Ice Climbing

Ice Climbing in Moulin
humans climbing in blue ice
ice climber walking with gear up glacier moraine
climber ascending glacier ice
ice climber in the sunlight
Ice Climbing - Image 6
MICA Matanuska Ice Climbing Adventures

Explore the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides

Starting price per tour:

$279.00

*additional Glacier Access fee applies.

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Ice Climbing on the Matanuska Glacier — Alaska’s Vertical Adventure

Step onto the glacier and discover what it feels like to climb living ice. Our Ice Climbing experience is designed for adventurers ready to move beyond hiking and into true vertical terrain. After hiking across rugged moraine, you’ll gear up with crampons and ice tools and learn step-by-step climbing techniques before progressing onto real ice walls. Feel the bite of your picks, hear the sharp ring of steel on ice, and look down at the glacier stretching out beneath your boots—this is Alaska from a perspective few ever earn

Every climb is different.

Shimmering blue ice, sculpted pillars, and ever-changing routes make each ascent a one-of-a-kind challenge. With professional glacier guides on the ice every day, you’ll learn to climb safely and confidently while soaking in crisp glacier air and sweeping glacier views. No experience is required—just a willingness to challenge yourself and embrace the thrill of moving upward through one of nature’s most dramatic environments.

Ice Climbing involves height exposure and a 2-mile hike across uneven glacial moraine, so participants should be comfortable walking briskly over rugged terrain. 

Tour Details: 

  • Minimum age: 12 years old
  • Must be able to walk at a brisk pace over uneven terrain
  • Private options available for fully tailored experiences

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. For more about this fee and estimated rates see Glacier Access*

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 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!
  • Quick dry clothing (not cotton/jeans). Usually a good pair of hiking pants works great. Ski pants and jackets are not necessary
  • Rain gear, even if it isn’t raining
  • Tall synthetic or wool socks
  • Extra warm layers
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Thin Liner gloves if your hands get cold. You do not need ski gloves
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
Our recommendations on clothing and gear:
  • Yes you can bring your camera!
  • Colorful clothing makes for better photos!
Do not bring:
  • Bear Spray
  • Fire Arms
  • Alcohol

Accessing the backcountry requires a strenuous 2-mile hike over loose rock, muddy ice, and steep slopes, typically taking 1–1.5 hours each way. This effort allows us to escape the crowds and reach the glacier’s most remote and spectacular climbing terrain. Safety is our top priority; if your guide determines the backcountry cannot be safely reached, the itinerary will be adjusted and may not include rope-assisted exploration. No refunds or price adjustments will be made in these cases.

  • Private Ice Fall Trek

    Private Ice Fall Trek

    Our Most Popular Tour, exclusively for your group.

    • Hiking Access to Glacier
    • 3 Hours
    • Minimum Age 6 years
    • $645/group + Glacier Access Fee

    Starting Price: 

    $645.00

  • Advanced Trek on Matanuska Glacier

    Advanced Trek

    Go further. Go higher.

    • Hiking Access to Glacier
    • 5-6 Hours
    • Minimum Age 12 years
    • $259 + Glacier Access Fee

    Starting Price: 

    $259.00

  • overcast day group of people with helmets and backpacks walking on white ice

    Private Advanced Trek

    Go further. Go higher.

    • Hiking Access to Glacier
    • approx. 7 Hours
    • Minimum Age 10 years
    • Starting Price Includes 1-4 people

    Starting Price: 

    $1,036.00

  • Ice climbing road trip

    Helicopter Explorer

    Fly into an Advanced Trek.

    • Helicopter Access to Glacier
    • 3 Hours
    • Minimum Age 12 years
    • Small Group Sizes

    Starting Price: 

    $399.00

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!