New Backpacking Trip Slideshow
Frequently Asked Questions
The following page should help you prepare for a trip. As always, don't hesitate to contact your guide for further details or any specific questions you may have.
1. Do I need mountaineering skills?
4. What about all the hazards?
5. How much experience do I need?
6. What's the maximum group size we can take?
7. What's the best time to visit Alaska?
10 What's included/Not included?
1 Do I need mountaineering skills?
-- No. We guide trips that involve only trekking, though some may be strenuous. The majority of these trips in Alaska are off-trail, and at times involve hiking over moraines (boulder fields), scree slopes, across rivers, and tundra. None of this is easy.
If you're a beginning backpacker, worry not. Trips are available for you, such as the Steamboat Hills walk in Wrangell St. Elias National Park or Alaska's Kenai Peninsula which are better suited, with their well defined trails, camping sites, and less strenuous traverses.
-- Definitely bring sturdy, waterproof boots. Your lightweight day hikers may be fine around town, but they are often not durable enough to withstand an alpine adventure.
-- A comfortable backpack is required and a system for carrying gear on a dayhike is very handy. Many backpacks have removable tops, and these work great. A rain cover that fits your loaded pack is a must have!
-- Another choice for is a small summit pack for dayhikes. I use the Marmot Kompressor. Not requisite, but handy to have.
The single most important element of gear is your ability to use it.
Visit the Gear Check List.
2. What gear do I need?
-- You'll find tons of information on gear and related stuff on the blog. You'll find some extensive commentary there about gear and backpacking and hiking trips, etc. Rain gear and keeping dry, down versus synthetic sleepings bags , backpacks, and so forth. I update it reasonably often, so do check out the blog posts for information. Here is a link to The Gear Category on the blog.
In the meantime this should help you get started below:
-- Bring a sturdy backpacking tent. Lesser 'car camping' tents can fail miserably when you need them the most. If you don't have a tent, or aren't certain, please inquire with Alaskan Alpine Treks.
-- Good rain gear is a must. I recommend a lightweight, gore-tex type shell. A poncho-style rain jacket or shawl is NOT recommended.
-- A sleeping bag that will keep you warm down to 20deg (F) is what I suggest (or lower). A 32deg (F) bag would be considered bare minimum for most Alaskan summer adventures, and I wouldn't recommend it. Either synthetic fill bags, or down bags are great - you just need to keep them dry. Read more about your sleeping bag here.
-- Unless you're booking a fully outfitted trip, you'll need to bring a reliable stove. Bring a reliable stove, preferably one that burns white gas, or Coleman fuel. MSR 'Whisperlite' or similar stoves are great. Remember that with current restrictions on air travel, it is illegal to bring fuel onto commercial planes. I can provide fuel for you, available when you arrive in Alaska.
Another stove that's very popular recently is the Jetboil.
-- My preference is for long sleeve shirts and full length brushed nylon pants. A mosquito headnet is also recommended for those times when the bugs get bad.
-- Trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. Don't head for Alaska without them.
6. What's the maximum size group we can take?
-- Most trips will allow for a maximum of 5 or 6 hikers, plus your guide. Rarely will we schedule a group larger than that, for a number of reasons. Primarily, solitude. Most of these trips head into some pristine wilderness and the impact of larger groups camping and trekking in those regions can be somewhat destructive to the fragile ecosystems there. The focus of our trips is to provide a wilderness experience, and keeping group sizes reasonable enhances that provision.
7. What's the best time of year to visit Alaska?
-- There is no one best time. The backpacking season is short this far north, and the season changes very quickly. Similarily, there is a very large variance of conditions depending on where you go. A trip to the Kenai peninsula in September is very different to Gates of the Arctic NP at the same time. Alaska is wonderful late August/early September, the tundra colors blaze with orange, golds, reds and every imaginable variation of these.
Typically, there are fewer bugs later in the year, with late May, June and early July the worst. May/June brings forth cute baby critters, blooming wildflowers, and the vibrancy of spring. It's largely a matter of deciding what works best for you, what you want to see, and how best to accommodate that. Snow can fall at any time in of the year, and weather is completely unpredictable. The days are longest during the latter weeks of June and first part of July, but those long glorious evenings last all the way up to late August.
