Alaska Skiing and Climbing Adventures 2024
We are excited to announce our current permits for the 2024 Alaska skiing and climbing seasons. We will be in stunning Alaskan mountains and hope to have you join us. You can contact us if you are interested in any of these destinations and we will get the process started! Wasatch Mountain Guides takes pride in offering a personalized and customized experience. We will keep the group size to your desire, giving us the ability to focus completely on you, the client, your skills and goals. Led by an IFMGA Mountain Guide, join us in Alaska in 2024!
Where we can Guide in Alaska 2024:
- The Alaska Range. This includes:
- Ruth's Gorge (Ham and Eggs on the Moose's Tooth)
- Pika Glacier
- More Alpine Climbs in Alaska led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Joseph Hobby
- Valdez
- Chugach State Park
These locations offer unique geography and experiences. We are excited to explore one or more of them with you!
Book Wasatch Mountain Guides Now
Contact Us
By phone CALL US: 801-855-6459
By Email info@wasatchmountainguides.com
When to Ski or Climb Alaska:
We will begin our Alaskan skiing adventures the last week of March 2024 and continue through the end of April 2024. There is a possibility of extending these dates if conditions permit. We can take you skiing in Valdez, Chugach State Park, or on the Pika Glacier near Denali.
Climbing in Alaska is technical and will be on snow, rock, and ice. We will book trips for climbing in Alaska April-July 2024.
Climbing The Moose's Tooth via Ham and Eggs is just fantastic. Spectacularly this route climbs rock up to 5.8 and short pitches of vertical alpine ice benched by 40-60 degree snow. The final ridge to the summit will keep your attention as the views expand.
A Testimonial about the Pika Glacier
Todd Passey had a client write a wonderful write-up about his experience on the Pika Glacier:
" After getting to know Passey in the Wasatch backcountry-he helped me test and review avalanche safety gear-and familiarizing myself with his resume, I signed up for his mid-April trip to the Pika Glacier. Located in Denali National Park, the Pika juts off of the colossal Kahiltna Glacier, which begins on the slopes of Denali and is the longest glacier in the Alaska Range. The Pika Glacier is much smaller-a tributary to the Kahiltna's river, as it were-in the heart of a zone lovingly dubbed "Little Switzerland." As the name suggests, Little Switzerland is known for rock routes and aesthetic couloirs on granite spires that shoot out the ice like sheer stone skyscrapers. It is, first and foremost, a zone popular with alpinists, but it's become more and more popular with skiers over recent years. Passey assured me that the Pika has terrain for every ability level and would be a fantastic opportunity to push myself in steep, glaciated terrain.
The Pika, I came to realize, was the perfect place to get a taste of Alaska. Whether you are new to steep skiing, or you consider yourself an expert, there's terrain that's suited to your skill level. There are mellow powder fields, steep, technical couloirs, and everything in between. But the terrain is only part of the equation that made my first trip to the Pika such a successful one.
I've had the pleasure of riding with a few guides over the years, and quite frankly, many of them wouldn't have indulged my request to step into a steeper couloir. The exit was hairy, the entrance technical. Passey thought me capable, and encouraged my progression in the mountains. He lead with confidence and composure, and the resulting adventure proved both thrilling and formative.
I was served a slice of humble pie by the Alaska Range, and, to be honest, I'm eager for another helping. I look forward to returning to the Pika, but more than that, I look forward to spending more time on the skintrack and bootpack with Passey. Doing so won't simply lead to more fun days in the mountains-it will also lead to my growth as a splitboarder and mountaineer. And that, after all, is why I signed up to ride in Alaska in the first place. "
We're excited to build a custom adventure with you!
Perks of Skiing and Snowboarding in Valdez with a Ski Guide
Skiing in Valdez, Alaska with a certified ski guide is an incredible adventure for those seeking challenging terrain and breathtaking natural beauty. Valdez is known for its deep powder snow, steep mountains, and rugged, remote backcountry terrain, making it a mecca for advanced and expert skiers.
Here are some key points to consider when skiing in Valdez with a certified ski guide:
1. Safety: Skiing in Valdez can be risky due to the extreme terrain, avalanches, and unpredictable weather conditions. Hiring a certified ski guide is essential for your safety. These guides are well-trained in backcountry skiing, avalanche safety, and first aid, and they have a deep knowledge of the local area.
