Happy Holidays!

Sending you all warm wishes!
May the lengthening days be Merry & Bright!
Winter Solstice is behind us, hooray! It's time to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa...

2010 AMS Availability Report:

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 3 spaces
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL (waitlist)
May 31-June 20: FULL (waitlist)
June 7-June 27: FULL (waitlist)
June 14-July 4: FULL (waitlist)
June 21-July 11: FULL (waitlist)

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 3 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 6 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Wilderness First Responder Course, 2010
March 6-14: 11 spaces available

WFR Re-certifications, 2010
March 20-22: 9 spaces available
March 27-29: 11 spaces available

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops, 2010
April 10-11: 5 spaces available
There are also sessions in July and August.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 6 days, 2010 Availability
April 16-21: 8 spaces
May 7-12: 9 spaces
June 4-9: 9 spaces
There are sessions in July, August & September.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 12 days, 2010 Availability
April 18-29: 7 spaces
May 14-25: 8 spaces
June 11-22: 8 spaces
There are sessions in July, August & September.

Things change quickly! If you are uncertain of your schedule but you are interested in participating, stay in touch with us: info@climbalaska.org or 907-733-1016. Leave us a message if we don't answer, we'll be back in the office on Monday.

Have a great weekend!
~Julia

It's Bachelor Weekend!

Talkeetna kicks off WinterFest tonight, starting with the Motorized Parade of Lights, the Taste of Talkeetna, and all sorts of other stuff. Peter Mulvey is playing a concert out at Whole Wheat Radio starting at 8pm (you can listen online!). The Su-Valley Hockey team has two home games this weekend!

Saturday is packed with events!!
It starts with the Oly and Lena ski race - which is a hoot!! Teams of an "Oly" and a "Lena" (or at least dressed the part) have to tell an "Oly and Lena" joke then relay around the 5k groomed trail. Good joke tellers get extra points!

The Talkeetna Bachelors Society will greet the passengers arriving on the Northbound train at noon, hoping for single ladies. Those single ladies are invited to participate in the Wilderness Woman Competition, with great prizes for the top 5 finishers - which will be awarded at the world-famous Bachelor Auction & Ball! That begins at 7pm, with the crowd-pleasing band Rick Shaw and the Transporters jamming funky dance tunes from 11 pm until it's time to go eat Breakfast at the Roadhouse! The Roadhouse opens at Midnight on this special night for those hungry revelers. Of course, there will be another band at the Fairview into the wee hours and the merriment will be all over town, with too many activities to list here.
The Bachelor Auction & Ball raises money for charity! If you can't make it, you can learn more & donate to the cause on their website.

Check out these websites: Bachelors, Chamber, Roadhouse, Denali Arts Council, hey, and while you're surfing, check out the AMS website. Thinking about going climbing this spring? Or maybe taking a Mountaineering Course next summer? Check out our programs, our complete 2010 schedule, then send us an email or give us a call if you're interested. Let us know if we should save you a spot, things are filling rather quickly this year. You don't want to miss out!


2010 AMS Availability Report:

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 3 spaces
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: FULL
June 7-June 27: FULL
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 3 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 6 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Wilderness First Responder Course, 2010
March 6-14: 12 spaces available

WFR Re-certifications, 2010
March 20-22: 9 spaces available
March 27-29: 11 spaces available

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops, 2010
April 10-11: 7 spaces available
There are also sessions in July and August.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 6 days, 2010 Availability
April 16-21: 8 spaces
May 7-12: 9 spaces
June 4-9: 9 spaces
There are sessions in July, August & September.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 12 days, 2010 Availability
April 18-29: 7 spaces
May 14-25: 8 spaces
June 11-22: 8 spaces
There are sessions in July, August & September.

Things change quickly! If you are uncertain of your schedule but you are interested, stay in touch with us: info@climbalaska.org or 907-733-1016. Leave us a message if we don't answer, we've been out shoveling snow quite a bit lately.

Happy December!
~Julia

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AMS!

