MCCARTHY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Seven Days to Alaska’s High Country: An Introductory Mountaineering Course Out of McCarthy
A 7‑day, instructor‑led course (including five backcountry days) that teaches core alpine climbing skills in the vast landscapes around McCarthy, Alaska.
Seven Days to Alaska’s High Country: An Introductory Mountaineering Course Out of McCarthy.
From the tiny settlement of McCarthy, this seven‑day introduction places you into Alaska’s high country for five immersive backcountry days—an intensive primer on ropework, travel on snow and ice, and navigation while guided by experienced instructors.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Five days deep in Alaska’s backcountry
The course includes five full backcountry days, placing participants in remote alpine terrain and wide, glaciated landscapes around McCarthy for sustained skills practice and route travel.
Hands‑on mountaineering instruction
Over the seven‑day course you’ll hone climbing and backcountry techniques under expert guidance—focused, practical training designed to build competence on snow, ice, and mixed terrain.
Join a group or book a private trip
St. Elias Alpine Guides offers scheduled group departures as well as private and custom trips, so you can sign up for a set date or arrange a tailored course with a private party.
What the day feels like
What the course feels like
Expect a structured week that mixes classroom briefings and hands‑on field sessions. The rhythm of the course is set around five consecutive backcountry days framed by arrival and wrap‑up days in McCarthy, with guides leading practical exercises that build toward confident, independent movement in alpine terrain.
THE LANDSCAPE
Five days deep in Alaska’s backcountry
The course includes five full backcountry days, placing participants in remote alpine terrain and wide, glaciated landscapes around McCarthy for sustained skills practice and route travel.
THE SKILLS
Hands‑on mountaineering instruction
Over the seven‑day course you’ll hone climbing and backcountry techniques under expert guidance—focused, practical training designed to build competence on snow, ice, and mixed terrain.
THE LOGISTICS
Join a group or book a private trip
St. Elias Alpine Guides offers scheduled group departures as well as private and custom trips, so you can sign up for a set date or arrange a tailored course with a private party.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits best and how party size affects booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a seven‑day course with five backcountry days. Scheduled group trip windows include dates in late June and mid‑August (see operator listings for specific annual dates).
The operator maintains a detailed equipment list linked on the trip page; consult that list for technical clothing, boots and personal gear requirements before departure.
Group and private rates are published by the operator; private trips with custom dates are available by contacting the operator or Expedition Coordinator to arrange a tailored departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Intro to Alaska Mountaineering Course?
The course runs seven days total and includes five backcountry days.
When are the scheduled group trip dates?
The operator lists group trip windows—refer to the trip listing for current scheduled dates (examples include late‑June and mid‑August group departures).
What is the group rate?
The published group rate is $2,770 per person (listed under the operator’s group rates).
Are private trips available and how are they priced?
Yes. Private trips with custom dates are available; published private pricing is tiered (for example, solo private, two‑person, three‑to‑six person tiers, and larger group rates).
Where can I find the full equipment list and more trip details?
The operator’s trip page includes a complete equipment list and additional trip details; their FAQ page also provides further information.
Who operates the course?
The course is run by St. Elias Alpine Guides out of McCarthy, Alaska.