2. Terrain: Valdez offers a wide variety of terrain, including steep chutes, open bowls, glades, and tree runs. Some of the most famous ski destinations in the Valdez area include Thompson Pass and the Chugach Mountains.
3. Heli-Skiing: Many skiers visit Valdez for the opportunity to go heli-skiing. A certified ski guide can help you access the best heli-skiing locations, providing a unique and exhilarating experience.
4. Weather: The weather in Valdez can be unpredictable, with heavy snowfall, low visibility, and rapidly changing conditions. A certified guide will be experienced in assessing weather and avalanche conditions and making informed decisions regarding your skiing experience.
5. Equipment: Make sure you have the appropriate ski equipment for backcountry skiing, including avalanche safety gear like beacons, shovels, and probes. Your guide can help you with equipment recommendations and may even provide some specialized gear.
6. Local Knowledge: Certified ski guides have a deep understanding of the local terrain, weather patterns, and the best skiing routes. They can take you to the best spots and ensure you have a memorable and safe experience.
7. Permits and Regulations: Ensure that you and your guide are compliant with any necessary permits or regulations for skiing in the Valdez area.
8. Fitness Level: Skiing in Valdez can be physically demanding. You should have a good level of fitness to tackle the challenging terrain, especially if you plan on skiing multiple days in a row.
9. Timing: The best time to go skiing in Valdez is typically during the winter months, from December to April, when the snowpack is at its deepest. However, specific timing may depend on weather conditions and the recommendations of your guide.
Overall, skiing in Valdez, Alaska with a certified ski guide is an unforgettable experience for those seeking the thrill of backcountry skiing in a pristine and remote wilderness setting. It's essential to prioritize safety, so hiring a qualified guide is the best way to enjoy all that Valdez has to offer while minimizing risks.
Climbing Ham and Eggs on the Moose's Tooth
Ham and Eggs is a famous and challenging mixed rock and ice climb located on the Moose's Tooth, a prominent peak in the Alaska Range. The Moose's Tooth is known for its steep and technical alpine climbs, and Ham and Eggs is one of its most iconic routes. Here's some information about this climb:
1. Location: The Moose's Tooth is situated in the Ruth Gorge, which is part of the Alaska Range. It's approximately 10 miles south of the Denali National Park and Preserve. Ham and Eggs is located on the southeast face of the Moose's Tooth.
2. Description: Ham and Eggs is a Grade VI alpine climb, which means it's a multi-day, technical, and demanding expedition. The route itself is about 4,800 feet (1,463 meters) tall and is a mix of ice and rock climbing. The name "Ham and Eggs" refers to the black rock bands (the "ham") and the ice couloirs (the "eggs") that you'll encounter along the way.
3. Difficulty: This climb is considered one of the most difficult and sought-after alpine routes in the world. It involves challenging mixed rock and ice climbing, steep snow and ice, technical rock pitches, and significant exposure. Climbers face a variety of difficulties, including overhanging rock sections and corniced ridges. It is rated at WI4 M6+.
4. History: Ham and Eggs was first climbed in 1975 by American climbers Michael Kennedy and George Lowe. This historic ascent established the route's reputation as a serious testpiece.
5. Logistics: Climbers interested in attempting Ham and Eggs typically require a high level of technical skill, experience in alpine environments, and the ability to manage extreme cold and unpredictable weather. Permits may be required for climbing in the area, and logistics like transportation and gear are essential to consider.
6. Season: The optimal climbing season for Ham and Eggs is typically from late spring to early summer, usually May to June. This is when the route is in the best condition with more stable weather and longer daylight hours.
7. Guided Expeditions: Due to the high level of difficulty and the remote location of the Moose's Tooth, many climbers choose to hire experienced guides or join guided expeditions to tackle Ham and Eggs. These guides can provide valuable expertise and support to make the ascent safer and more manageable.
Climbing Ham and Eggs on the Moose's Tooth is a significant achievement in the world of alpinism, but it's a challenging endeavor that requires careful planning, technical expertise, and the ability to handle extreme conditions. It's essential for climbers to be well-prepared and to have a deep understanding of alpine climbing before attempting this route.
Book Wasatch Mountain Guides Now
Contact Us
By phone CALL US: 801-855-6459
By Email info@wasatchmountainguides.com