Frequently Asked Questions - Alaska School
Please note you will be mailed specific information for your course upon registration. The following is to serve as a helpful guideline.
What kind of physical condition should I be in?
We invite you to check out our Training page
We highly recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. We reserve the right to turn away those climbers who we determine to be in inadequate physical condition.
How do I reserve a space for a course?
The best way to reserve space on a course is to call our offices and place the deposit on a VISA/MC/AMEX. Our courses fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis, and registering over the phone is the best way to ensure reserving the course dates you want. You may also submit an application by mail with a check, money order or credit card number.
When should I fly in to Anchorage?
Arrive in Anchorage by 4:30pm the day before your course and take van shuttle to Talkeetna. Overnight in Talkeetna the evening before your course. The trip from Anchorage to Talkeetna takes approximately 3 hours. ( Please coordinate with Talkeetna Shuttle and your travel agent to arrive by 4 :30pm the day before your course to catch the Shuttle from Anchorage to Talkeetna.) You must pre-book your shuttle with Talkeetna Shuttle Service. .
When should I fly out of Anchorage?
Please fly out of Anchorage after 1:00 pm , the day after your course ends. You should plan to spend the night after your course in Talkeetna. Contact Talkeetna Shuttle to book your return shuttle. PLEASE NOTE – flights to/from the glacier can be delayed due to inclement weather.
Where can I buy flights?
Alpine Ascents uses the services of Charles Mulvehill at Scan East West Travel: 1-800-727-2157 or 206-623 2157. They are very familiar with our Mountaineering School and offer competitive prices on all domestic and international flights. charles@scaneastwest.com
You should arrive in Anchorage no later than 4:30pm the day before your course. Book early!
How do I get from the Anchorage airport to my hotel in Talkeetna?
Please contact Talkeetna Shuttle to inform them as to your arrival time and to schedule a shuttle. Talkeetna Shuttle has a 5:00pm shuttle for our climbers so please reserve directly with Talkeetna Shuttle. Talkeetna Shuttle 907-733-1725 or toll free 1-888-288-6008 . (Contact: Stephanie (e-mail: tshuttle@alaska.net). If no office staff is available, please leave a message. Note: Please forward a copy of your flight information to Alpine Ascents and inform us that you have made a reservation w/ Talkeetna Shuttle.
What kind of experience do I need to take a course?
Our 6-Day program is designed for the beginner or intermediate climber wishing to develop strong fundamental skills in all aspects of snow and glacier climbing. Our 12-Day course is designed for both beginning and intermediate climbers who are in excellent physical condition and serious about acquiring in-depth experience in all aspects of alpine climbing. For those with little or no experience in the outdoors, we recommend our Backpacking and Wilderness Navigation course.
Where do I stay the night before and after the course?
TALKEETNA LODGING: There are many small guesthouses in Talkeetna. Please make reservations well in advance.
The Talkeetna Roadhouse – World Famous Talkeetna restaurant/guest house. Private rooms w/ shared bath.
Phone: 907-733-1351 www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com Room Prices: $40 - $80/ Bunk Rooms for $21
Location: Heart of downtown Talkeetna
Fireweed Station- Stunning Historic Alaskan Inn on huge property.
Phone: 907-733-1457 www.fireweedstation.com Room prices: $125 - $200/night
Location: Outside of town – they provide transport to town and Alpine Ascents
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge-Fanciest Fantastic views of Denali & the Alaska Range.
Phone: 907-265-4501 Room Prices: $130 - $190
Location: About three miles from downtown
Talkeetna Hostel - Very nice hostel in downtown Talkeetna.
Phone: 907-733-4678 Heather Zimmerman hezim@mosquitonet.com
Room Prices: Shared single $25 Private Double Room $60/ Private single $50
Location: I Street, Talkeetna
LODGING IN ANCHORAGE (Should you need to lodge in Anchorage after/before your course)
Millennium Alaskan Hotel. This is a quality hotel near the airport in Anchorage.
(They do have complimentary shuttle from the airport)
Phone: 907-243-2300 or 800-544-0553 Room Prices: $149/ through May 29 $209/May29–August 31st
Location: 4800 Spenard Rd. Anchorage
Earth Tours B&B. A quirky B&B which attracts climbers from around the world and offers shared lodging.
Phone: 907-279-9907 Room Prices: Generally under $50
Location: 1001 W. 12th Ave. Anchorage
What do I need to bring?
When you sign up for a course we will send you a confirmation package that includes an annotated equipment list detailing each piece of equipment you will need. Please read your annotated equipment list very carefully. You are required to bring every item on the list so be as precise as possible when packing. Alpine Ascents rents quality technical equipment at reasonable rates. If you have any equipment-related questions please call us (206-378-1927). You can also email us at: Climb@AlpineAscents.com
Is food provided on my course?
Please review the Sample Menu Plan. As part of the curriculum, you are responsible for your own food. Before departing for the course, we will check and organize personal/group gear. We advise you bring all food with you to Talkeetna as it is easier and more cost effective to shop before arriving. When shopping for expedition food, remember it is better to err on the side of too much food instead of too little! You should buy food for 1-2 days beyond your course. As part of your gear check, our guides will review your food and meal plan to ensure you are eating enough during the program. Please use the menu guide carefully and take time to plan all meals. As we fly to the Base Camp, you are able to bring additional fresh food and other “luxury items” not normally part of a mountaineering menu. We encourage you to call our offices with any questions.
Big Helpful Hint: As we fly into the glacier very close to our base camp, you can bring and eat many of the same foods you eat at home. Climbers wishing to bring home style meals should have experience cooking these meals on a camping stove in a wilderness environment. In many ways you can think of this a place to bring “luxury food” as compared to other mountaineering/camping experiences in that you do not have to carry food a great distance. Please CALL with questions.
Where do I pick up my rental gear for the course?
You will pick up your rental gear at our offices during the gear check.
Can I share a tent and stove?
Yes, students generally pair up during the gear check to share the weight and bulk of a tent and stove.
How heavy will my pack be?
Since everyone purchases different gear and is a different size, it is hard to give you an exact number. For most of our courses, you can expect your internal frame pack (packed with gear and food) to weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. It is likely that you will be asked to help carry some of the group equipment such as ropes and protection, so make sure there is some additional room in and on your backpack for approximately 4-8 pounds of gear.
What can I read to prepare for the course?
You will get far more out of your course by reading Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 6th ed., The Mountaineers. This book provides an excellent overview of the elements involved in alpine mountaineering. Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 6 review many of the aspects we will be covering during your training and familiarity with these aspects will greatly enhance your experience.
How many students/instructors are there per class?
Our 6-Day and 12-Day Alaska courses have a 5:1 ratio.
Where is a good, trustworthy store to purchase gear?
Alpine Ascents climbers receive a 10% discount from Moosejaw Mountaineering. Our climbers also receive a discount of 10% from Feathered Friends. See our gear page for links to these and other companies.
I am concerned that the gear I am renting will not fit or work properly.
We rent the Koflach Degree. The packs, crampons, ice axes, tents, and other items are cleaned and checked on a daily basis. All of our gear is of the highest quality. Please note that double plastic boots do not break in.
Where will my course be held?
Our 6-Day and 12-Day Alaska programs take place in Denali National Park in the environs of Denali itself on the South East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier.
Is this trip going to be physically challenging?
Yes. See the training tips above, but... Keep in mind that you are climbing a mountain and it is not easy. If you follow our physical fitness tips and do some training on your own, you should complete the course with no problems.
What if I need to leave the course early?
For climbers who need to be escorted from the course, there is a minimum fee of $250.00.