stunning Alaska Range, where every slope, crevasse, and snow-capped summit becomes a classroom for adventure and learning. Are you prepared to enhance your ski mountaineering skills amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska?
Experience Alaska Ski Mountaineering
Ready to Join Us?
Secure your spot for an unforgettable Alaska ski mountaineering expedition
Please reach out if cost is a barrier.
Duration
7 days (including travel days)
Guide Ratio
3:1 student to instructor ratio
Group Size
Minimum 3 participants needed to run course
Best Season
March - May (prime ski mountaineering season)
Prerequisites
Comfortable skiing 35° slopes (blue and black runs in-bounds) in variable snowpack and touring up to 3500' per day
Meeting Point
TAT Pavilion, Talkeetna, Alaska
Day 1: Meet & Fly In
Team meet at TAT pavilion and gear check, fly on to glacier and set up camp.
Day 2: Skills Day
Crevasse rescue, avalanche rescue, and glacier travel.
Day 3-6: Ski Objectives & Skills Enhancements
Ski objectives and skills enhancements tailored to conditions and team goals.
Day 7: Depart
Depart back to Talkeetna.
Classic Ski Descents
Alaska offers some of North America's most iconic ski mountaineering terrain. We target peaks with sustained vertical (3,000-6,000 feet), varied aspects, and quality snow conditions.
Glacier Navigation
Learn and practice advanced glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue, and route finding through complex glacieated terrain.
Avalanche Terrain Management
Daily snowpack assessment, terrain selection, and group management in avalanche terrain. Real-world application of avalanche travel principles.
Weather Windows & Flexibility
Alaska's weather is notoriously dynamic. We build significant flexibility into our itineraries to capitalize on good weather windows while maintaining safety margins. This means some days may be spent in camp waiting for conditions, while others might involve long days taking advantage of perfect weather.
Expert Instruction & Mentorship
Qualified guides throughout the course
Group Camping Equipment
Tents, cooking gear, stoves, fuel, wands
Round-Trip Glacier Flight
Ski plane access to and from the glacier
Technical Group Gear
Ropes, pickets, snow anchors, rescue equipment
Meals on Glacier
Breakfasts & Dinners (bring your own snacks and lunch items)
Unforgettable Mountain Experience
Included at no extra charge
- •Personal ski equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles)
- •Personal avalanche safety gear (can rent if needed)
- •Personal clothing and sleeping bag rated to -20°F
- •Lunches and snacks during expedition
- •Meals in town before/after expedition
- •Accommodation in Talkeetna
- •Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- •Gratuities for guides and pilots
Price
$5,950
per person
Please reach out if cost is a barrier.
2026 Expedition Dates
April 12-18, 2026
Custom Dates Available
Private groups of 4+
For custom dates or private groups of 4+, contact us
Physical Fitness Requirements
You should be capable of skiing multiple 3,000+ vertical foot days with a 20-25 lb pack. Cardiovascular fitness equivalent to running 5+ miles or hiking 2,000+ vertical feet is recommended. Multi-day endurance is key.
Avalanche Training
Recreation Level Avalanche 1 acceptable, Level 2 preferred, or equivalent level of experience. We provide ongoing avalanche education throughout the trip, but baseline knowledge is essential.
Technical Skiing Ability
You should be comfortable skiing all conditions (powder, crud, corn, firm) on slopes up to 45 degrees while wearing a day pack. Kick turns and downclimbing may be required.
Gear List
A comprehensive gear list will be provided upon booking. Key items include: AT or Splitboard setup with climbing skins, cold-weather clothing system (-20°F capability), four-season sleeping bag, personal avalanche gear, and glacier travel accessories.
Risk Management
All trips involve inherent risks including avalanche hazard, crevasse falls, severe weather, altitude effects, and remote location challenges. We employ industry-standard risk management protocols, but cannot eliminate all risks. Open communication and conservative decision-making are priorities.
What level of skiing ability do I need?
You should be comfortable skiing 35° slopes (equivalent to blue and black runs in-bounds) in variable snow conditions, including powder, crud, and firm snow. You'll be carrying a 20-25 lb pack while skiing. Experience with kick turns and downclimbing on skis is helpful but can be practiced during the trip.
Do I need avalanche training before the trip?
Recreation Level Avalanche 1 is acceptable, Level 2 is preferred, or equivalent field experience. We provide ongoing avalanche education throughout the trip, but baseline knowledge of avalanche terrain, rescue procedures, and snowpack assessment is essential for safety and learning.
What gear should I bring?
You'll need personal ski equipment (AT or splitboard setup with skins), avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel), cold-weather clothing system rated to -20°F, and a four-season sleeping bag. We provide all group gear including tents, ropes, protection, cooking equipment, and fuel. A comprehensive gear list will be sent upon booking.
What are the weather conditions like?
March through May offers the best ski mountaineering conditions in the Alaska Range. Temperatures typically range from -10°F to 40°F. Weather can change rapidly - we build significant flexibility into our itineraries to take advantage of good weather windows while maintaining safety margins.
What if weather prevents us from skiing objectives?
Alaska weather is dynamic and storm days are part of the experience. Our 7-day itinerary includes buffer days for weather. During storms, we'll focus on skills practice, snow science education, and rest. If conditions prevent major objectives, we may pursue alternative terrain based on conditions. No refunds are provided for weather-related changes.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 60 days before the trip receive a full refund minus a $500 administrative fee. 30-60 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund unless we can fill your spot. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and interruption.
Can I rent gear if I don't have everything?
We recommend having your own gear that you're comfortable with. However, feel free to contact us to discuss specific gear needs - we can help connect you with rental options or provide guidance on what to acquire.
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