Dreams of Climbing

Happy December!

Are visions of carabiners dancing in your head? Climbers everywhere are working out their winter plans for climbs, training and anything they can do to get out there. Expedition members all over the world are working on getting ready for that marathon on Denali. Wherever you are, keep up the good work!

We've had lots of inquiries about courses & expeditions this coming season...we have lots to offer. There is still lots of space on our Wilderness First Responder Course and WFR Recertification workshops. Check your card to see if your certification expires in 2009 - it's just around the corner!

For anyone looking to get out in the mountains and see what the Alaska Range has to offer, we have something for everyone! From a 12-day Mountaineering Course that starts with the basics, to an Advanced Mountaineering Course, to more advanced mini-expeditions like climbing Mt. Hunter, we have an exciting schedule with some space still available on the early season climbs.
If you are curious about enrollment levels, just drop us a line at info@climbalaska.org and we'll give you the latest.

If you try to contact us in Talkeetna and we don't answer right away, we are probably outside shoveling snow! We have loads of powder! If you're coming up to Talkeetna for WinterFest activitites (like the Bachelor Auction & Ball on Dec. 6) bring your skis! The local trails are being regularly groomed for skate and classic cross country skiing.

This weekend I was driving along the Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage and saw a couple of guys ice climbing - Josh, was that your red truck? NASTY weather!! Hard core!

Enjoy your winter, we'll try to keep the blog going.
~ Julia

Happy New Year!

We hope 2009 is treating you well!

Talkeetna weather has gone from a cold spell to a heat wave. We had temps down to -30 F. here in town to ring in the new year, now we are getting rain! Not very conducive to climbing, or anything else for that matter. Snow is predicted by tonight and NOAA tells us to expect sub zero temps to return in February and March.

We're looking forward to climbing season, no matter what the weather brings now. Expedition members are busy training for their Alaska Range adventures. We're busy in the office getting things ready for a great season. Winter office hours are 10 am to 4 pm, Monday - Friday, Alaska Time and sometimes we're here for extended hours.

The season is creeping up on us - time to sign up for Spring courses! Wilderness First Responder and Recertification workshops are still available in March, as are Mountaineering Courses in April. We still have one spot on the April West Buttress Expedition - that will go quickly! Interested in Mt. Hunter or Foraker?? Let us know ASAP!

We got a call from Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking this morning, retailers of mountaineering gear in Anchorage, about some special deals they are offering on boots - check it out! They are super helpful in making sure you get a proper fit.

"Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking is currently having a sale on La Sportiva Spantik boots for the upcoming Alaska Range season. Normally priced at $650/pair, we knocked them down to $550/pair for a limited time. Normally we would advertise on our website but due to malware problems with the server, we are unable to update at this time.
We also still stock the La Sportiva Olympus Mons as well as the Nuptse.
This spring we will also be carrying the Scarpa Phantom 8000 which would also be a great Denali boot.
We still offer a 10% discount for any non-sale items (for AMS participants)."

Thanks!
Clint

Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking
2633 Spenard Rd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
phone (907) 272-1811
fax (907) 274-6362
www.alaskamountaineering.com
email: amh@ak.net


Welcome 2009! Bring it on!

~ Cheers, Julia