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Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Alaska, USA

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the thrill of Backcountry Ice Climbing with NOVA’s expert guides! Whether you're a beginner or looking to try something new, our introductory ice climbing experience offers an accessible and exciting way to challenge yourself in the stunning surroundings of the Matanuska Glacier. No prior experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn!

Join the original guiding company on the Matanuska Glacier, founded over 30 years ago, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers. You’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line gear, and our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need to safely learn the fundamentals of ice climbing. Explore the glacier’s frozen landscape as you climb its ice walls, gaining new skills while taking in breathtaking views of this natural wonder.

Let’s go—reach new heights and experience the thrill of ice climbing on the Matanuska Glacier!

What's Included

  • Shuttle transportation to and from the activity.
  • Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes
  • Professional climbing guide
  • Lunch
  • Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
  • Gratuity for Guide
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

38100 Glenn Highway
Glacier View, AK 99674, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The Matanuska Glacier is a massive 26-mile-long advancing valley glacier located in the Chugach Mountains, just 100 miles north of Anchorage. It provides the perfect setting for an introductory ice climbing experience, with easily accessible, shallow vertical ice walls ideal for beginners and intermediate climbers.

This is a basic ice climbing session, focusing on lower-angle walls and heights of 50+ feet. All systems use top anchor setups, which our guides will take a few minutes to prepare. Once the anchors and ropes are in place, your guide will harness you up, go over safety protocols, and explain the fundamentals of climbing before you start your climb!

To reach the climbing areas, you’ll embark on a challenging trek from the vehicle parking lot. The trail crosses the rocky moraine and takes you past the glacier’s front face, all the way to the rarely explored backcountry.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 65 yrs
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Shoe size: Min US 5M, 4.5W, Max US 14M

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-453454P4

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Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Shuttle transportation to and from the activity.
  • Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes
  • Professional climbing guide
  • Lunch
  • Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
  • Gratuity for Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers over 250lbs, under 100lbs
  • Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 65 yrs
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Shoe size: Min US 5M, 4.5W, Max US 14M
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT).

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