Matanuska Glacier Overnight
Learn to ice climb, and camp out on a glacier in Alaska.
Your first day with us will be our signature Ice Climbing day with a progression catered to the skills and endurance of the group. Our professional guides will teach you the basic skills needed to climb on moderate ice slopes, and then help you refine your climbing techniques to move towards more challenging and spectacular terrain throughout the day. Glacier trekking and hiking is a big part of the experience, but the ice climbing will take you to new heights.
There may be others visitors ice climbing with you but at the end of the day they’ll be doing the 2 mile hike back while you’ll still be climbing before strolling over to your comfortable camp for the night.
Enjoy a glacier cocktail, a delicious hot dinner and relax around the campfire, on ice!
The next morning enjoy fresh brewed coffee with the serenity of the remote Matanuska Glacier. After a hearty breakfast you’ll have a full day with a private guide to explore our secret stash of glacier awesomeness that’s unreachable by the day-trippers.
Because of the efficiency of the overnight, you’ll have up to 5 hours more climbing and exploring than you would with two day trips.
No previous climbing experience is necessary, although a strong level of physical fitness is required. The hike to the best climbing, and our remote glacier camp, is approximately 2 miles, takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half, and involves walking over loose rocks, muddy ice, and steep slopes.
Option: Skip the hike and take a helicopter! Enjoy a stunning helicopter flight over Matanuska Glacier and get dropped off near the best climbing and our glacier camp. Additional $300/person.
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- Two full days ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier. While other guests may be joining you on the first day, the second day is private, just for your group.
- An introduction to climbing gear and proper climbing techniques (climbing boots, crampons, helmets and ice tools provided by MICA Guides)
- Private overnight glacier camping. Tents, sleeping bags and pads provided.
- “Glacier Cocktail”, Dinner, Breakfast.
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- A sense of adventure! Although our glacier camp is comfortable, it’s not for everyone. You’ll be sleeping in a small tent but will be warm and comfortable. The “bathroom” is in another small tent with a little portable toilet. The “dining room” is a large dome like you would find on a Denali Expedition.
- You’ll need the usual outdoors layers of clothing with some extra layers for night time. See the complete list below.
- Some fuel! You’ll be burning a lot of calories with two full days of glacier fun. You’ll need lunch and snacks for two days. We sell some snacks at our office and you can order lunches in advance if you don’t want to bring your own. Lunch Options
- You need some time for this adventure. Check in for the first day will be at 9 AM. On the second day you will return to our base at around 6 PM. We recommend that you stay in the area before and/or after your trip. Have a great night’s sleep and soak in the hot tub at Alpenglow Luxury Camping after your glacier overnight!
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For this adventure we require you to have:
- Long Pants
- Sunglasses
- Long sleeve shirt, preferably not cotton
- Long synthetic or wool socks
- A change of base layer clothing to put on at night. This must be wool or synthetic, top and bottom. No cotton.
-Plastic mountaineering boots are provided from mens sizes 4-14. Please advise us in advance if you need a size at the large or small end of this range. Please bring your own hiking boots that cover your ankles if you have them, as they are needed for the approach to the climbing area.
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
- Tall socks
- Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
- Liner gloves
- Extra warm layers
- Lunch, snacks, and water or a packed lunch ORDER HERE
- Sunscreen
- Camera
What NOT to bring:
- More toiletries than a toothbrush.. it’s just one night!
- Bear Spray
- Fire Arms
You’re welcome to bring a small amount of alcohol for camp.
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“Great Glacier Climb
Highly recommend MICA for guide services for ice climbing. Great guides. All did an excellent job of dealing with all skill levels of the group.”
Book today and receive a coupon for 35% off our Extreme Zip Adventure after purchase!
All trip times are approximate and include travel time to and from the glacier.
You’ll need lunch for this adventure! ORDER HERE
Our trips do not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. The current fee is $25 per person but is subject to change; we have no control over this access fee.
Minimum age: 12 years.
Click a date above for current availability.
$495 per person, 2-person minimum.
Reservations require a deposit of $200 per person. Once we can confirm your reservation we’ll send you an invoice. The balance will be due immediately to confirm your reservation.
Our Private Trip policy applies. With at least 7-day notice of cancellation you would be eligible for a full refund. With at least 72 hours notice we can offer a 50% refund. No refunds with less than 72 hours notice.
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Milepost 102.5, Glenn Highway Glacier View AK, 99674
Matanuska Glacier Tours since 1999.
Certificate of Excellence
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019