Advanced Trek

Take your Matanuska Glacier Experience to the Next Level.

This trip is appropriate for adventurous travelers seeking a full day of glacial exploration.  Our experienced guides will take you to a remote area of the glacier and use a rope and anchor systems to safely access some of the most spectacular features of the Matanuska including moulins, crevasses, and blue pools.

Guests on this trip can expect 3-4 hours of white ice glacial exploration. Your time on the ice includes a mixture of hiking to scenic vistas and using ropes to scramble up non-vertical walls and walk to the edge of large crevasses and moulins. Please keep in mind these activities involve height exposure.

This trip is best suited for those looking for a demanding yet rewarding glacier experience. It requires a 2 mile hike through the uneven glacial moraine. No experience needed for this trip but you should be able to walk at a brisk pace and be comfortable scrambling over uneven terrain.

This trip does not include vertical ice climbing though you may occasionally scramble up short ice walls. Great photo opportunities and a chance to do a little more without committing to an entire day of ice climbing. Smaller groups [1:4] and a faster pace than our Ice Fall Trek. Total time on ice varies by group, typically back by 5pm.

• Note: All trip times are approximate and include travel to and from the glacier.
• Must be able to walk at a brisk pace over uneven terrain for this trip.
• Minimum age: 12 years.

What to Expect

• A full day on the Matanuska Glacier, including 2-3 hours of demanding moraine hiking and 3-4 hours of stunning white ice exploration (total time on moraine vs. white ice depends on group ability and pace). In total, guests can expect to hike approximately 6 miles on this trip.
• Guided exploration of exciting glacial features and stunning views in a remote area of the Matanuska Glacier.
• A faster-paced, smaller group than the Ice Fall Trek [1:4]
• A closer look at spectacular glacial features including, crevasses, moulins, deep canyons, blue pools, and (potentially) ice caves.

**If you are a group of 5 or more, don’t worry! Give us a call/email and we can chat about adding a second guide to a time slot.

*Our Advanced Trek fee does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. The current fee is $35 per person but is subject to change; we have no control over this access fee.*

About the Hike

We’ve learned that climbing and any technical exploring using rope systems in “the backcountry” offers a superior experience for our guests. Access to the backcountry requires a demanding 2 mile hike over uneven glacial moraine to the best climbing terrain the Matanuska has to offer.

Depending on your group’s ability and pace, this hike takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half and involves walking over loose rocks, muddy ice, and steep slopes. While strenuous, this hike allows our groups to escape the larger crowds on the lower glacier and access some of the most dramatic terrain the Matanuska has to offer.

Of course safety is our top priority so if your guide determines that you or your group may not make it to the backcountry and return in a reasonable time the trip will be adjusted and will not include climbing, rapelling or any use of ropes. We’ll do our best to provide an enjoyable glacier experience but no refunds or price adjustments will be made.

What to Bring

For the Advanced Trek we require you to have:

• A backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
• Long Pants
• Hiking boots that come over your ankle. If you don’t own a pair, we have some available for your use!

Our recommendations on clothing and gear:

• Quick dry clothing (not cotton). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
• Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
• Liner gloves
• Long synthetic or wool socks
• Extra warm layers
• Snacks and water or a packed lunch
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera

What NOT to bring

• Bear Spray
• Fire Arms
• Alcohol

Things to Consider

Glaciers are dynamic and constantly changing; certain features are not available for the entirety of a summer season. While this trip is your best chance to see an ice cave, please be prepared that this feature may be unavailable at the time of your trip.

Ability level of all group members. If you are a party of 2, you will likely be paired with others. The best way to ensure your group has the best day suitable for your objectives and abilities is to book a *Private Tour*. On a custom trip, your guide can tailor the day to what your group wants to see and set an appropriate pace for all group members.