Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb
Discover the thrill of Backcountry Ice Climbing with NOVA’s expert guides! Whether you're a beginner or looking to try something new, our introductory ice climbing experience offers an accessible and exciting way to challenge yourself in the stunning surroundings of the Matanuska Glacier. No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn!
Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, and our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need to safely learn the fundamentals of ice climbing. Explore the glacier’s frozen landscape as you climb its ice walls, gaining new skills while taking in breathtaking views of this natural wonder.
Let’s go—reach new heights and experience the thrill of ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier!
Options
Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb
What's included in Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb
(Subject to Option Inclusions)The Matanuska Glacier is a massive 26-mile-long advancing valley glacier located in the Chugach Mountains, just 100 miles north of Anchorage. It provides the perfect setting for an introductory ice climbing experience, with easily accessible, shallow vertical ice walls ideal for beginners and intermediate climbers. This is a basic ice climbing session, focusing on lower-angle walls and heights of 50+ feet. All systems use top anchor setups, which our guides will take a few minutes to prepare. Once the anchors and ropes are in place, your guide will harness you up, go over safety protocols, and explain the fundamentals of climbing before you start your climb! To reach the climbing areas, you’ll embark on a challenging trek from the vehicle parking lot. The trail crosses the rocky moraine and takes you past the glacier’s front face, all the way to the rarely explored backcountry.
Inclusions
- Professional climbing guide
- Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes
- Shuttle transportation to and from the activity.
- All Fees and Taxes
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Shoe size: Min US 5M, 6W
- Not recommended for travelers over 250lbs, under 100lbs
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 65 yrs
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Mile 96.5 Glenn Hwy. At Hick's Creek bridge turn into Trailhead Rd. Follow the driveway under the bridge and proceed to our camp check-in location.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
*GLACIER PARK FEE: All Glacier clients are required to pay the additional Glacier Park entrance fee due at trip check-in. Matanuska Glacier Park is privately owned and charges per person every time you go through the gate; Alaska State passes do not apply. This outfit has a NO DRONE policy in place for the glacier. Regular entry fee at MGP gate is $45 per person. Teens (13-16): $25 Adults (17+): $45 Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30 Please remember that Alaskan highways can cause delays with road construction, motor homes, and vehicle accidents. Please plan on these potential delays and leave early enough to make sure your party is not late for trip check-in time! We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to sign Nova's trip waiver. Please make sure you meet our trip limitations stated on our website. If anyone is outside these limitations, please email our office so we can evaluate the information. What to Wear on the Glacier: Long pants, no shorts. Hiking boots that come over the ankle. Boots Provided if needed. Small Backpack. Snacks and Water bottle. Sunglasses! Rain gear, even if it is not raining. Light gloves. Warm Hat Clothing made of Synthetic material versus cotton. Tall synthetic or wool socks. Sunscreen, lipstick with sun protection. Please have your booking confirmation # prepared at trip check-in. See our website for more trip details. www.novalaska.com. Thank you! Nova team
