Backpacking in July

 We are offering three backpacking courses this summer.

Hike high in the tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains. Learn how to route find, adjust to the weather and terrain, choose and set up a cozy camp, cook delicious meals, and experience world-class scenery.

To apply, send in an AMS course application. 

Backpacking Courses

Talkeetna Mountains
4-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$3,100, July 5 - 8 

8-Day Backpacking 
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$4,600, July 12 - 19

14-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$5,600, July 10 - 23

You should be fit and able to carry a backpack weighing 35-40 pounds. Camping experience is not required, but a willingness to learn is!

7 Day Mountaineering Course Returns

Our Custom 7 Day mountaineering course led by Tyler Thompson returned early due to the tremendous snowfall in the Alaska Range. There was a small window to fly out and the duo decided to take it. A good call since it has been raining and snowing here in Talkeetna, elevation 370 feet, every day, so we know they are getting lots of snow at 5,000 feet and higher.

Their lessons continue here at AMS headquarters.

Brian and  Guide, Tyler, flew into the Ruth Glacier on a sunny day

They got a lot of practice packing down the runway for their pickup.

AMS Headquarters yesterday, 4/22

Training continues on slighter drier and firmer land.

Kahiltna Peaks Returns and 7-Day Mountaineering Launches!

The Kahiltna Peaks Expedition with Guide Tad McCrea took advantage of a small weather window and came out of the range today.  It had been socked in for days, with more in the forecast, so they all decided on an early return. They came back with smiles, stories and clearly enjoyed their time on the Kahiltna Glacier!

Jen, Guide Tad, and James relaxing in the tent!

The 7-Day Mountaineering Course with Instructor Tyler Thompson waited for their window to fly to the Pika Glacier, but as conditions did not open enough, they pivoted to Glacier 1 and made it into the Range.  They will be busy for the next 7 days working on camp skills, avalanche awareness, glacier travel and crevasse rescue work and lots more.

 

Brian and Instructor Tyler

A Few Spaces Available for McKinley / Denali

If you are ready to climb North America's highest peak we got you covered!

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days  

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides  

There is space available on the following AMS expeditions:

May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available

June 2 - June 23, 1 space available

June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available

Link to Application: Expedition Application

We can also accommodate a custom expedition. Contact our office for more information.

Day One - Kahiltna Peaks Climb

Tad McCrea's team arrived yesterday afternoon and moved directly to the east fork of the Kahiltna to make their base camp. Today, they are evaluating climbing conditions on the route. They will also continue to storm-proof their camp by building walls around their tents and making a cozy kitchen. Here's a few images from last season:

You can be quite comfortable camping on snow and ice! And it is great to come back to your well built camp after a day of climbing. Right now, there are almost 15 hours of daylight! We are gaining about 5 minutes of light each day. Sunset tonight is at 9:27 PM. It makes it a lot easier to climb when you are not up against darkness.

The Kahiltna peaks form the physical barrier between the east and northeast forks of the Kahiltna Glacier. Historically, these peaks have seen minimal traffic as climbers are often focused on the larger surrounding objectives such as Denali, Mount Foraker and Mount Hunter. 

East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier with surrounding Kahiltna Peaks

Whoop! Kahiltna Peaks Expedition really flies to the Kahiltna glacier!

 The Kahiltna Peaks Expedition, led by Tad McCrea with climbers Jen and James, is a stellar team.

After a couple of nights of the infamous Talkeetna hang, they woke to blue skies and flew into Kahiltna Basecamp this morning.

Jen, Guide Tad McCrea, and James at Talkeetna Airport.

The past two days they dialed in some skills and are ready to hit the ground... climbing! This team is stoked and arrived well prepared for the objectives of steeper, sustained climbing. They landed on the East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier to climb East Kahiltna Peak. They remain flexible with all their best-laid plans; there's lots to climb and explore from KBC, so they are bound to have an excellent time. They sure do have the right mindsets. 

We will keep you posted! 

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition Begins and Expedition and Course Availability

Join us this season in the Alaska Range - April - July 2026 will be full of adventures!

The Alaska Range Season has begun!

Today, the Kahiltna Peaks Expedition packed up and is ready! The weather didn't cooperate for them to fly in today, so the Talkeetna Hang has begun. This crew, with Jen (notable alumnus from our 2015 April 6-day intro course) and James, led by Tad McCrea, has a noteworthy and well-prepared mindset for climbing in the Alaska Range. Photos of them will be posted tomorrow. :-)

2026 AVAILABITY

Big Mountain Expeditions: McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

Windy Corner on the West Buttress Route

$12,700, 22 days  

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides  

Just a few spaces available on the following AMS scheduled expeditions:

* May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available - led by Kieth Sidle

* June 2 - June 23, 1 space available - led by Simon Frez-Albrecht

* June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available - led by Tate Hughes

We have several inquiries for these climber positions; spaces are given to qualified climbers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Link to: Expedition Application

If you are interested in a custom climb on Denali or other Alaska Range Peaks, we can help! There is a lifetime of mountains to be explored up here. Contact our office for more information.

Mountaineering Courses: Beginner to Advanced Skill levels and customized trips! 

Course locations provide the most epic Alaska Range views!

Currently, all courses on our 2026 schedule have availability. Now is a great time to apply! 

Link to: Course Application

Upcoming Courses:

* 12-Day: May 3-14, 3 spaces available - led by David Kerner

* 6-Day: May 5-10, 4 spaces available - led by Ayla Loper

* Denali Prep Course: May 20- 29, 2 spaces available - led by Ben Olwell

April and May Custom Ski Courses and Ski Guided Alaska Range Trips are available, contact us with your group size and desired dates and we will send you a quote!