Ice Climbing

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK, ALASKA

Ice Climbing on a glacier is the most thrilling way to spend a day on your Alaska vacation

Climbers scaling one of the many big walls on the Root Glacier.

Ice Climbing on the Root Glacier

Are you looking for something fun and adventurous to do on your Alaska vacation? Ice climbing is one of the most thrilling sports you can try. Don’t worry, no experience is necessary. Book a day with St. Elias Alpine Guides in Kennecott, Alaska and one of their expert guides will have you climbing in no time.

Walking on the trail to the Root Glacier with the white ice of the glacier visible in the center-right.

Hike to the Glacier

The day starts in Kennecott at the St. Elias Alpine Guides office to get you fitted with ice climbing gear. Then it’s a 2.5 mile hike on a well maintained trail to the Root Glacier. Along the way you will learn about the local history, talk about glaciers and marvel at the beautiful wildflowers and wildlife.

Ice climbing on the Root Glacier.

6 yr old girl having fun climbing an ice wall on the Root Glacier

Ice Walls

Once you reach the glacier you will put on your ice climbing boots and crampons. After a short hike on the ice you will arrive at one of the many big walls where the guide will setup an anchor for a top rope. Following thorough climbing instruction you will tie into the rope and start climbing up the vertical ice wall. The guide will even teach you essential knots and belay technique if you’re interested in learning.

Once you climb a few laps you will realize a few things:

  1. Anyone can do this. Glacier ice is really forgiving so it is perfect for beginners of all ages and abilities to learn. I have personally guided hundreds of people from all around the world ranging from a 6 yr. old child to a married couple in their 70s.

  2. Ice climbing is really good exercise. Trust me, you will get a great workout and earn your dinner.

  3. This will be one of the most fun things you’ve ever done in your life!

Climber picking her way out of a deep blue moulin on the Root Glacier.

 

Moulins

Just when you think the day couldn’t get anymore exciting your guide will take you to climb in a moulin. A moulin is a beautiful blue hole in the ice that can be 100+ feet deep. This will definitely test your nerves as your guide lowers you down into the abyss. But the climb out of this magnificent glacial feature will surely be one of the most memorable and thrilling moments of your life. This is something so unique that very few people will ever experience it their lifetime. Trust me, it’s definitely a must-do bucket list type of activity that you won’t regret!

NOTE: The guide will assess the interest and abilities of the group before offering the moulin option to your climbing itinerary.