Blaine Smith and Curtis Green and team were all smiles returning to the warmth of Talkeetna. They spent the three extra days of weather delays perfecting their camp and eating lots of ramen. They also summited Peak 8220 and practiced crevasse rescue skills. A lot of learning and fun and SNOW!  Welcome Back! Peak 8220 off of the Eldridge Glacier ..read more

MTC-12 Day with Instructors Nate Emerson, David Kerner and John Goeckermann have Flown the Coop! They spent yesterday at AMS HQ learning how to set up tents and other skills they will need once they land on the glacier. They left this morning at 8:00 AM for the airport and their flight to the Kahiltna Glacier. It is a beautiful day and all of the Alaska Range is visible from town. Instructor David Kerner, Lana, Intern John, Joe, Andrew, Ryan, Tess, Peter,  and              Instructor Nate Emerson. Loaded and off to the airport. Guid ..read more

 Still not flyable for our Alaska Range Teams today. MTC-6 Day with Blaine Smith and Curtis Green Remain in good spirits and have plenty of food, fuel, and good company. They have clarified with us that the igloo they built is, in fact, being used as a lovely private bathroom area and protected from the wind.  They are cozy in their sleeping and kitchen tents, and with instructors Blaine and Curtis, they have more stories to hear than time would allow. The team is ready to return but they know that it is better to wait out the weather and fly when it can be done safely. Guides Mik ..read more

MTC-6 Day with Blaine Smith and Curtis Green The 6-day course encountered some weather on the Eldridge glacier yesterday. They spent the morning working on skills, but were hunkered down in their kitchen tent by the late afternoon, having classes.  This morning they worked together to pack and stomp out the glacier runway after the new snowfall.  They have been checking in and relaying their weather conditions to the flight service as they wait for safe, flyable conditions.  2020 AMS course on the Eldridge  Weathery day on the Eldridge 2020 MTC-12 D ..read more

The 12-Day course flew back to Talkeetna this evening! They spent an extra night and day on the Kahiltna glacier, having the "full mountaineering experience" of waiting out the weather.  Their spirits were high on their return, and no one seemed to mind the extra time in the Alaska Range!  ..read more

Another beautiful day here in Talkeetna and in the Mountains Guides Mike Gardner and Cody Pitz flew into the range today with AMS alumni climber Kirstie Ennis and partner LP. On this custom climb their objective is the Mini Moonflower route on the face of Mount Hunter, located on the northeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Mike, Kirstie, Cody and LP almost  ready to fly... we assume Mike changed his footwear! Keith Sidle and Porter Crockard, aka Crockie , with Ashok and Shanta, are camped near the base of Mount Crosson. They plan to ascend a portion of the mountain tomorrow ..read more

12-Day Mountaineering Course with Holmgren and Fallon The beautiful weather continued, and they made a peak ascent yesterday. Their plan is to travel back to Basecamp on the SE fork of the Kahiltna Glacier and undoubtedly take in some more beautiful scenery, climbing, and learning. Annie's Ridge and moon. A classic scene from Basecamp (photo by Amanda Erickson) Custom Climb is off to the Kahiltna Glacier Our dedicated guides, Keith Sidle and Porter Crockard, have been diligently preparing for the climb. Today, they were joined by climbers Ashok and Shanta, and all flew out this afte ..read more

The April Six Day Mountaineering Course led by Blaine Smith and Curtis Green is underway! This wonderful crew is comprised of rescuers from multiple government organizations.  As you can see, it was a perfect day to fly into the Eldridge Glacier, where they will spend the next 6 days learning skills, climbing peaks, and enjoying good company.    ..read more

The April 20 12-Day Mountaineering Course, led by Larry Holmgren and Fallon Connolly, is doing well. They are currently camped on the main flow of the mighty Kahiltna Glacier and plan to climb to a high point on the lower section of the SE ridge of Mt. Foraker tomorrow.  The views and terrain will be incredible. It's so much fun to explore all the hidden gems in the Alaska Range on our courses.  Deep within the Alaska Range, the crevasse rescue class is part of AMS' core class offerings. The Custom Climb with Barry, led by Greg Runyan, is loving it. Today, they climbe ..read more

Oakes - Custom Climb with Jordan Jordan and Nadav arrived into town a day early.  They had incredible weather when they climbed Mini Moonflower and Bacon and Eggs. With weather reports showing some rain for their last day, they called it and returned to town under sunny skies.  Frez-Albrecht - Custom Climb with Tim and Mike Simon, Tim and Mike made the same call on flying out a day early.  They had a fantastic time and were really excited about some really nice ice climbing they were able to do. MTC12- Holmgren The group has decided against doing a traverse to the Pika glacier ..read more