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Trip Dates

May 13th-June 4th 2012

Price

$5950 + HST

Group Size

max of 4 guests per guide

Skill Level

advanced

Related Trips

Mount Waddington
Ski Traverses
Ski the European Alps

Avalanche Skills Level 1

Are you planning to explore the local backcountry this winter? Do you want to learn basic travel and powder skiing safety in avalanche terrain? 

Join one of our AST level 1 courses and learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, manage it and read snow packs information to better choose the right up track, avoid avalanches and enjoy your turns. 

This 2 day introductory course is based out of Nelson BC.  It follows the Canadian Avalanche Association program, goals and objectives.

Itinerary

• Day 1: The first day is mainly classroom. We will discuss and watch videos on topics like: avalanche hazard recognition,  terminology & mechanics, mountain weather, snow pack structure & basic terrain evaluation. We will also sign a waiver and do a gear check. Later in the day, we will spend a few hours outside doing transceiver searches while discussing rescue fundamentals.

• Day 2: Backcountry ski day. The group will meet at 8:00am and drive to a ski touring destinations to be established in the West Kootenay backcountry. During the days, we will spend 8hrs outside. We will focus on learning and practicing skills like: terrain evaluation, mountain hazard assessment, safe route finding techniques, snow pack analysis and snow testing techniques.
• Students will receive a CAA certificate and personal feedback before course end

Prerequisites

Intermediate backcountry skiing or boarding ability (touring equipment, snow board & snowshoes or split board required).

Pre-read Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson

Previous avalanche training useful but not required.  Students must be intermediate to advanced resort riders. Students are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.  Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of course would suit you best.

Equipment

Weather

Kootenay weather can vary drastically.  In winter you expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise well above zero.  Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days.  Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation can change within the day. 

Location

This course is based in Nelson BC. Field days will occur in the Selkirks Mtns, the local backcountry near Nelson. Details will be given to participants before course start. For a list of possible venues click Nelson Classics.  Feel free to contact us for more information.

Services Included

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified ACMG/IFMGA guide service
• AST 1 class notes
• Avaluator™ Trip Planner
• Backcountry Avalanche Awareness by Bruce Jamieson
• Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)

Not included in price:

• Lunch, snacks
• Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
• optional & very useful! Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book (available through SMG)
• Transportation or lift fee if applicable
• Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?

Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks   354-4622 www.gericks.com

Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?

Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip.  There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier. 

Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.

Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.

Avalanche Skills Level 2

Are you looking for the highest recreational avalanche training?  Are you interested in boosting your skills before seeking further Industry Training Programs? The AST level 2 will deepen your knowledge, broaden your experience and skills for better decision making in avalanche terrain.

This 3 & 1/2 day program is the next logical step after completing the AST 1. Similar topics will be covered with more depth and emphasis on adapting personal exposure based on changing conditions & field observations.

This course provide the highest level of recreational avalanche training. It is also a stepping stone for further CAA industry training programs.

For students who have not taken avalanche training in awhile, consider doing the recently developed Companion Rescue course. This program is a one day field program which gives you opportunity to review and renew your skills, get information about new avalanche equipment as well as discover updated probing, shoveling and group rescue techniques. 

Itinerary

• Day 1: We will meet for a 4 hour classroom session during the evening. We will discuss and watch videos on topics like: avalanche hazard recognition,  terminology & mechanics, mountain weather, snow pack structure & basic terrain evaluation. We will also sign a waiver and do a gear check.

• Day 2, 3 & 4: Back country ski days with a 2 hour classroom session on each the 2nd and 3rd evening. We will generally meet at 8:00am and drive to a ski touring destinations to be established in the West Kootenay backcountry. We will spend 8hrs outside each day. We will focus on learning and practicing skills, including: avalanche hazard recognition, terminology & mechanics, mountain weather, snow pack structure, basic terrain evaluation, terrain evaluation, mountain hazard assessment, safe route finding techniques, snow pack analysis, snow testing techniques, transceiver searches and rescue fundamentals.
• Students will receive a CAA certificate and personal feedback before course end

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Avalanche Skills Level 1 (please have dated certificate*).  Ensure you have most recent (2010) version of Avaluator™ Trip Planner.

Pre-read Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper

Intermediate skiing or ‘boarding ability (touring equipment or Split board required).

Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.  Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of course would suit you best.

Equipment

Weather

Kootenay weather can vary drastically.  In winter you expect temperatures to be from -15C to –5C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise well above zero.  Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days.  Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind, precipitation can change within the day. 

Location

Contact your guide by phone or email the week before for meeting location.  Field days will occur in the Selkirks Mtns, local backcountry near Nelson.

