Backcountry Skills Seminar

Interested in joining us for a Backcountry Skills Seminar in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park? Here’s what you can expect when you join us!

What you’ll cover during your Backcountry Skills Seminar with your guide will vary depending on your needs. Since this is a private excursion, it is 100% customizable! Once you meet your guide, you’ll discuss expectations, and the day will get started!

Typically, your day will start in McCarthy at our historic Motherlode Powerhouse. The first lesson will cover learning to read and safely cross the swift glacial rivers commonly found in Alaska. McCarthy Creek will be your training ground, where you can put the lessons into practice.

You’ll dry off, warm up, and then travel to the historic mining town of Kennecott. From here, you transition from lessons of water to ice. The Root Glacier provides a perfect “classroom” to learn about glaciers, glacier travel, crampon and ice ax techniques, and various improvisational techniques! Ideally, you’ll have your own crampons to practice with, but we can loan you a pair if needed.

After mastering basic glacier travel, you and your guide will leave the ice to discuss bears. The black and grizzly bears that make their home in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park are magnificent, wild creatures. They demand respect and it is essential that backpackers and hikers practice responsible bear techniques when visiting the park. This will help ensure that the bears remain wild and are there for future generations to enjoy. Interpreting bear behavior, camp setup, food storage, and emergency techniques are all covered in this portion of the seminar. You’ll also have a chance to test-fire your bear spray and discuss the function of bear canisters.

The Backcountry Skills Seminar provides information and training essential for safe hiking and backpacking in Alaska. Although the day is long, the skills and techniques that you will learn are required knowledge for responsible backpackers and hikers enjoying the wilderness of WSENP. Remember when packing that there is no place to rent or buy gear in McCarthy, so please come prepared!

We do not recommend trekking poles for the glacier portion of your trek. Trekking poles can be helpful for the hike to the glacier, but are not required or necessary for all hikers. If you decide to bring trekking poles with you for your trek, please make sure they can easily break down so that you can store them on/in your pack while exploring the glacier.

We’re happy to say that the Root Glacier is a Valley Glacier, making access far easier than if it were high in the mountains. In fact, you will actually lose elevation to access the glacier! You’ll start your hike at roughly 2,000 feet and over the course of your day, you won’t gain or lose much more than 200 feet.

Tipping is customary in the guiding industry and always appreciated. While our guides are paid professionals, gratuities help make guiding a sustainable career. A good guideline is 10–20% of the trip cost—typically $10–$35 per person for day trips, and 10–20% of the total cost given at the end for multi-day trips. Tips can be given in cash, via Venmo, or by card. If your trip includes a flight, please tip your pilot separately, as any pre-tips go directly to your guide.

WSENP is located in Southeast-Central Alaska, about 300mi East of Anchorage and on the Canadian border.

Yes, you do need to bring your own lunch.

You’re welcome to reserve a Snack Pack or purchase one at our office. Due to item availability (and the remote nature of McCarthy), substitutions may occur. They typically include:

• Nuts
• Beef jerky
• Granola bar
• Candy bar
• Fruit snacks
• Fruit leather
• Rice Krispie Treat
• Snack crackers