Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines stunning scenery, a dash of adrenaline, and expert guidance, the Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb offers just that. For $249 per person, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring the icy frontiers of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, just 100 miles north of Anchorage. Led by professionals with over 30 years of guiding experience, this experience is designed to be accessible to beginners and intermediate climbers alike — no prior experience necessary.

What stands out most about this tour is the opportunity to climb real ice walls in a pristine, backcountry setting, all while soaking up some of the most breathtaking views in Alaska. A second highlight is the top-quality gear and thorough safety instructions provided, making it less intimidating for first-timers. The only thing to keep in mind is that the trek to the climbing area involves crossing rocky moraine terrain, which can be physically demanding. This tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who crave an authentic, hands-on adventure.

If you’re comfortable with a bit of physical activity and want to stand on the ice, this tour offers a rare chance to see Alaska’s glaciers from a different angle. It’s perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, natural beauty, and learning new skills.

Key Points

• Accessible for beginners: No prior ice climbing experience needed, with expert guides providing full instruction.
• Stunning scenery: You’ll get breathtaking views of the Matanuska Glacier and surrounding mountains.
• Comprehensive gear: Top-of-the-line equipment, including helmets, crampons, and ice axes, is provided.
• Challenging trek: Reaching the ice walls involves a hike across moraine and glacier terrain.
• Good value: The tour includes transportation, gear, and professional guidance, making it a well-rounded experience.
• Limited capacity: Tours are capped at 16 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

A Detailed Look at the Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb

The Setting: Matanuska Glacier and Its Unique Allure

The Matanuska Glacier is a sprawling 26-mile-long river of ice, slowly advancing through the Chugach Mountains. It’s one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, which makes it an ideal playground for those wanting to combine adventure with awe-inspiring scenery. The glacier’s front face, where the ice walls are shallow enough for beginners, offers a perfect backdrop for your first ice climb.

The views from the glacier are breathtaking — towering ice formations, sweeping mountain vistas, and the vast, frozen landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. The tour’s location provides the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness, a true highlight for anyone wanting a taste of Alaska’s icy wilderness.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive

Your day begins with a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This drive sets the tone for the adventure ahead, giving you a sense of the vastness and rugged beauty of the area.

Stop 2: Matanuska Glacier State Recreational Site

Your first stop at the glacier site introduces you to the landscape. Here, you’ll get a brief overview from your guide about the glacier’s formation, its size, and its significance. It’s a good opportunity to get your bearings before heading out for the hike.

Stop 3: Matanuska Valley

The journey continues into the valley, where you’ll cross rocky moraine and approach the glacier’s front face. The terrain can be uneven, and you’ll need to be comfortable with a challenging walk to reach the ice climbing zones. This part of the experience is crucial for setting expectations and ensuring you’re prepared physically.

Stop 4: Climbing the Ice Walls

Once at the ice walls, your guide will set up the anchors and ropes, ensuring everything is secure before you climb. The vertical ice walls are usually between 50 and 70 feet high, with gentle angles suitable for beginners. You’ll be harnessed up, instructed on safety protocols, and then given the chance to try your hand at climbing under your guide’s watchful eye.

What to Expect During the Climb

Expect to spend some time on the ice, climbing and then descending with assistance. The guides are skilled at making the experience accessible, breaking down the fundamentals of ice climbing, and ensuring your safety. You’ll learn how to use crampons and ice axes effectively, and your guide will be there to support every step.

The actual climbing experience lasts around 1-2 hours, depending on group size and weather conditions. But the entire day, including travel and hiking, adds up to a full eight-hour adventure.

The Gear and Safety

All necessary equipment is provided, including helmets, boots, crampons, harnesses, and ice axes. The guides take a few minutes to set up secure anchors, which ensures safety during each climb. They are also trained to handle emergencies and manage the glacier’s unpredictable environment.

The Physical Demands

While the actual climb is manageable for most, the trek to the ice walls involves crossing rocky uneven terrain that requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for those over 250 lbs or under 100 lbs, or travelers under 12 or over 65. However, the focus is on learning and enjoying rather than pushing physical extremes.

The Cost and What It Includes

At $249, this experience offers excellent value for a full day of guided adventure, gear, and transportation. The price covers the shuttle to and from the site, professional guides, and all the safety equipment. You should budget an additional $30-$55 for the Park entrance fee, depending on your age and residency status.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour suits adventure lovers eager to try something new and experience Alaska’s glaciers up close. It’s ideal for beginners because no prior skills are needed — just a sense of adventure. It also appeals to those who appreciate stunning scenery and want a memorable, hands-on experience in the wilderness. Those with limited mobility or physical limitations should consider their fitness level before booking.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb offers a rare chance to get your hands on real ice, stand face-to-face with a glacier, and learn new skills in a breathtaking setting. The guides’ expertise and quality equipment make it a safe, accessible adventure, even for first-timers. We loved the way the experience combines thrilling physical activity with the serenity of Alaska’s icy landscapes.

This tour is an excellent choice for enthusiastic travelers who want a unique story to tell and an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild side. If you’re eager to challenge yourself, enjoy scenic beauty, and learn a new skill, this outing will leave you with lasting memories. Just be prepared for a challenging hike and dress accordingly, and you’ll find it to be a truly rewarding experience.

FAQ

Do I need any prior ice climbing experience?
No, this tour is designed for beginners and does not require any prior experience. The guides will provide all safety instructions and basic climbing techniques.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary gear, including helmets, boots, crampons, harnesses, and ice axes, is supplied. You just need to bring yourself dressed for the cold.

How long is the actual climbing?
The climbing session lasts around 1-2 hours. The entire day, including travel and hiking, takes about eight hours.

What is the difficulty level of the trek to the ice walls?
The trek involves crossing rocky moraine terrain and is considered to require moderate physical fitness. It’s physically demanding but manageable for most with good mobility.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old, and participants should be within the weight range of 100-250 lbs. It’s best suited for active, adventurous kids and teens.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers suitable for cold weather, including waterproof outerwear, warm gloves, and a hat. Proper footwear is provided.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not recommended for those over 250 lbs or under 100 lbs, or travelers over 65 years old.

How do I pay the additional park entrance fee?
You will pay the fee at the park entrance, or your guide can advise on the process during your trip planning.

To sum it up, if you’re craving a challenging, scenic, and educational experience and don’t mind a moderate hike, this ice climbing tour on the Matanuska Glacier is a solid choice. It’s a chance to see one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers from a new perspective—and to learn how to climb ice walls safely in one of the most stunning backdrops you’ll find anywhere.