On The Matanuska Glacier

When you fly over the Matanuska Glacier in a helicopter it can be a bit overwhelming. It may be your first time in the passenger seat. You might even be at the ready with your camera to capture the sights. And somehow, nothing can prepare you for the immensity of splendor that you can take…

See You Soon on Matanuska Glacier The Changing of Seasons There is something both empty and full about the end of an adventure, but we will see you soon on Matanuska Glacier. This morning Jay, a MICA guide, left base for the season. He spent his last night working late on the ice to get…

When you think of commuting to work, thoughts of saddle bags on bikes and honking horns might come to mind. In Alaska though, the trip from home to work can be, well, a bit different. Especially for second year guide at MICA, Nell. Glacier Camp Nell’s day starts with rolling out of a tent, getting…

A MICA Guides Intern’s Experience On June 7, we approached the end of our orientation week as MICA Guides interns. Simultaneously, we were informed that the next three days would be spent backpacking in the Alaskan backcountry. I had been on a few backpacking trips with my family previously. Also, I have spent my whole…

Descending into a Matanuska Glacier Adventure There was one day this summer, on a Matanuska Glacier adventure, where I was more scared than I think I’ve ever been outdoors. Additionally, that day showed me what incredible things you can do with the right training and equipment. Quinn, a fellow intern, Adam, a second year ice…

The Matanuska Moraine Features of a Glacier Looking out on the Matanuska Glacier, you’ll see flowing fields of white ice, surrounded by what looks like mud and rock on both sides of that ice. In fact, those sections of rock are actually a part of the glacier as well, called the moraine. Underneath the rocks…

Camping on A Glacier Each day exploring the Matanuska Glacier feels like stepping into a whole new world. With each new sunrise the glacial universe shifts; meltwater carves new canyons, crevasses fill and empty, and blue ice caves appear in days. Every time the crampons go on and the ropes go up, it seems as…

Sheep Mountain Trail Project This season, the town of Glacier View allocated some funds for trail development at Sheep Mountain Lodge. Specifically, this was to create a new route up Gunsight mountain, a peak on the Sheep mountain massif. This path connects to their cross country ski trails. Sheep Mountain Lodge At mile 113 on…

Ali Ali started as an Assistant Exposure Guide with MICA Guides in 2019. As the world has changed so has her focus to writing and sharing experiences through web based platforms. She is currently based out of Durango, Colorado enjoying and exploring the intersectional expanse of mountains and desert. When she is not writing or…

The Science Behind Ziplines Ziplines are an exciting experience for thrill-seeking adventures, and are also a speedy, efficient means of travel between two points on a downward slope. But how exactly do ziplines do their job? Let’s take a look at the science behind ziplines.   Gravity Gravity is the essential force in bringing you…

Moulins French Influence Moulin, a French word for “mill”, are vertical rivers that serve as a glacier’s internal plumbing system. They carry water out of the glacier by meltwater streams and lakes formed on the surface of Meltwater moves over the surface of the ice, finding the pathway of least resistance. the ice. These shafts…

Glacial Feature of the Month: Glacier Moss Matanuska Mice Nobody really knows what they are in for when first coming to the Matanuska Glacier. Some expect an arctic wasteland of snow and wind while others expect arching ice caves reaching up to the parking lot. One thing that nobody expects to find are balls of…