Rock Climbing

Join us for rock climbing at our exclusive crag.

Skagway, Alaska offers a great rock climbing venue to enjoy high quality climbing and learn from our experienced guides. Climbs range from easy and moderate top-rope climbing, bolted multi-pitch routes, and alpine trad climbing for guests looking for a unique adventure.

These trips emphasize developing individual climbing technique and skills. They are based on a hands-on approach and are conducted in an amazing alpine setting. Towering peaks and glaciers provide a spectacular backdrop, and great terrain to develop climbing skills. These programs provide an excellent introduction to rock climbing for beginners and advanced climbers alike. Our low client to guide ratio allows us the flexibility to accommodate individual goals and expectations. No previous experience necessary. All climbing equipment is provided.

Our trips range from single day adventures, to 5-day instructional programs and everything in between. Crack climbing, face climbing, rappelling, and multi-pitch routes; our professional guides will ensure you have a safe and fun experience and can help work on your climbing technique to take your climbing to the next level!

SKAGWAY:  Skagway is a small community located at the top of the inside passage. Regular flights are available from Juneau daily, ferry service is also available to get you here.

PORCUPINE CRAG: Porcupine Crag is exclusive to Alaska Mountain Guides.  Guests will enjoy high quality climbing and stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains without worrying about overcrowded climbs. Just a short 15 minute drive from town, these rock climbs offer some of the best climbing access in Alaska.

ALPINE ABOVE: The climbing above Porcupine Crag extends to upper elevations and encompasses several different crags. Rise out of the rainforest and find yourself surrounded by world-class alpine climbing opportunities.

OUR GUIDES: Alaska Mountain Guides instructors and guides are professionals. They bring a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska, and the world, to every trip. All of our guides are also climbing instructors who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge. Their skill and experience ensure our guests the best possible experience during their trip. Your safety and enjoyment are their primary goals.

We offer multi-day climbing packages ranging from 2 – 5 days. Below is a sample for the 5 day itinerary:

Day 0 : Arrive to Skagway by the late afternoon for a pre-trip meeting with your guide (typically at 6:00PM)

Days 1: We’ll leave town and head to Porcupine Crag in one of our private vans, the crag is about 15 minutes drive from town. Arriving at the trailhead we will make a short hike up to our central kiosk, gearing up with helmets before continuing on to hike up to the crag. We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring several different climbs across multiple rock walls, stopping for lunch and enjoying the beautiful scenery this area offers.

Day 2-4:  We’ll continue our climbs with plenty of opportunities for guests to work on their climbing technique with help from their guide. Opportunities to punch through the forest and head up to the alpine zone may arise.

Day 5:  We’ll climb throughout the morning and into the afternoon before concluding the trip. Guests seeking to arrange flights for the same day the trip ends are asked to schedule them no earlier than 4:00 PM.

What is included with my trip?
– Transportation upon arrival in Skagway
– Meals during your trip
– Professional climbing guides
– Rock climbing equipment

What isn’t included?
– Travel to/from Skagway, AK
– Hotel Accommodations in Skagway
– Meals in town
– Travel Insurance – highly recommended

What will we learn on the course?
The Alaska Mountain Guidess’ educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, practical leadership experience and a true wilderness expedition make the AMG curriculum world class.
We believe that experiences drive our learning and therefore we use formal and informal classes taught by both instructors and guests. Instructors are eager to help facilitate the learning process but ultimately, how much you learn will be dependent on the amount of effort you put into the trip.
A detailed curriculum will be provided at the beginning of the trip. Below is a partial list of curriculum points that will be covered throughout your trip:

• Knots: Learn the appropriate applications for the figure 8, water knot, double fishermen, bowline, and other essential climbing knots.
• Climbing Technique: Whether stemming an inside corner, jamming an off-width, or friction climbing on a blank slab, you’ll learn the techniques to climb on a variety of different features.
• Belaying: Our team will learn and practice the finer points of different belay techniques such as the top-managed belay, bottom-managed belay, or munter hitch belay.
• Rappelling: Rappelling down a steep rock face is a thrilling moment and our team will learn how to do it safely.
• Ropes: 50 meters or 70 meters? 8.0mm or 10.5mm? Single, double or twin? These are all questions you’ll be able to effectively answer. We’ll also learn how to care for and maintain these important pieces of equipment.
• Top Rope Setup: Top ropes allow people to push their limits and learn solid climbing technique in a fun and safe environment.
• Route Selection: Where to set up the fixed belay? How to avoid objective hazards? How to select the most appropriate route from far below? You’ll learn the answer to these questions and more as we climb a variety of established routes in addition to possible first ascents.
• Rock Protection: Pitons, nuts, cams, hexes… learn the nuances of quality placements. You’ll have the opportunity to place protection in a variety of settings and rock quality.
• Anchors: Anchor building is a fun, yet intricate subject. We’ll examine single double, triple and complex anchors, and their different applications.
• Objective Hazards: Loose rock and lightning storms are some of the objective hazards that exist for rock climbers. Learn to manage these hazards and climb safely when conditions don’t cooperate.
• Multi-pitch Climbing: Towards the end of the trip, you’ll put your technical skills to the test on multi-pitch climbs, refining skills such as belay site selection, rope management and route finding.

Trip Documents:

• Equipment List – Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you’ll need for this trip.
• Rental Gear List – List of camping gear, climbing gear, and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form – Outlines policies, and essential information. One required per participant.
• Health Form – This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Acknowledgement of Risk Form – One required per participant over the age of 18.
• Travel Info – Helpful information on how to get to/from Skagway, Alaska.

What is included in the trip price:

• Meals – during your trip
• Transportation in Skagway – We’ll provide transport to/from the airport or ferry terminal and around town
• Professional guides – All guides are experienced climbers and have been trained as instructors to help guests with their climbing technique

Guests are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & equipment – review the equipment list included under “Documents”
• Trip insurance – we highly recommend trip insurance for all of our programs
• Airfare – review the “Travel Information” under “Documents” for more details
• Reviewing trip policies – please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and guest responsibilities.
• Gratuities

To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

1. 1. Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information via this link:

Contact Us

2. Place a deposit of $500 or 25% of trip cost (whichever is less) to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
3. Once you’ve reserved your spot, you’ll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
4. We kindly ask that you submit all of the necessary trip registration information at least 45 days prior to your trip.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!

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