"Pardoning the Chickens"













Lisle, White Chicken & Rosie. Chicken found a friend to keep her warm.

The AMS Office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend. We'll be back on Monday. Have a great weekend!
~Julia, Caitlin, Colby, Rob

Expedition Availability Report:

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 4 spaces
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: FULL
June 7-June 27: FULL
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!

Aconcagua, Normal Route, 2010 Availability:
February 8-26, 2010: 6 spaces
Argentina is calling you!

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 7 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 4 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Wilderness First Responder Course, 2010
March 6-14: 3 spaces available!

WFR Re-certifications, 2010
March 20-22: Available
March 27-29: Available

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops, 2010
April 10-11: 7 spaces available
There are also sessions in July and August.

Send us an email if you have questions about a particular program or availability.
We'll be back in the office on Monday.

Cheers,
~Julia

Expedition Update

The temp is soaring today! Up to 36 (above zero!) today, with warm and cloudy being the forecast for the week. Maybe we'll get some snow? The Aurora Forecast predicts a "moderate" showing of Northern Lights for Thanksgiving, which is more of a showing than we've had in quite a while. If you look at the forecast here, you'll see that the folks up around the arctic circle get more shows than we do "way down" here at Latitude 62.

Expedition Availability Report:

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 4 spaces
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: 1 space*
June 7-June 27: FULL
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

Aconcagua, Normal Route, 2010 Availability:
February 8-26, 2010: 6 spaces
Argentina is calling you!

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 7 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 4 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Wilderness First Responder Course, 2010
March 6-14: 3 spaces available!

WFR Re-certifications, 2010
March 20-22: Available
March 27-29: Available

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops, 2010
April 10-11: 7 spaces available
There are also sessions in July and August.

Send us an email if you have questions about a particular program or availability.
We're here this week through Wednesday, and closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.

Cheers,
~Julia

Friday Update - Complete Details

Greetings! Another Expedition Full!

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: 1 space*
June 7-June 27: 1 space - pending
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

Aconcagua, Normal Route, 2010 Availability:
February 8-26, 2010: 6 spaces
Argentina is calling you!

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 7 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 4 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Other 2010 offerings:
Mountaineering Courses - all dates have availability
Wilderness Hikes & Treks - all dates have availability
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops - all dates have availability
Wilderness First Responder Courses & Re-certifications - all dates have availability, but the 9-day WFR Course is filling quickly!
Click here for the 2010 Schedule and prices.

Many Custom options are still available. Thinking about Ham & Eggs? The Trolls? Give us a call or send us an email. We're in the office from 10 am to 5pm Monday - Friday, this time of year.

We're enjoying the snow here!
Cheers,
~Julia


The Trolls

Changes to Update

Greetings from dark and chilly Talkeetna! The thermometer has hovered around Zero F all day. Another fantastic sunset!











3:30 p.m.













4:30 p.m.



There were some small changes today - here is the official standing:

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 1 space
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: 1 space*
June 7-June 27: 1 space - pending
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

Enjoy!
~Julia

Quick Update Before the Weekend

Hello All,
Just wanted to post a quick update for the weekend.

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 1 space - pending
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL
May 31-June 20: 2 spaces*
June 7-June 27: 1 space - pending
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

We're getting action on Wilderness First Responder Courses, too! If you have a group of people who need to take the WFR or WFR Recertification/Challenge, please contact us soon to insure your spots for March.

Check in with us on Monday for details if your favorite date is full or nearly full.
Have a great weekend!
~Julia

2009 Operation Denali: National Geographic's Best Adventure

Marc Hoffmeister, team leader of Operation Denali, was recently awarded Adventurer of the Year. This expedition had unique challenges with 4 of the 6 team members severely injured from the Iraq war. For example, Jon Kuniholm, who lost his arm to an IED, carried two extra prosthetic arms in case one broke. Matt Nyman, who lost his leg in a helicopter crash, hauled extra prosthetic legs in his sled. These guys prepared by taking an AMS mountaineering course in 2008 and made an inspiring video everyone should watch. Be warned, there are some graphic parts.

