Little Switzerland Trip Itinerary

Day 1 TRAVEL

Meet the guides at Anchorage International Airport 

Transportation to Talkeetna is included in the program. We’ll stop at a grocery store in Wasilla, for the opportunity to purchase any food you’d like to bring on the mountain. Overnight in Talkeetna.

Day 2 PRE-TRIP PREPARATION AND TRAINING

After a breakfast meeting we begin our preparation at TAT hangar where the team will go through personal equipment checks. Final recommendations and suggestions concerning gear will be made at that time. The team will prepare group food and equipment for the glacier flight. Instruction regarding Leave No Trace practices and environmental considerations will be made as well. After all is made ready we begin shuttling members into the Pika Glacier, weather permitting. This spectacular scenic flight requires approximately 35 minutes, one way. Once at Little Switzerland Base Camp we build our base camp and kitchen 

Day 3 TRAINING

At Little Switzerland Base Camp we review the foundational glacier travel skills that allow travel and access to more varied terrain. Skills reviewed on this day include: knots, harness, carabiner and avalanche transceiver use, proper use of the ice axe for balance and self and team arrest, cramponing on moderate terrain, and the basics of roped glacier travel. We spend the afternoon learning how to construct a variety of anchors for use in belaying, rappelling, crevasse rescue and rock rescue.

Other discussions take place throughout the seminar and cover a variety of mountaineering topics such as: mountain medicine and wellness, weather, route finding and navigation, route planning, self care and the art of climbing efficiently.

Days 4-8 ALPINE CLIMBING

We will spend the following 5 days on the high-quality granite found near Base Camp, as well as on some of the steep snow coulouirs attempting the summits of the multiple peaks that contour around the Pika Glacier. Additionally and simultaneously, we will seek every opportunity to work on your movement skills, gear placement, and anchor construction

The evenings are devoted to route planning for the next day’s climbing objective.

Day 9 PARTICIPANT-LED CLIMBS

With route plans, and our rock and ice gear in hand we head out for a day of climbing with the students taking the lead. Everyone will get a chance to be on the front of the rope, navigating through the crevasse fields, kicking steps up the snow gullies, determining the best climbing line and placing the protection.

Day 10 Dismantle Camp and fly out

Our last morning on the glacier is comprised of packing camp and moving back to the flight staging area. We fly from the Pika Glacier to Talkeetna for a celebratory dinner. Overnight in Talkeetna or continue to Anchorage

Day 11 TRAVEL Morning transfer to Anchorage for afternoon flights.

Training & Follow Up Climbs

As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip.

Before Your Trip

The Alaska Alpine program requires our participants to have previous, but not extensive technical climbing experience.  At a minimum, participants should have climbed in a gym or a crag and be familiar with belying with an ATC.

Please get in touch with our office if you have any questions about your fitness or technical requirements for this trip.

For the Little Swiss Alpine Progra you should be ready for:

• Climbing technical rock in the 5.8 YDS
• 12 hour summit days on the longer objectives
• Fickle weather, cold and warm temperatures, delays, and other factors beyond our control

Follow Up Climbs

• Ruth Gorge Customs
• Backcountry Ice Seminar
• Long’s Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park

Anchorage & Talkeetna, Alaska: Getting There

Talkeetna, Alaska is the gateway to Denali National Park and the myriad of mountaineering objectives found within.  The small historic town swells during the climbing season (April – July) as mountaineers from all backgrounds attempt climbs in the Alaska Range.  The town boasts a few good restaurants, hotels, and plenty of small planes!

The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Anchorage, Alaska.  We will pick you up at the airport in a private rental car. We will pick you up at the airport or at your hotel and will provide transportation for the remainder of the trip.

Driving to Alaska is an experience like no other.  If you’re into the “full experience” consider driving up to Alaska on the AlCan.  It might just turn out to be the highlight of your trip! We will pick you up at the airport or at your hotel and will provide transportation for the remainder of the trip.

• Seattle, WA to Anchorage, AK: 34 hours driving
• Ouray, CO to Anchorage, AK: 48 hours driving

If flying into Anchorage early you’ll want to arrange lodging for at least 1 night in Anchorage.  Beyond that we’ll be staying in Talkeetna for 1 night.  We arrange for lodging in Talkeetna, typically at The Hideaway.

• The Courtyard Marriot @ Airport
• The Hideaway – Talkeetna, AK

Program Policies

Registration & Cancellation

Advance Registration is required for this program.  You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System.  All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.

Inclusions

• Guiding and trip leadership with an AMGA Trained Guide
• Round trip transportation from Anchorage to Talkeetna
• 1 night of lodging in Talkeetna
• All mountain food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the glacier)
• Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, etc.)
• Group climbing and technical equipment (ropes, etc.)

Exclusions

• Transportation to Anchorage, AK
• Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
• Guide gratuity
• Lunch food or snacks
• Personal hiking/climbing clothing
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
• Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides