Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb
Overview
Discover the thrill of 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 to the glacier terminus
- Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes
- Professional climbing guide
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
- Food & drinks
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Gratuity for Guide
Meeting Location
38100 Glenn Highway
Glacier View, AK 99674, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
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 with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 70 yrs
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Shoe size: Min US 5M, 4.5W, Max US 14M
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-453454P4
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Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Key West Private Charters customers.
Filter by:
- 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 (AKST).
- Shuttle to the glacier terminus.
- Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes.
- Professional climbing guide.
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30.
- Food & drinks.
- Transportation from Anchorage.
- Gratuity for Guide.
The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 70 yrs
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Matanuska Glacier Backcountry Ice Climb will be included in your confirmation email from Key West Private Charters. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Shuttle to the glacier terminus
- Helmet, boots, crampons, harness, ice axes
- Professional climbing guide
- Matanuska Glacier Park entrance fee: Teens (13-16): $25 , Adults (17+): $55 , Alaska Residents, Military and Seniors (65+): $30
- Food & drinks
- Transportation from Anchorage
- Gratuity for Guide
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 with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers under 100lbs, over 250lbs
- Not recommended for travelers under 12 yrs, over 70 yrs
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Shoe size: Min US 5M, 4.5W, Max US 14M
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