AMS took the responsibility of this expedition to heart and assigned senior Denali guide, Kirby Senden, plus two assistants, Todd Tumolo and Matt Montavon. Denali is hard for everyone; no one has ever said, "It was easy." And the mountain doesn't make concessions, period. That makes the success of this expedition that much more meaningful. Their story will be covered in National Geographic's Adventure magazine's Dec/Jan print edition and I urge you to vote for it in the Reader's Choice award.

Marc was also honored with the Alaska Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award, awarded to him on Wednesday, Veterans' Day.

Colby Coombs

Salute to Veterans, Schedule Update

We are sending out a salute to Veterans - we thank you for your service.
Hats off on this Veterans' & Remembrance Day.
There will be an observance of Veterans Day at the VFW Post #3836 here in Talkeetna on Thursday November 11th at 11am. A potluck of soup, sandwiches, salads and desserts will follow. All are invited to attend to honor our veterans. For information you may contact Nancy Trump at 733-1574.
The AMS office will be open on Thursday and Friday this week.

Here is the current availability for 2011:

Aconcagua Expeditions
January 10 - 28: (FULL)
February 10 - 28: two spots available

Foraker - Sultana Expedition
April 27 - May 13: (FULL)

Denali - Upper West Rib
May 21 - June 10: 3 spots

Denali - West Buttress Expeditions
April 25 - May 15: 6 spots
May 2 - 22: 6 spots
May 9 - 29: 5 spots
May 16 - June 5: 4 spots
May 23 - June 12: 2 spots
May 30 - June 19: 1 spot
June 6 - 26: 4 spots
June 13 - July 3: 6 spots
June 20 - July 12: 1 spot
June 27 - July 17: 5 spots

Mountain Guides Course
April 15 - 26: 4 spots

Advanced Mountaineering Course
May 6 - 17: 6 spots

Denali Prep Course/Kahiltna Dome
June 5-14: 6 spots

Mountaineering Courses
Several Dates: all have availability

Wilderness Backpacking Courses
Several Dates: all have availability

Denali Photo Workshop
August 22-27: available

Wilderness First Responder Courses
WFR 70-Hour Course
March 5-13: 13 spots
WFR 3-day Recert
March 19-21: 18 spots
March 26-28: 17 spots

Custom Expeditions
A limited number of dates are still available for Denali, contact AMS for details.
Many other custom options are available - all over the Alaska Range!

Here is the full schedule for more options.
Call or email AMS if you have any questions!
907-733-1016
info@climbalaska.org
We're in the office Monday-Friday, 10 am - 5 pm Alaska Time.
We will be closed in observance of Winter Holidays:
November 25 & 26, December 24, December 31
~Blogger Julia

Clear Day in Talkeetna

Greetings Blog Fans,






















It was clear and dry in Talkeetna today. The Post Office gossip seems to be focused on the lack of snow for this time of year. But excellent ice skating on the frozen ponds! I'm going to wait until the lakes are good-and-frozen before I venture out. It was up to nearly 40 F yesterday and today. I was talking to Dave Johnston who is glad it's not snowing yet, as they are still working on the roof of their sauna. Dave is usually one of the first ones to strap on his skis each year! (Yes, this is the Dave Johnston.) He's been skating on the ponds in his neighborhood, noting that it had been down to -4 a couple of nights and "probably frozen through". I noticed that they've been starting to get the hockey rink iced up for practice, that's more my speed.

It has been a busy week here in the AMS office. Lots of enrollments in progress for the West Buttress! Here is the official standing as of today - there are a few applications pending so this will very likely change first thing on Monday.

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 4 spaces
May 10-30: FULL
May 17-June 6: FULL
May 24-June 13: 2 spaces
May 31-June 20: 3 spaces*
June 7-June 27: 2 spaces
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 1 space
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

Have a great weekend!
~Julia

Winter is here!

