Easily the greatest addition to our programs since inception, Alaska embodies the Alpine Ascents spirit of inspiring wilderness. In early 2000, Alpine Ascents opened the Talkeetna, Alaska office just outside of town and we are honored to be part of this thriving community. While many have seen the great Alaska wilderness in photos, a single visit will easily mark the Alaska Range as one of the most extreme and exciting mountain regions on earth. Our staff and guides have traveled to every corner of the globe (from the Himalayas to the Karakorums to the Andes) and Alaska, USA, is without question the most prized place to be working, living and climbing. We currently offer four comprehensive courses at our Alaska location: Our 6-Day Mountaineering, 12-Day Mountaineering, 8-day Intermediate, and Alpine Rock Courses. We look forward to having you climb with us in Alaska, and share in one of the worlds great marvels...please check back in the future as we will be adding winter ski courses, treks and new training programs. Looking forward to seeing you in the great North!
Alaska Range
The Alaska Range is home to Denali (20,320') the highest mountain in North America. Denali has numerous vast glaciers that flow down to an altitude of 2000', creating over 18,000' of glaciated terrain and the highest relief from top to bottom of any mountain in the world. Surrounding Denali are hundreds of peaks, many of which are the most sought after climbs in the world. Most notably are the vertical rock walls and narrow corniced ridges of Mount Huntington and the endless ice routes of Mount Hunter. Our Alaska school is also a perfect destination for graduates of our North Cascades courses who wish to maintain their skill level and climb in this spectacular environment.
Climbers reach the Alaska Range via ski-equipped planes. En route to the glacier air strip we fly through the Alaska range scanning breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Instruction takes place on the glaciers surrounding these mountains and we complete our course by climbing one or two of the smaller but equally magnificent peaks in the area.
Alaska Range ChallengesControl Tower (8,670') is one of the peaks that is climbed during the six-day course. It is a central landmark located behind camp on the South East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. We ascend Control Tower from the North East. The route we climb is exciting; we traverse a narrow ridge then up a final steep section. This climb is a great stepping-stone in the Alaska Range.
Mt. Frances (10,450') is centrally located between Denali, Hunter and Foraker giving stunning 360 degree views from its summit. Our climb ascends the narrow East Ridge on snow and ice for approximately 2,000ft providing excellent climbing using all the skills we have learned during the course.
Mt. Crosson (12,880') presents a two-day climb in which we set high camp half-way up on the South East Ridge. This ridge is steep and continuous for over 5,000ft offering excellent climbing and a great challenge for the aspiring alpinist. This climb is truly a classic.
Kahiltna Dome (12,525'), another Alaska classic, offers excellent climbing up the three-mile long North East Ridge. The entire climb offers superb views of the West Buttress of Denali and Mount Foraker.
Point Ferene (9,300'), centrally located on the Kahiltna Glacier, is a satellite peak of the Kahiltna Dome. Ascending from the north, we use the same approach route as the climbers for Denali. The climb is a beautiful, moderate glacier climb.
Private Groups
We regularly organize private coursesfor individuals, corporate groups, families and friends. We encourage you to book these courses early as we are often able to cater these programs to group-specific desires. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of private courses.
Alpine Ascents International is an authorized concessionaire of Denali National Park.
Return to Top of Page