Backcountry Skiing in Alaska

General Info:

Within an hour drive of Anchorage are the Kenai Mountains, Talkeetna Mountains, Chugach Front and Western Chugach. Your interests and the current snowpack and weather will determine which range we venture into. Our most common areas are Hatcher Pass, Turnagain Pass and Summit Pass, but we won't know exactly until the date approaches.

We Provide:

  • Guide with current snowpack knowledge
  • Transportation from Anchorage or Girdwood to the trailhead and return
  • Maps & navigating gear
  • First aid and repair kits
  • SAT Phone or SPOT

You Provide:



Guided Backcountry Skiing:

Find the best snow and terrain with a local guide. Our guests range from beginners with in-bounds experience to 40 years of touring around the world. On multi-day tours we will venture far from the roadside crowds and into the untracked backcountry.

Cost:
 1:1 $400, 2:1 $200, 3:1 $180
     
Dates:
November through May.

Skill Level:
Intermediate to advanced skiing skills
Previous winter camping experience for multi-day tours


Learn to Backcountry Ski:
Use our AMGA ski-mountaineering certified guide Joe Stock to learn intro to advanced level backcountry skiing skills. We teach according to the national standards set by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).

Cost: 1:1 $400, 2:1 $200, 3:1 $180 per person per day

Dates: November through May

Topics Covered:

  • Trip Planning
  • The Right Gear
  • Evaluating Snow Stability
  • Skinning Technique
  • Track Setting
  • Terrain Management
  • Defensive Downhill Technique


    • Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced skiing skills.



    Ski Guide's Training:
    This course is geared toward experienced backcountry skiers who want to learn professional-level backcountry skills and guiding techniques.

    Cost: $450

    Dates: First weekend in December; Last weekend in February

    Topics covered include:

  • Tour Planning
  • Track Setting
  • Decision Making
  • Rapid Stability Assessment
  • Down-Guiding
  • Rescue Techniques
  • Field Notebook

    • Skill Level/Prerequisites:
  • Participants must have advanced area ski ability
  • 2 years of backcountry experience
  • Level 1 avalanche education or equivalent
  • All personal backcountry ski gear. This is an advanced course


    • THE ASCENDING PATH, PO BOX 102254, Anchorage, AK 99510-2254
    Office: 907.783.0505  info@theascendingpath.com
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