We have 6-8 inches of snow on the ground and more is falling daily. The "r" word has been in the forecast, we're lucky that it's all turned to snow so far. The dogs are loving it and it brings out the child in the rest of us! Time to wax the skis!

Here is the current availability for 2011:

Aconcagua Expeditions
January 10 - 28: (FULL)
February 10 - 28: one spot available

Foraker - Sultana Expedition
April 27 - May 13: (FULL)

Denali - Upper West Rib
May 21 - June 10: 3 spots

Denali - West Buttress Expeditions
April 25 - May 15: 6 spots
May 2 - 22: 6 spots
May 9 - 29: 5 spots
May 16 - June 5: 5 spots
May 23 - June 12: 2 spots
May 30 - June 19: 3 spots
June 6 - 26: 5 spots
June 13 - July 3: 6 spots
June 20 - July 12: 2 spots
June 27 - July 17: 5 spots

Mountain Guides Course
April 15 - 26: 4 spots

Advanced Mountaineering Course
May 6 - 17: 6 spots

Denali Prep Course/Kahiltna Dome
June 5-14: 6 spots

Mountaineering Courses
Several Dates: all have availability

Wilderness Backpacking Courses
Several Dates: all have availability

Denali Photo Workshop
August 22-27: available

Wilderness First Responder Courses
WFR 70-Hour Course
March 5-13: 13 spots
WFR 3-day Recert
March 19-21: 18 spots
March 26-28: 18 spots

Custom Expeditions
A limited number of dates are still available for Denali, contact AMS for details.
Many other custom options are available - all over the Alaska Range!

Here is the full schedule for more options.
Call or email AMS if you have any questions!
We're in the office Monday-Friday, 10 am - 5 pm Alaska Time.
907-733-1016
info@climbalaska.org
~Blogger Julia

Friday Update

Hello all, here is an availability update...

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 5 spaces
May 10-30: FULL
May 17-June 6: FULL
May 24-June 13: 2 spaces
May 31-June 20: 3 spaces*
June 7-June 27: 2 spaces
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 2 spaces
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides,$6900 per person

Have a great weekend!
~Julia

Quick Update

West Buttress Availability has changed...

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 5 spaces
May 10-30: 1 space
May 17-June 6: FULL
May 24-June 13: 3 spaces
May 31-June 20: 3 spaces*
June 7-June 27: 2 spaces
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides

Have a great weekend!
~Julia

Ray Genet, Gear Sale and Lots of Other News...

Talkeetna News
We're enjoying warmer weather today, it's up to 40 F. It's been like winter in Portland, lately, with overcast skies and cold mornings, down to 20 F some mornings. Somehow the pansies and other hardy flowers are hanging in there and the lawn is still green. Nothing on the ground except leaves, so the biking and hiking is still awesome! People doing construction work got some bonus time to do dirt work before the ground freezes. (Melis & Joey finished their dirt work! Gray water system is in!)

Tonight there will be a Talkeetna Community Education class here in town, called "Chicken University", learn how to raise chickens in Alaska! Steve Brown from Palmer is teaching - he climbed with us last year. He's the University of Alaska Fairbanks extension agent, and knows everything about farming, gardening and so on here in the cold. Very fun to talk to him!

While you are perusing the KTNA Announcements, scroll down and you'll see there will be a Celebration of the Life and Times of Ray Genet, on Sunday October 25 at 3pm here in town. Colby has been helping with the slide show. The locals have been coming up with some amazing stories! Can't believe it's been 30 years...

AMS News
It's time for the Sort-of-Annual Used Gear Sale at AMS!! Saturday, October 24th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the AMS Mountain Shop on F Street in East Talkeetna. Phone number is 354-1233.

It's been BUSY here in the office! We are experiencing an early surge in enrollments, for West Buttress Expeditions especially. We're getting WFR enrollments much earlier than usual, too.