8. What food do we bring?
-- Alaskan Alpine Treks offer all guests the option of either providing your own food, OR having us provide food for you. The prices posted on our site here do NOT include the additional cost incurred if you would like us to outfit the food for you.
If you would like to bring your own food, here's a suggestion for novice hikers and those inexperienced with backcountry meal preparation: typically, freeze-dried dinners work well for the inexperienced outdoor chef or those looking for an easier route. Some of the organically grown items, from smaller companies, aren't bad at all. Mary Jane's Farm has some great options for starters. They're fast, easy, lightweight, packable, and require very little cleanup.
Less time preparing food allows for more time to enjoy the magnificent surroundings. They don't taste too bad either!
For lunches, I recommend items that don't need to be cooked. Bagels, pita breads, nuts, dried fruit, candy bars, crackers, etc are great. Something hot for breakfast is a good start to the day, particularly if the weather is cold. Hot drinks such as hot cocoa, tea, or coffee can be very welcome at either end of the day.
If you want me to take care of your food, just let me know.
3. Where will we be?
-- Alaska is a huge state; more than twice the size of Texas, and approximately 1/3 the size of the lower 48 states. Primarily, our adventures are to Alaska's interior, along the Canadian border in Wrangell-St. Elias NP, northern Alaska in the Brooks Range, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (known as ANWR) in the far north, and the mountain ranges of the Kenai peninsula. Our Arrigetch Peaks trips visits Gates of the Arctic NP also. Contact Carl for specific information. Click here for a quick look at the various places on a map, or visit the "About Alaska" page for interactive google maps.
For the year 2012, we are focusing on Wrangell St. Elias National Park for a photography book Carl is working on, so most trips will be in that park.
4. What about all the hazards?
-- A great trip is a safe one, and we take every precaution to ensure that you're fully informed of how best to traverse the terrains, as well how to deal with any potential wildlife encounters. Seeing a moose or grizzly bear in the wild is an exhilirating experience. Knowing how to avoid surprising the animals, or attracting their attention is key to avoiding conflicts. Crossing rivers, scree slopes and glaciers are all potentially dangerous, and our experience and knowledge with the terrain is indispensable when traversing these regions. More off-trail backpacking notes here.
5. How much experience do I need?
-- I work with all levels of backpackers, from the novice to the experienced trekker. In planning trips, you should be as honest as possible about your experience and confidence so trips can be organized accordingly. If you've never carried a backpack before, or camped in the wilderness, it takes longer to get used to than you think. However, we can accommodate your experience by scheduling a trip that works best for you. Basecamping and dayhiking is a great way to really explore an area, and means less time spent carrying the weight of a full pack. Conversely, those more experienced may wish to plan a trip that covers more miles, and crosses more difficult terrains, the exploratory trips are great for experienced hikers. Regardless of your situation, the more preparation you put into your trip, the more rewarding it will be.
9. Prices:
Trip dates are filled on a "first come" basis, so get in early to ensure you get the dates and trip you would like. Book early!!!
Groups of 3 -5 people can generally receive a price discount.
| Skolai Trip | 8 days | $1675 per person |
| Skolai Pass Photo Tour | 8 days | $1800 per person ($2200 fully outfitted) |
| MacColl Ridge Trip | 7days | $1850 per person |
| Icy Bay Sea Kayaking/Hiking trip | 8 days | $2200 per person ($2400 option Samovar Hills) |
| Iceberg Lake Trip | 10 days | $1850 per person |
| Kenai Peninsula Trip: (Johnson Pass Trail) | 5 days | $995 per person |
| Kenai Peninsula Trip: (Resurrection Pass Trail) | 7 days | $1195 per person |
| Chitina River Trip | 8 days | $1995 per person |
| Bremner Mines Trip | 9 days | $1795 per person |
| Steamboat Hills Trip | 7 Days | $1695 per person |
| Sanford to Dadina Trip | 8 Days | $1695 per person |
| Bremner Mines to Tebay Lakes Trek | 14 days | $2095 per person |
| Wolverine Trip | 8 Days | $1695 per person |
| ANWR - Canning River Trip | 14 days | $3900 per person |
| Grizzly Bears in the Fall Phototour | 7 days | $2675 (fully-outfitted) or $4400 for 15 days |
| Hidden Creek Trip | 8 Days | $1975 per person |
| Jarvis Plateau Trip | 6-8 Days | $1875 per person |
| Arrigetch Peaks Trip | 14 Days | $2400-$2800 per person (depends on group size) |
| Aurora borealis photo tour | 7 Days | $2500 per person (incl's accom) |
| Coastal brown bears photo tour | 6 Days | $5400 per person (incl's all food & accom) |
Book Early!!!
