Climbing Glaciers in Alaska: What You Need to Know

What could be more adventurous than climbing a glacier ice walls in Alaska? It’s something I had always wanted to do, and in my trip to Alaska, I climbed to the top!

Glacier climbing has become an increasingly popular challenge in recent years in various countries. Glacier climbing is not easy. It can be harder and more challenging than rock climbing.

Here are some things you need to know:

Take in the View

When you get here, you must hold your breath for seconds – everything here is gorgeous: the glaciers, the air, and the beautiful scenery of nature! The vast expanse of the glacier and the alluring blue will absolutely shock you.

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Physical Capabilities

You must be at least 15 years old to participate. Because you need a developed and healthy body to support you when walking and climbing, you need to be in pretty good shape.

It’s not easy walking because the ice is slippery, and your gear is very heavy. You have to be able to carry all the gear and keep balanced on the ice.

Glacier climbing is a tough activity, but it’s an experience of a lifetime!

Experience Needed

Previous experience with ice climbing, using an ice axe or crampons is preferred (of course). But if you’ve never walked on a glacier before, it takes more energy to maintain balance than walking on land, so fitness before a trip is a must.

Release Forms

You will have to sign a release form of liability before you start the tour, but don’t worry, the trained coach will try his/her best to look after your safety.

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All you need to do is follow the coach’s guide and enjoy nature.

Gear to Wear

Ice axes, crampons, safety ropes, gaiters and helmets are necessary to keep your safety when climbing a glacier ice wall. I wrote more in detail at Cool Gear & Equipment to Pack for Glacier Climbing.

Be sure when choosing the size for your boots, select the appropriate one, especially with the addition of heavy socks. Your size may go up a bit.

Plus, crampons need strength to get into the ice, and the wrong boot size will only make you lose strength.

Bring Food and Water

Always, always keep a few small energy bars with you for instant energy replenishment. In case of an emergency, you may not be able to make it back to camp as soon as you might need. There is no food, no trees, no nuts to scavenge for on an ice glacier!

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Bring a water bottle with you, even an empty bottle, so you can fill up with crystal-clear glacier water to drink.

Clothing to Wear

Wear heavy long socks, gloves, and a knit hat. Dress in layers to keep you warm and dry. Even though the ice is cold, it’s an intense exercise and you will perspire.

Cotton or wool fabrics are best to keep you warm and dry without accelerating the loss of body temperature.

Sunglasses or Ski Goggles

You also need a pair of excellent sunglasses to protect your eyes. Wear goggles that snow skiers and snow boarders wear, that provide 100% UV protection.

Snow and ice are incredibly reflective of sunlight, up to 95%, so looking straight at them is like looking straight at the sun.

Sunglasses will protect you from photokeratitis, a condition of temporary blindness caused by the bright light in the eye’s retina.

Best Months to Climb Glaciers

The best months to climb glaciers are May, June, July and August.

Glaciers can cool down your summer, and give you a comfortable summer break.

Glaciers in the winter may not open to the public because of the increased risk of heavy snow cover.

Would you want to go glacier climbing?

Leave your comment below!