Rock & Ice Climbing

Since the discovery of the pristine Alaska Range, home of North America's highest peak Denali, mountaineers have considered climbing in Alaska to be the pinnacle of one's climbing career. For the rest of us, Alyeska offers a variety of ways to test your own climbing skills with the safety and expertise of local climbing guides. The rugged and unique terrain of the Girdwood valley offers rock climbing just minutes from the Hotel Alyeska. Ice climbing trips take place nearby along the Seward Highway or at Portage. Climbing takes an adventurous spirit, all ages and fitness levels welcome. No previous climbing experience necessary.

All tours listed below can be booked with Alyeska's Concierge Desk: 907-754-2108. The Concierge Desk is located next to the Front Desk at The Hotel Alyeska.

Learn to Rock Climb

Set in the lush woods of surrounding beautiful Alyeska Resort, this fun and exhilarating 1/2 day climbing experience is sure to be a memorable adventure.  Local climbing professionals will take you up to Tram Rock, a 15-minute hike from the Alyeska Tram. Nestled in old growth forest and streams, guests will climb the beautiful Tram Rock while taking in the Alaska wilderness and scenery. The technically trained and certified guides will provide you with all the necessary gear and teach you climbing basics plus many other tricks. 

• Trip is three hours
• Departs: 10 am, 3 pm and 6 pm
• Meet at the base of Alyeska Tram      
• Fun for ages three to 80+
• Available May 20 to October 1

Ice Climbing at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop

In partnership with the Alaska Railroad, Ascending path offers guided ice climbing from the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. The Spencer Glacier is located just south of the Portage Valley in the Kenai Mountains and the Chugach National Forest. It is entirely off the road system, so we ride a train with breathtaking views of glaciers and towering alpine peaks. From the Spencer Whistle Stop, hikers load onto a shuttle for a 1-mile drive to the edge of Spencer Lake. The hike to the ice climbing walls on the Spencer Glacier begins here. Natualist guides lead the group of 5or less along the lake edge, stopping to take photos at at several glacier viewing areas. Hikers ejoy outstanding views of the glacier and icebergs floating in Spencer lake. The total distance from the start of the hike to the edge of the glacier is about 2 miles. The last milage is rugged morainewalking and glacier hiking.  The 3 hours we spend hiking includes many photo and rest stops to learn about interesting local wildlife, history and glaciology. At the glacier's edge we gear up with helmets and crampons.  After more safety lessons and crampon practice, groups travel onto the glacier ice itslef and have about 2 hours to ice climb and explore the amazing ice features such as blue ice, crevasses, ice caves, moulins, etc. with their skilled and expereinced ice climbing guides.  This trip is strenous, however no experience is necesary.  This trip operates in all weather conditions and is suitable for ages 13 and older.

• This trip is 10 to 11 hours
• Available June 1- September 10
• departs at 10:15am
• includes train travel and van transfer to the train depot
• deli lunch included; your choice of turkey or veggie sandwich
• snacks and water provided
• all climbing gear is provided
• guests should wear comfortable warm clothes, dress in layers, bring rain coat/ pants, comfortable hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses

Learn to Ice Climb

In this land of glaciers and ice walls, Alaska is an amazing backdrop to learn or hone ice climbing skills. The ice climbing area is near Alyeska Resort in neighboring Portage or along the Seward Highway. An expert guide will set up a top-rope on the ice route. With the help of experienced and certified guides, guests will have an opportunity for hands-on adventure, learning everything from the basics to advanced ice climbing techniques. Guests will be fitted with crampons, harness, mountaineering boots, and ice tools. Then, “climb on” as the guide belays you!  Glacier hike included. 

• Trip is 7 to 10 hours
• Departs: 8:30am
• Transportation and all technical climbing equipment are included
• For ages 14 and up
• Available year-round

Private Ice Climbing Instruction

Already a climber and want more? Or, interested in learning to ice climb and prefer one-on-one instruction? The “Private Ice” trip provides the most focused instruction where guests can climb and learn as much in a day as one can possibly handle. Beginning ice climb trips will take place nearby in Portage or along the Seward Highway. For the more experienced climbers, there are remote ice climbing locations within the local guide's Alaska State Parks permit that could take you to Eagle River, Eklutna Canyon, Hunter Creek or Hatcher Pass (all located within a days drive from Alyeska Resort). Multi-day trips are also available and suggested for locations that require a longer approach and/or drive time such as Eklutna Lake area or Caribou Creek. Southcentral Alaska and the Chugach Mountains lend an amazing backdrop for ice climbing that is world-renown!

• Trip is 7 to 10 hours 
• Departs: 8:30am
• Transportation and all technical climbing equipment are included
• Please bring water bottle or thermos, lunch and winter ski clothing
• For ages 12 and up
• Available year-round

Offered by The Ascending Path 

Please Note: All guests will be required to fill out an adventure application and waiver.  This trip is weather dependent, please wear comfortable clothes, and bring a snack, water and camera. All climbing gear will be provided. Cancellations made 15 days prior to the scheduled tour will receive a full refund.  Cancellations made inside 14 days are nonrefundable.

Or, call the Alyeska Concierge Desk at 907-754-2108.