Ice Climbing
Near Anchorage Alaska
Join IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock for ice climbing around Anchorage. The region has ice for all interests, ranging from easy-access intro ice climbs, to multi-pitch routes in the mountains. Joe also teaches ice climbing courses that will give you the skills to climb on your own.
For the first time climber, Eklutna Canyon or Five Fingers are good options with a short approach and intro-level ice. For more experienced climbers, Eklutna Canyon also has steeper routes, or we can visit Caribou Creek, Portage, the Seward Highway or Hunter Creek.
Skill Level
First time to advanced.
Date
December through March for waterfall ice.
Cost
1 client: $700 per day
2 clients: $400 per person per day
3 clients: $300 per person per day
4+ clients: $250 per person per day, a second guide may be added over four clients.
In partnership with Alaska Guide Collective.
Includes
AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock.
Ropes, ice and rock protection.
Some gear available for loan.
Navigation, first aid and repair kits.
Emergency communication and shelter.
Does Not Include
Transport. To reduce your costs, the guide will ride with you.
Lodging, food and drink. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics.
Personal gear. See Ice Climbing Gear List.
Rescue and trip insurance. See Booking for details.
Course Options
Ice Movement: we'll cover the full progression from flat-footing, to ice climbing with no tools, to one tool, to vertical ice with two tools. This progression creates a solid foundation for good technique.
Top Roping: learn to set up a top rope to practice on your own.
Risk Management: recognizing hazards, minimizing risk.
Knots: the knots and hitches you need, plus the ones to avoid.
Anchors: ice screws, cordelette, quad, EARNEST anchors, v-threads.
Belaying: for top rope, lead and top-belay.
Rappelling: modern techniques to minimize risk.
Dry Tooling/Mixed Climbing: climbing rock with crampons and ice tools.
Multi-Pitch: swapping leads, belay station management, belaying in plaquette mode, load strand direct lower from a plaquette, backside clove use.
Lead Climbing: mock lead, low angle leads, swapping leads on multi-pitch.
Ice Rescue: lowering from plaquette mode, knot pass, climber assist, belay escape, leader rescue, etc.
Guide Skills: belay station management, rope work with two clients, managing icefall.
Photos of Ice Climbing in Southcentral Alaska
“You are great with people, and you made a nervous father totally not nervous at all.”
“Wow, what a great experience. I had a fun time and learned a lot! Thanks for the all the encouragement!”
“I just want to let you know that I truly appreciate the example you set while instructing ice and snow climbing. Because of you, I decided to pursue the guide lifestyle once I leave the military. I have applied, and been accepted for, the alpine guide course. I’m looking forward to managing all sorts of climbs, using you as my example of what right should look like. Thanks again, Joe, you made a definite impression.”
“McGee, Toy and I all had a blast and learned a great deal from you. Both how to climb better and how to teach climbing better. So again, thank you for your expert instruction and great attitude.”