We have some exciting changes - we're adding a FULL West Rib Expedition to the schedule; and we've set up the May 31 West Buttress Expedition as a high guide-to-climber ratio, small group. This is an awesome option! Check with us for more details. We've already got one experienced climber signed up.

Here is the latest for availability:

Aconcagua, Normal Route, 2010 Availability:
February 8-26, 2010: 6 spaces
Argentina is calling you!

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 7 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 5 spaces
May 10-30: 1 space
May 17-June 6: FULL
May 24-June 13: 3 spaces
May 31-June 20: 3 spaces*
June 7-June 27: 4 spaces
June 14-July 4: 1 space
June 21-July 11: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Filling Fast!
All Dates Filling Fast!
*Special small group, 4 climbers, 2 guides

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
Yes, Full Rib! May 29-June 18: 4 spaces. Contact AMS for details!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Other 2010 offerings:
Mountaineering Courses - all dates have availability
Wilderness Hikes & Treks - all dates have availability
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops - all dates have availability
Wilderness First Responder Courses & Re-certifications - all dates have availability

Many Custom options are still available. Give us a call or send us an email. We're in the office from 10 am to 5pm Monday - Friday, this time of year.

Ciao!
~Julia

Thursday Update

It's been warmer than usual here in Talkeetna, a very nice autumn. It's been a bit damp and foggy the last couple of days. The "snow" word keeps appearing in the forecast, but the snow line is still pretty high.

The office has been pretty busy with enrollments, people calling about their plans for 2010 and some even for 2011. The Mountain House is almost completely booked for 2010! We'll start taking reservations for March 2011 on March 1, 2010. We'll be starting a waiting list for 2010 soon. We still have a few dates open here and there.

We got the latest Jack Wolfskin catalogue in the mail with their several page spread about their visit to Alaska in April 2009. Their photographer, Gaudenz, took beautiful photos and the weather cooperated for them. Fantastic photos from their dog mushing trip with EarthSong Lodge up by Healy and their time on the Ruth Glacier with our guides Brian McCullough and Larry Holmgren. Manfred and his kids obviously had a great time. They gave their gear a thorough workout! There are some fun pictures of Talkeetna, too. I enjoyed Manfred's personal narrative of the adventure.
It's a huge, gorgeous catalog - check it out! www.jack-wolfskin.com Pick your language of choice and enjoy. Thanks Manfred!

Updates for enrollment:

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 7 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 5 spaces
May 10-30: 1 space
May 17-June 6: 1 space
May 24-June 13: 6 spaces
May 31-June 20: 5 spaces
June 7-June 27: 4 spaces
June 14-July 4: 5 spaces
June 21-July 11: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Filling Fast!

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 4 spaces (possible Full West Rib expedition - contact AMS for details)
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Other 2010 offerings:
Mountaineering Courses - all dates have availability
Wilderness Hikes & Treks - all dates have availability
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops - all dates have availability
Wilderness First Responder Courses & Re-certifications - all dates have availability

Many Custom options are still available. Give us a call or send us an email. We're in the office from 10 am to 5pm Monday - Friday, this time of year.

Cheers!
~Julia

Denali Prep Courses

The hot topic lately here is how to prepare for a Denali climb. Of course, this is different for everyone. It depends whether you are starting out as a couch potato or a marathon runner.
If you're beyond couch potato, have been getting out there backpacking, maybe trying a little rock climbing, and want to "kick it up a notch", a Mountaineering Course is a great way to go. If you have your sights set on Denali in particular, a Denali Prep Course is highly recommended. Meanwhile, get out there and start hiking, biking, climbing, bagging some 14-ers and snow camping every chance you get.

