Alaska Expedition
- What is the temperature in Alaska going to be like when we are there?
- How much experience should I have in order to go on this adventure?
- What kind of wildlife will we see in Alaska?
- Do I need to bring ice climbing gear?
- What makes this adventure so unique?
- Will we be totally out of touch with family and friends?
- How often will we shower and do laundry?
- How do we communicate with civilization if we need to?
What is the temperature in Alaska going to be like when we are there?
The summer in Alaska is very pleasant. During the day the sun will shine and it will get quite hot as we hike, climb, or float our way around. At night, although the sun never completely sets, it can dip down to the 40’s.That is when we will fire up the stove, cook a hot meal, and curl up in our sleeping bags for a well deserved nights rest.
How much experience should I have in order to go on this adventure?
This is the most challenging trip we offer so we do ask that you have experience in the backcountry. If you have gone on an ARCC trip or a similar type of trip that would be great. You’ll have many of the skills you will need and you know what being in the backcountry is all about. Also, if you have gone backpacking before with friends, church groups, family, or clubs, this might be the trip for you. If you have questions about whether this trip is appropriate for you please call the ARCC office.
What kind of wildlife will we see in Alaska?
The vast wilderness in Alaska is home to many different and amazing animals. As we hike through this great land we will see fox, beaver, coyote, and maybe even a marten. The larger, easier to spot animals will include moose, deer, caribou, and possibly even a bear. When we head to the water we will be sure to spot seals, osprey, salmon, and possibly a whale. This adventure is always full of great encounters with the Alaskan wildlife.
Do I need to bring ice climbing gear?
No. For all of our activities, if you need specialized gear, it will be provided for you. For the ice climbing you will be issued ice axes, crampons, a harness, and a helmet. Our local guides will establish the routes and teach you how to tie into the rope. The only thing you will need to bring is a clear head and a little bit of courage.
What makes this adventure so unique?
The shear amount of backcountry time we spend on this trip is its most unique aspect. No other trip we offer is this long and this challenging. After you have completed this adventure you will be an expert in backcountry living. If you are looking for a challenging, exciting, and unforgettable Alaskan adventure this is the trip for you!
Will we be totally out of touch with family and friends?
No. As we travel through this vast state we will have scheduled mail drops where you will be able to receive and send mail. On our front country days, when we shower and re- supply, you will have the chance to call you family and friends.
How often will we shower and do laundry?
We will shower and do laundry almost every week. Along the way we will bath in alpine lakes and cool mountain streams. Don’t worry though. Everyone else in your group will smell just as much as you do. Going without a shower for so long is often a new experience for students. This is part of the challenge of this adventure but you soon become accustom to living in the backcountry.
How do we communicate with civilization if we need to?
At ARCC we are extremely proud of our stellar safety record. On this trip we take extra precautions to ensure our safety while we are in the backcountry. All of our groups carry a rescue beacon and a radio. In the event of an emergency we can turn this beacon on and our position will instantly show up on radar screens everywhere. This is the same type of beacon airplanes use in the event of a crash. Once this beacon shows up on radar screens emergency crews are instantly dispatched to our exact location. We also have high power radios we can use to contact airplanes flying overhead. In the Outdoor Recreation field, our safety record is top notch.