Services Included

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified ACMG/IFMGA guide service
• AST 2 class notes
• Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper.
• Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)

Not included in price:

• Lunch, snacks, meals when at the lodge
• Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
• optional & very useful! Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain field book (available through SMG)
• 2010 Avaluator™ Trip Planner
• Transportation or lift fee if applicable
• Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?

Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks   354-4622 www.gericks.com

Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?

Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented in Nelson prior to your day trip.  There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier. 

Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.

Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.

Ski Rogers Pass

Located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, along highway # 1 between Golden and Revelstoke, Rogers pass is the classic road side ski touring destination in western Canada. It boasts an incredible variety of tours ranging from high-glaciated ascents to fantastic alpine descents along with outstanding tree skiing. 

Roger’s Pass offers a deep and reliable snow pack along with relatively easy access. There are countless unique venues in the many ski touring accessible valleys nearby.This world-class venue must be experience by everyone who enjoys backcountry skiing.

Every winter season, from mid-December to April, Summit Mountain Guides offers day to multi-day ski touring trips at Rogers Pass. Because this destination is road accessible, it is possible to do various trip length. To fully appreciate this extensive ski touring mecca, we recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 days. 

Itinerary

A typical ski touring days at Rogers Pass is long, arduous and rewarding. Depending on the tour selection, we will on average ski between 4000 and 6000 vertical feet (up and down!) per day. Below you will find a sample itinerary for day backcountry ski touring in Rogers Pass. This itinerary is bound to change as the weather, daylight hours & avalanche conditions evolve during the season.

Sample Day Ski Touring itinerary:

• Meet your guide at 7:30 am at predetermined location, sign waivers and check gear
• Drive to ski touring destinations
• Enjoy a full day of backcountry ski touring with lunch in the mountains
• Back from last run one hour before sunset.
• Celebrate and start again the next day!

Here are some Rogers Pass classic day trips:

• Connaught Creek area: Grizzly Shoulder, Balu Pass, 8812 peak, Little Sifton & Hermit Meadows.
• Illecilleweat Glacier area: Avalanche crest, Sir Donald Col, Perly rocks, North Terninal peak, Lookout notch & Youngs peak.
• Asulkan Valley area: Dome glacier,  Asulkan glacier, Sapphire col, Asulkan pass & Youngs peak.
• Loop Brook area: Lily glacier, Bonney glacier & Bonney trees.
• Bostock Creek area: Bostock pass, Farm pass, McGill pass, McGill shoulder & Ursus creek.

Prerequisites

This is an intermediate to advanced ski touring program. Prior day backcountry ski touring experience with a minimum of intermediate downhill skills is required. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.  Please contact us to discuss your background and what kind of tour would suit you best.

Equipment

Weather

The Selkirk Mountain weather can vary drastically.  In winter you expect temperatures to be from -20C to –7C in the day while in spring daily temperatures could rise above zero.  Visibility may be poor or whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days.  Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day. 

Location

This trip is based at Rogers Pass in Canada’s Glacier National Park. Rogers Pass is a high mountain pass in South Eastern British Columbia along HWY #1. It is 1hr drive East of Revelstoke and 1 & 1/2 hr drive West of Golden. For Day & multi-Day trips, suitable accommodation can be found at Rogers Pass, in Revelstoke and in Golden. For overnight backcountry trips, it is possible to stay in a backcountry cabin. The Alpine Club of Canada maintains a few well located mountain huts in Glacier National Park.

You will be meeting with your guide the evening before the trip starts for a final gear check. We will go over last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions) and logistic for the following day(s). We will also sign a liability waiver.

Services Included

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified IFMGA guide and /or ACMG Ski guide service
• Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)

Not included in price:

• Personal ski and avalanche safety equipment
• Meals, lunches & accommodation while on the trip
• Day Wilderness Passes
• National Park visitor pass
• Trip cancellation, adventure travel insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Where can I rent Ski touring and safety equipment?

Summit Mountain Guides has a limited amount of winter safety equipment available for rental. Contact us for availability. Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson, Revelstoke and Golden that supply good service, quality outdoor equipment and gear rental. Please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Nelson:

Rivers Oceans and Mountains: (250) 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (250) 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca
Gericks: (250) 354-4622 www.gericks.com

Revelstoke:

Valhalla Pure Outfitters: (250) 837 5517 www.shop.vpo.ca

Golden:

180 Mountain Sports: (250)344-4699 www.180golden.com
Selkirk Source for Sports: (250) 344-2966

Skis, Telemark or Split Boards?