Remember, the earlier you book, the better the possibility of matching up dates with your schedule. Contact Alaskan Alpine Treks and inquire about schedules and trip availability.
Please note:
The ANWR and Arrigetch peaks trips includes all travel (return) from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, or from Fairbanks to Kaktovik, where we fly into the Refuge, as well as rafts, dry bags, etc. The Icy Bay trip starts and ends in Yakutat, Alaska. Because of the nature of backcountry adventure, trips vary year to year. Each of the trips is also available for longer or shorter durations, and trip prices vary accordingly. Similarily, group bookings (3 or more participants) can receive substantial discounts. For more information, contact us using the Contact Form at the link below.
All clients complete the backcountry waiver before departing for any of our trips.
Alaskan Alpine Treks do not provide the following, unless otherwise specified.
a) food and camping gear -- Alaskan Alpine Treks will outfit your trip if you would like us to. For a minimal addition in cost, I'm glad to supply food and camping gear (you will need your own personal gear, such as sleeping bag, pad, clothes, pack, etc). Any specific items you may need help with, just send me an email or call me and I'll work it out for you.
b) travel arrangements to Anchorage from outside Alaska.
c) trip insurance.
d) guide gratuities.
11. Cancellation_policy:
Trip planning requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are generally non-refundable, unless there are some truly extenuating circumstances. Deposits on cancelled trips may be carried over to another trip. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date. No refunds are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure. For a trip paid in full, 90% of the price can be deferred to another trip if the client has to cancel, provided 30 days notice is given. If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip, only 75% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip.
12. Helpful Links:
Take a look at our Links Page for helpful websites with information about parks, hiking, the outdoors, accomodations, etc, as well as some fantastic nature photography sites.
10. What's Included/Not Included?
* Professional Guide Service: Experience is paramount, as is a friendly, flexible atmosphere for your trip, and Alaskan Alpine Treks go out of our way to bring that to the backcountry. I know the routes, the natural history and the place as well as anyone, and all the best campsites! Backcountry camping in Alaska can be intimidating for a novice, and even for some intermediate and experienced hikers, and a qualified guide service can go a long way to minimizing problems that may come up. Customers returning for seven eight consecutive hiking trips with Alaskan Alpine Treks speaks volumes for the value of a good guide.
* Travel and Accommodations: Alaskan Alpine Treks offer a complete Door-to-Door service. For example, for our Wrangell St. Elias National Park trips, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Anchorage, drive to McCarthy in our comfortable conversion van, stay the night at the Kennecott River Lodge, enjoy a hot breakfast the following morning in McCarthy, then fly into the backcountry. Backpack and hike for your trip, fly back to McCarthy, have the afternoon in and around McCarthy, exploring the Kennecott Glacier, or the old mines up at Kennecott, spend another night at the Kennecott River Lodge, and drive back to Anchorage the final day, right to your hotel in Anchorage. For the ANWR trip, we'll usually travel from Fairbanks to either Coldfoot or Kaktovik, and fly in to the backcountry from there. For all other trips, check first.
* Gear: I can provide all stoves, cookware, fuel, etc for the trip. If you want to bring your own, let me know; I'll get the fuel you need, as it's not possible for you to fly with any fuel in your luggage. If you would prefer a fully outfitted trip, we can accommodate that, though you'll need to bring your personal gear, such as sleeping bag and backpack. We'll also provide bear resistant food cannisters and bear spray for the trip.
* Safety: Any professional guide service puts safety first; this means caution, it means responsibility and it means an excellent knowledge of the area: the terrain, wildlife and travel, backcountry camping and safety, fully qualified Wilderness First Aid certification, and a satellite available for emergency backcountry service if necessary and two way radios for communication within the group if we split up at all.
* Storage: Extra travels items that won't be needed while we're in the backcountry.