Matanuska Glacier Ice Climbing

Alaska Ice Climbing

Here’s your chance to try out ice climbing…on a glacier! Fun for all skill levels, no experience needed. Fantastic photo opportunities.

a man riding a snowboard down a snow covered slope

Book Ice Climbing

All trip times are approximate and include travel time to and from the glacier. You’ll need lunch for this adventure!

*Our Ice Climbing fee does not include the Glacier Park Access Fee, which must be paid upon Check In at the MICA Base. The current fee is $45 per person but is subject to change; we have no control over this access fee.*

Minimum age: 12 years
2-person minimum.

You are welcome to sign up as a solo climber but we reserve the right to cancel the tour if no other guests sign up. Should this be the case we would give you 5 days notice and a full refund. This rarely happens but you should understand that it is a possibility.

More than 4 people in your group? Or do you prefer a private experience?

Check out our Private Ice Climbing

A full day on the Matanuska Glacier. This includes a demanding 2 mile one-way hike to the best climbing terrain, and 3-4 hours of ice climbing in which you can expect 3-4 climbs per person depending on group ability and pace. Your time climbing vs. moraine hiking depends on group ability and pace. The best way to maximize climbing time is to book a custom trip.

Some down time during which your guide will be building anchors and other group members will be climbing.

An introduction to climbing gear and proper climbing techniques (climbing boots, crampons, helmets and ice tools provided by MICA Guides)

Progression of climbing throughout the day, from beginner bouldering to more challenging and physically demanding walls.

The majority of climbing terrain requires lowering into glacial features such as a moulins (deep shafts in the ice) or glacial canyons. Guests on this trip should not be afraid of height exposure.
For Ice Climbing we require you to have:
- A small backpack with room for gear. If you don’t have one, we have some available for you to use!
- Long Pants
- Sunglasses
- Long sleeve shirt, preferably not cotton
- Long synthetic or wool socks
Plastic mountaineering boots are provided from mens sizes 4-14. Please advise us in advance of your trek 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 areas.

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
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Bear Spray
- Fire Arms
- Alcohol
We recommend Planet Earth Adventures for a great package deal. (There is no public transportation to the glacier.)
Book now and you’ll receive valuable promotional codes for the following:
- Save 35% on the Extreme Zip Adventure, featuring the fastest zipline in Alaska, the G2

Why explore the Matanuska Glacier with us? Our Guides are out on the glacier every day, often on their days off! We know the best features and how to get you there while managing the risks of hiking on a glacier.

Guided adventures on the Matanuska Glacier since 1999. Go with the Pros!