Everest 2006
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Mt. Hunter Expedition
Fly into the heart of the Alaska Range and climb Mt. Hunter, a challenging mixed climb via the West Ridge!
Anchorage: We meet in Anchorage at a local Bed and Breakfast, go over equipment, and have an opportunity to pick up any last minute gear at REI or Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking. Then out for dinner. The next day we travel to…
Talkeetna: We’ll drive up to Talkeetna in a hired van for the flights onto the glacier. We’ll plan time here after the expedition to see and explore this colorful Alaska town. We plan to fly directly into the glacier, weather permitting.
Kahiltna Glacier: Off to the Kahiltna Glacier in a ski equipped 185 Cessna. Depending on snow conditions we’ll either land at the base of the West ridge or on the SE fork of the Kahiltna at the normal base camp for expeditions climbing the West Buttress on McKinley. Our base camp will be at the base of a glacier falling off the west ridge at the start of our route.
Expedition Training: We’ll spend at least a day going over glacier travel and climbing techniques with everyone before starting the climb. This is the perfect trip to gain more experience in alpine snow and ice climbing, expedition strategy, and snow condition assessment in a cold weather environment. Mt. Hunter offers an experience similar to Mt. Rainer in the winter, in a remote alpine region without the extreme seriousness that McKinley can have. A challenging climb, at moderate altitude, a perfect training environment and of course, a lot of fun!
The West Ridge route: This is one of the Alaska Range’s classic alpine climbs. Depending on the snow conditions we plan on one of 2 approach routes to the start of the west ridge. The NW approach to the west ridge is our first choice being more direct, but this is not always possible. The first part of this route follows a moderately steep glacier up to the West Ridge. We will carry a load up near the base first, and then move camp. From this camp its right up a steep couloir and small rib to the main ridge, we may use fixed lines on this section. We place a camp soon after reaching the ridge. From here it’s up steeper ice pitches mixed with lower angle ridge sections along the ridge. From there to the summit varies from easier angle ridge climbing (hard trail breaking) to exposed traversing (in probably deep marginal snow) as we climb along the crest of the ridge threading our way past some large cornices and steeper ice sections. We’ll most likely alpine style up to a higher camp along the ridge, then onto the top. There’s a large upper bowl near the summit that again will probably be deep snow. Then back via the same route.
Fly back to Talkeetna and Anchorage: After flying back out, we normally have time to relax and see more of Talkeetna. Plan some time to visit Denali National Park, go fishing or rafting while in Alaska. Lots to see and do here both before and after the trip, including: scenic flights, rafting, fishing, or renting a car for a short tour of Portage Lake, Alyeska, Seward or Homer. The Denali National Park is accessible via the Alaska Railroad. A few days to see these areas are well worth the time.
Included: Transportation to/from Talkeetna, experienced Alaska guides, food at base camp and on the climb, all group climbing/camping equipment, 1 to 3 guide ratio maximum on climbs.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Anchorage, personal equipment, food and lodging in Anchorage and Talkeetna, Charter airfare to/from the Kahiltna Glacier.
Length: 14 days Anchorage to Anchorage.
Difficulty: Difficult mixed snow and ice climbing and glacier travel with heavy packs, multiple load carries, and extreme cold temperatures.
Altitude: Moderate altitude to the summit of Mt. Hunter at 14, 573 ft. Base camp elevation is approximately 7,000 ft.
Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.