Our Denali Prep Mountaineering Course, also called Kahiltna Dome Expedition, is an ideal way to prepare! Some of the advantages to our Denali Prep Course include the fact that you'll be experiencing the Alaska Range firsthand. You fly in to Base Camp and follow the West Buttress route for about a third of the route. What better way to prepare? Along the way, you practice all the skills needed for the entire West Buttress route: glacier travel & crevasse rescue, camp building and fortifying, fixed line ascension, etc, and you'll travel expedition style (moving camp) pulling sleds with gear. The course is set up to teach you to be self-sufficient for an expedition, not just to rely on guides for your future climbs. This course would also be great training for other big, cold, glaciated mountains.
Here is the link to more info: http://www.climbalaska.org/mtc-denali-prep.html

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 8 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Denali, West Buttress, 2010 Availability:
April 27-May 17: 5 spaces
May 3- 23: 5 spaces
May 10-30: 1 space
May 17-June 6: 1 space
May 24-June 13: 6 spaces
May 31-June 20: 5 spaces
June 7-June 27: 4 spaces
June 14-July 4: 5 spaces
June 21-July 11: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Filling Fast!

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 4 spaces
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

We are processing registrations for all of our 2010 programs, so drop us a line if you're curious about enrollment: info@climbalaska.org

Cheers!
~Julia

Planning for 2009

This is the time of year to daydream, thinking about your next vacation and that next climb. The AMS team is here through the winter to help put it all together for you. In addition to the climbs posted on our 2009 Schedule, we will be guiding all over the Alaska Range. We also do a lot of custom climbs of Denali. We are working on expeditions on Mt. Russell and we have some folks interested in climbing Mt. Hunter and Foraker, those two noteable peaks that stand alongside Denali. This is the time to turn those daydreams into reality.

We are getting applications almost daily for the West Buttress, and we have people signing up for the Denali Traverse and the Upper West Rib routes. We are also working on custom, private climbs of the West Buttress.
One of the teams I am particularly excited about is Operation Denali. This group of wounded veterans has been training to climb Denali to raise awareness about the needs of veterans post-combat, as well as raising money for the cause and the climb. Their website explains the details and features an inspiring video of their training so far, with some footage of their 12-day Mountaineering Course with AMS in July 2008.

http://www.theveteranscoalition.org/operation_denali/

I received this quote from them today: "Regardless of your (political) position, vote this November, we’ve fought for your right to do so!"

~ Julia

WFR Recerts Nearly Full!

It was cold in Talkeetna this morning, more normal temps for this time of year.
It is 10 above at 6pm and was 10 below overnight. Maybe the trails will firm up for the Oosik Ski Race after all!

Our first programs of the year have already begun! The Wilderness First Responder Course is full steam ahead. They were learning how to improvise rescue litters today.
Meanwhile, Super Guide Joey McBrayer is packing up for a Custom Mountaineering Course on Saturday at the Matanuska Glacier. Rumor has it there is fresh snow to play on!

ONE MORE SPOT on the Wilderness First Responder Recertification March 27-29!
Click here to sign up!

There are a FEW SPOTS LEFT on our Denali, West Buttress Expeditions!
April 27-May 17: 2 spaces available
May 3- 23: 1 space available
May 31-June 20: 1 space available (small expedition, contact us for details)
July 4- July 24: 4 spaces available
Click HERE to sign up!

Contact the AMS office for details! Emails and phone calls are welcome, leave a detailed message if we're not able to answer and we'll give you the skinny.
Cheers!
Blogger Julia
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info@climbalaska.org
907-733-1016

Happy March! Ice & Rock Events in AK!

It's feeling really "springy" here!

Coming up soon:
Alaska Ice Fest - March 5-7, Anchorage & Hunter Creek, AK
HOWL Rock Climbing Competition - March 6, Homer, AK
Oosik Classic Ski Race - March 20, Talkeetna, AK


2010 AMS Current Availability Report:

Wilderness First Responder Course
March 6-14: FULL

WFR Re-certification
March 20-22: FULL
March 27-29: 4 spaces available

Denali, West Buttress
April 27-May 17: 2 spaces available
May 3- 23: 1 space available
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL (waitlist)
May 31-June 20: FULL (waitlist)
June 2- June 22: 2 spaces available
June 7-June 27: FULL
June 14-July 4: FULL
June 21-July 11: FULL (waitlist)
July 4- July 24: 4 spaces available

