MCCARTHY CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
On the Edge of Blue: Ice Climbing the Root Glacier
A full-day, guided ice-climbing experience on the Root Glacier that welcomes all skill levels and lays out what to expect for a 9-hour adventure.
On the Edge of Blue: Ice Climbing the Root Glacier.
Climb vertical walls of clear, blue ice on the Root Glacier beneath the Wrangell–Saint Elias skyline. This guided day trip delivers concentrated alpine exposure and hands-on instruction in a spectacular glacial landscape—an accessible way for newcomers and experienced climbers alike to test tools and technique on real ice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Root Glacier’s Ice Walls
The route centers on climbing the dramatic ice formations of the Root Glacier—breathtaking, sculpted walls that define the trip’s landscape and push climbers into pure vertical terrain.
Welcome to All Skill Levels
The itinerary is structured so that no prior ice-climbing experience is required; the trip accommodates a range of abilities and focuses on introducing climbers to ice techniques in a guided setting.
A Full 9-Hour Immersion
This is a full-day, 9-hour outing that gives participants ample time to approach, practice, and climb multiple pitches of ice under professional guidance.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a focused, hands-on day on the glacier: approach the ice, learn and practice swinging axes and placing tools, then climb protected ice features under the direction of your guides. The setting is intensely glacial—blue ice, seracs and frozen walls—packaged into a single, instructive day that emphasizes skill-building and safe exposure.
THE GLACIER
Root Glacier’s Ice Walls
The route centers on climbing the dramatic ice formations of the Root Glacier—breathtaking, sculpted walls that define the trip’s landscape and push climbers into pure vertical terrain.
THE ACCESSIBILITY
Welcome to All Skill Levels
The itinerary is structured so that no prior ice-climbing experience is required; the trip accommodates a range of abilities and focuses on introducing climbers to ice techniques in a guided setting.
THE DAY
A Full 9-Hour Immersion
This is a full-day, 9-hour outing that gives participants ample time to approach, practice, and climb multiple pitches of ice under professional guidance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No prior ice-climbing experience is required; consult the operator’s trip page for the operator’s recommended clothing and specific gear checklist for the outing.
The outing is a 9-hour experience—plan your day around a full, guided session on the glacier.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ice-climbing trip?
The trip is a 9-hour outing.
Do I need prior ice-climbing experience?
No prior ice-climbing experience is required; the trip welcomes climbers of all skill levels.
Who runs this trip?
The operator is St. Elias Alpine Guides.
What are the published rates?
Published rates are $197 for adults (ages 13+), $177 for children (ages 12 and under); private group pricing is available with published per-party rates.
Are private groups an option?
Yes. Private group pricing is offered with specific rates for 1–5 people and an additional per-person rate beyond five.
Are there any physical requirements?
Participants must be in good physical condition to join the trip.