Which should you use? If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine Touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier or Snowboarder should you bring Telemark or Split Board gear. All types of gear can be rented prior to your day trip.  There are three types of backcountry systems you can use:

Alpine Touring skis are essentially downhill skis with a special touring binding which allows the heel to lift whilst going uphill or across the flats and then ‘locks down’ to become a regular downhill safety binding. We recommend this system to anyone with a background of downhill skiing who is not already an advanced telemark skier. 

Telemark skis. These should only be used for this program if you are at least an advanced-intermediate telemark skier with some backcountry experience. This system is more difficult and less forgiving than the others.

Snowboarding with a Split Board is the most effective way to snowboard in the back country. We recommend this system to advanced snowboarder over snowshoeing.

Haute Route

The original multi day ski traverse between Chamonix and Zermatt. Experience the merging of mountain beauty and culture, this popular tour offers fantastic ski ascents and descents on high elevation glaciated terrain while staying in cozy mountain huts.

This classic tour is a great introduction to ski touring in the Alps. The Haute Route is a 9 day program with 7 days of ski touring, best done in April & May.

Itinerary

Below is a sample itinerary for the “Classic” Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt via the Valsorey and the “Plateau du Couloir”. We also offer the more modern 9 day itinerary via Verbier, contact us for more details. The Valsorey route requires slightly more mountaineering skills and is more exposed to avalanche hazard than the Verbier variation.

To break the ice and get a chance to acclimatize before your trip starts, we recommend that you join your guide for a fantastic day tour and descent of the famous “Vallée Blanche” from L’aiguille du Midi near Chamonix. Contact us for more details about this option.

Chamonix-Zermatt via the Valsorey:

Day 1: Meet with your guide(s) for trip briefing, equipment check and dinner. We will spend the night in a hotel in the Chamonix Valley.

Day 2: We will take the 1st cable car to the Grand Montet (3300m) and descent to the Argentiere Glacier (about 2700m) and traverse across the glacier to the Argentiere hut (2770m=9085ft). 170m = 560’ climb, 650m = 2130’ descent, 4 km, 2.5 hrs.

Day 3: Climb up to the Col Du Chardonnet (3323m), ski down to Switzerland. Climb back up to the Fenetre de Saleina (3267m). Ski down the upper Trient glacier to the Refuge du Trient (3240m). 1000m = 3300’ climb, 550m = 1800’ descent, 10km, 6 hrs.

Day 4: Descent on the steep lower Trient Glacier to the Fenetre des Chamois (2985m), through and down the other side steeply to Val d’Arpette and eventually the little village of Champex (1470m). 1570m = 5150’ descent, 9 km, 3 hrs. Taxi Ride from Champex to Bourg St. Pierre (30 min) and lodging in town with an opportunity to buy lunch food etc. for the next few days.

Day 5: After an early start, we will ascend through the lovely Valsorey to the Valsorey Hut (3037m = 9960ft.), 1400m = 4600’ climb, 8km, 7 hrs.

Day 6: A steep climb to the Plateau du Couloir (3664m) leads to a magnificent descent on the Durrand Glacier towards the Lac de Mauvoisin and back up to the Refuge Chanrion (2460m=8070ft). 940m = 3090’ climb, 1510m = 4950’ descent, 12km, 7 hrs.
Note: This is one of the crux days on the classic haute route which requires both good snow stability and stable weather. Itinerary may be re-routed through Verbier if these conditions are not optimal.

Day 7: A ski ascent of the Glacier Brenay to the summit of the stunning Pigne d’Arolla (3800m = 12500ft) offering great views of the entire traverse. Descent to the Cabane Vignette (3185m=10450ft). 1330m = 4360’ climb, 640m = 1340’ descent, 10km, 7 hrs.

Day 8: The famous 3 Col Traverse is probably the best day of the whole trip! Via Col de l’Eveque (3392m), Col de Mont Brulee (3213m) and Col de Valpelline (3568m) and a long, glaciated descent underneath the impressive North Face of the Matterhorn all the way into Zermatt. There we will spend our last night in a hotel. 1120m = 3675’ climb, 2670m = 8760’ decent, 25km, 8 hrs.

Day 9: Group breakfast and individual travel back home.

Prerequisites

This is an intermediate to advanced program.  Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on previous experience and ability.  Prior experience with Summit Mountain Guides is an asset as it helps you anticipate the difficulty and style of our program. Please contact us to discuss your specific ski background.

Equipment

Click here for the equipment list

Weather

Spring mountain weather in the Alps can vary wildly from -15C to +10C in the day . Visibility may be poor with whiteout conditions when snowing heavily or clear on bluebird days.  Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation can change within the day.