12 day Mountaineering Courses
April 18 -29: 3 spaces available
May 14-25: 5 spaces available
June 11-22: 6 spaces available
July 12-23: 8 spaces available
August 9-20: 8 spaces available
September 6-17: 9 spaces available

6 day Mountaineering Courses
April 16-21: 7 spaces available
June 4-9: 7 spaces available
July 5-10: 9 spaces available
August 2-7: 8 spaces available
September 13-18: 9 spaces available

Advanced Mountaineering Courses
May 2-13: FULL
June 23-July4: 4 spaces available

Kahiltna Dome/ Denali Prep Course
June 3-12: 5 spaces available

Call our office if you're wondering about a program that is not listed here.
We're now scheduling Glacier Treks and other Custom Programs!
Lots of fun to be had!
Cheers,
~Julia

Moonlight Skiing

It is a Wolf Moon, how do locals celebrate? Some stay up late and howl, Denali Nordic Ski club is celebrating by skiing 25K tonight. They are practicing for the Oosik Ski Race, which is scheduled for March 20, here in (near) Talkeetna, it's 25 & 50K.

We're howling about enrollments here, the Wilderness First Responder 70-hour Course is nearly full! If you have been procrastinating, get that registration form to us ASAP! We usually have a waiting list, and occasionally some last-minute cancellations.

There is still some room on the WFR Challenge/Recertification sessions, but this is no reason to procrastinate; send in your registration form today! They usually fill quickly, in a burst of speed. We'll keep the waiting list going for you who do decide to put it off. Do you need to be certified for work? Your employer may even help you pay for it.

It's not too late to sign up for March or April Programs:
8 day Mountaineering Course, March 13-20 ("Spring Break Special" contact AMS for details)
Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshop, April 10 & 11
6 day Mountaineering Course, April 16-21
12 day Mountaineering Course, April 18-29
Denali West Buttress, April 27-May 17

Here is the full run-down...
2010 Denali, West Buttress Expedition Availability:
April 27- May 17: 2 places Available
May 3- 23: FULL
May 10-30: FULL (waitlist)
May 17-June 6: FULL (waitlist)
May 24-June 13: FULL (waitlist)
May 31-June 20: FULL (waitlist)
June 2 -June 22: 4 places Available
June 7-June 27: FULL (waitlist)
June 14-July 4: FULL (waitlist)
June 21-July 11: FULL (waitlist)

July 4-July 24: 4 places Available

Denali, West Rib, 2010 Availability:
May 29-June 18: 3 spaces. Contact AMS for details, this is the famed "full" West Rib!
Custom Dates Available

Denali, Upper West Rib, 2010 Availability:
June 5-June 25: 4 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Kahiltna Dome Expedition/Denali Prep Course, 2010 Availability:
June 3-12: 6 spaces
Custom Dates Available

Wilderness First Responder Course, 2010
March 6-14: 5 spaces available

WFR Re-certifications, 2010
March 20-22: 8 spaces available
March 27-29: 10 spaces available

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue Workshops, 2010
April 10-11: 6 spaces available
There are also sessions in July and August.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 6 days, 2010 Availability
April 16-21: 7 spaces
May 7-12: 8 spaces
June 4-9: 8 spaces
The sessions in July, August & September have availability.

Alaska Range Mountaineering Courses, 12 days, 2010 Availability
April 18-29: 6 spaces
May 14-25: 6 spaces
June 11-22: 7 spaces
The sessions in July, August & September have availability.

Alaska Range Advanced Mountaineering Courses, 12 days, 2010 Availability
May 2-13: 3 spaces
June 23-July 4: 4 spaces

Things change quickly! Applications show up every day. If you are uncertain of your schedule but you are interested in participating, stay in touch with us: info@climbalaska.org or 907-733-1016. Leave us a message if we don't answer, we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Have a good weekend!
~Julia

P.S. Spammers, don't bother leaving comments, we are watching you.