Location

The group will be meeting with the guide in Chamonix the day before the trip start. We will go over last minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.

Services Included

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified IFMGA guide service
• 3 Hotel nights; Chamonix, Bourg St-Pierre & Zermatt, including Breakfast
• Luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt
• Grand Montet Lift fee in Argentiere
• All hut fees with Breakfast and Dinners
• Taxi transfer from Champex to Bourg St-Pierre
• Group safety equipment (communication device, rescue kit, first aid supplies, GPS, maps)
• Alternative plan based on current conditions

Not included in price:

• Lunch, alcohol & snacks
• Dinner in Chamonix and Zermatt pre/post trip
• Personal ski touring & technical equipment
• Any additional lifts, train & taxi costs related to a plan change
• The Furi lift to Zermatt if snow cover prevents from skiing down
• Extra charges for single room while lodging in the Valley
• Transportation and lodging costs prior to meeting
• Trip cancellation, adventure travel & rescue insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Alpine Ski-touring or Telemark gear? Which should you use?

If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you use Telemark gear.

Spring skiing the high alpine of the European Alps offers variable snow conditions. On one particular run things may go from perfect powder to challenging breakable crust and or variable wind affected snow.  When compounded, the variable snow conditions, the long ski touring days and the large day packs all call towards the use of an easier skiing set up like alpine touring.

The Haute Route provide a fantastic mountain travel experience. The skis become a travelling medium in the greater goal of getting from A to B. Alpine touring makes for fast and efficient travel hence contributing to a safer and more successful experience.

Mount Logan

Mount Logan, 5960m above see level, is located in the remote St. Elias Range of North Western Canada in the Yukon Territory. It is the crown jewel of Kluane National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Logan is the highest peak in Canada, and though second in North America only to Mount McKinley, is a more spectacular mountain without the crowds. This 20day ski mountaineering expedition is serious and rewarding, it is best done in late May and early June.

The Ski Mountaineering route of choice up Mount Logan is the famous King’s trench. This route features generally straightforward ski touring terrain on large broken glaciers and involves winter camping at high altitude. The ascent gradually climbs 3500m over 23kms, from base camp to summit, and offers a fantastic panorama on some of the biggest glaciers in the world. 

Itinerary

The weather and conditions will have a significant effect on our exact itinerary.  Below is a sample itinerary from Anchorage, Alaska. Flying-in from Alaska provides the most reliable and timely access to the mountain. There are almost never any weather delays or other groups waiting in a queue when flying in or out from Alaska. We also offer this trip from the Canadian side via Whitehorse and Kluane Lake, contact us for more details on this option. 

The ascent of mount Logan via the King’s Trench is a high altitude ski tour with no technical climbing. It gradually climbs 3500m over 23kms, from base camp to summit, and offers a fantastic panorama of some of the biggest glaciers in the world. From our Base-camp at 2800m, our ski ascent will gradually take us up the King’ Trench to King Col (4000m). The lower angle nature of this section will allow us to pull a lot of our supplies with sleds right up to King col (camp 2). From King Col to our high camp near Prospector Col (5500m), we will be carrying supplies and equipment with our back packs. On this section we will ascend no more than 600m per days using the “carry high-sleep low” method. This method combined with some strategic rest days will help the team acclimatize properly to higher elevation. From our high camp, we will wait for the best weather window to make an attempt to the main summit (5960m/19560’). If the team acclimatize well and the weather cooperates with our progress, we should have a full week worth of supplies and time at high camp for our summit bid.

Here is a sample itinerary:

• Day 1 (Pre-trip meeting): We will meet at 4pm on the first day of the trip at a predetermine location in Anchorage, Alaska. We will share a relaxing dinner followed by a final gear check. We will go over last minute changes (weather & avalanche conditions) and logistic for the following day(s). We will also sign a liability waiver
• Day 2: We will take a 4 hour shuttle east to Chitna and fly to the beautiful Ultima Thule lodge where we will spend one last civilized night before heading into the mountains for 20days. We will likely camp out in our tents here but will benefit from the Lodge generous cuisine. This will also provide one last opportunity to pack and review our gear before setting off
• Day 3: After an early breakfast, we will fly to the Alaska-Yukon border and ski 9kms across a flat glacier to the King Trench Base-camp. This will give us an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with our equipment while enjoying some fine views of Mount Logan

• Day 4-20: These days will be spent ascending the mountain. Here is the strategy we will use on the mountain: From our Base-camp at 2800m, our ski ascent will gradually take us up the King’ Trench to King Col (4000m). The lower angle nature of this section will allow us to pull a lot of our supplies with sleds right up to King col (camp 2). From King Col to our high camp near Prospector Col (5500m), we will be carrying supplies and equipment with our back packs. On this section we will ascend no more than 600m per days using the “carry high-sleep low” method. This method combined with some strategic rest days will help the team acclimatize properly to higher elevation. From our high camp, we will wait for the best weather window to make an attempt to the main summit (5960m/19560’). If the team acclimatize well and the weather cooperates with our progress, we should have a full week worth of supplies and time at our high camp for our summit bid.
• Day 21-22: The descent down the mountain, back across to our pick-up location at the Alaska-Yukon border and flight out to Chitna will take about 2 days. From the Chitna air strip, we will drive 45minutes to the beautiful Copper River Princess Lodge for a well deserved shower, group Dinner and celebratory evening.
• Day 23: Shuttle back to Anchorage by 11am.*Program could end 1 to 2 days earlier.

 

A successful ascent up mount Logan is not guarantied. Whether we successfully climb to the summit or not depends on many factor including: the weather, avalanche & snow conditions along with individual participants fitness level. We are experienced guides & passionate mountain climbers. While keeping safety as a top priority, we will do our best to reach the summit with as many participants as possible. In our mind, a successful expedition is one which you safely return from to tell the tales.

Prerequisites

This is an advance ski mountaineering program.  You must have previous overnight winter camping experience and be an advanced intermediate downhill skier. Previous high altitude mountaineering experience is an important asset. Guests are responsible to self evaluate their skills as groups need to be matched together based on prior experience and ability.

Prior experience with Summit Mountain Guides is not required however it is highly recommended. This helps you anticipate the difficulty and style of our programs. It also contribute to building a better relationship with the guide before heading out on a long remote trip. Please contact us to discuss your goals & background.

Equipment

Click here for the Equipment List

Weather

The weather on Mount Logan generally comes from the Gulf of Alaska, 90km away, to the Southwest. Due to its close proximity to the ocean and high latitude, the weather on Logan is a mix of moist maritime pattern with cold arctic temperatures.

It is not uncommon to have big snow storms with very high winds, even in the Spring. The temperatures can vary widely in the springtime. They usually range from –15C overnight to 0C during the day. At higher elevation, temperatures will be colder and often drop below -30C overnight.

Location

The Mount Logan massif is located in the Southwest corner of the Yukon Territory in Western Canada, just above the 60th parallel. The massif is inside Kluane National Park and is the crown-jewel of the St-Elias Mountains. Logan is difficult to reach by foot as it is surrounded by some of the largest glaciers in the world and that it is 140km from the nearest road. Due to the remoteness of this expedition, the higher altitude and latitudes encountered, careful preparation is required.

The starting point of this expedition will be Anchorage, Alaska. From Anchorage we will take a 4 hour shuttle Eastward to the small village of Chitna. From the Chitna airstrip, we will fly to the mountain by ski plane. The King Trench base camp is only 9km from the Alaska-Yukon border. Flying-in from the Alaska provides the most reliable and timely access to the mountain. There are almost never any weather delays or other groups waiting in a queue when flying in or out from this side.

Services Included

• Pre-trip planning support
• Fully certified IFMGA guide service
• Shuttle from Anchorage to Chitna, return
• Ski plane access fees from Chitna, return
• Winter camping equipment (tents, stoves and cooking supplies)
• All Breakfast and Dinners while on trip
• 2 hotel nights (1 before & 1 after the trip)
• Park Permits and Liability Insurance
• Group safety equipment (satellite phone, ropes, rescue kit, high altitude 1st aid kit, GPS, maps)
• Alternative plan based on current conditions

Not included in price:

• Lunch, alcohol & snacks
• Personal ski and technical equipment
• Air travel to/from Anchorage
• Any additional costs related to itinerary changes
• Trip cancellation insurance, adventure travel/rescue insurance, medical insurance

FAQ

Alpine Ski-touring or Telemark gear? Which should you use?

If you are a downhill skier then you should use Alpine touring gear. Only if you are already an advanced Telemark skier should you use Telemark gear.

Spring skiing the high alpine environment offers variable snow conditions. On one particular run things may go from perfect powder to challenging breakable crust and or variable wind affected snow.  When compounded, the variable snow conditions, the long ski touring days and the large day packs all call towards the use of an easier skiing set up like alpine touring.

Mount Logan provide a fantastic mountain travel experience. The skis become a traveling medium in the greater goal of getting from A to B. Alpine touring makes for fast and efficient travel hence contributing to a safer and more successful experience.

Summit Mountain Guides