What Do You Need To Hike Glaciers?

Not all hikes are created equal. For most, hiking up a local hill or through a forest or set of woods is the norm. While this can be exciting, fun and filled with discovery, it can get a little ‘samey.’

Those looking to take their experience up a notch will no doubt find stunning vistas, untouched nature, and absolutely resplendent surroundings by taking a glacier hike in Alaska.

Not only that, but a glacier hike also provides a fun and stimulating challenge. No matter how experienced with hiking you are, there’s a worthwhile experience to enjoy here.

But what is it that you need to hike glaciers? In this post, we’ll discuss that and more:

A Proven Hiking Company

Ultimately, finding excellent Alaska glacier tours requires the aid of a service able to showcase the best hiking opportunities, and to provide adequate and clear safety instruction before you get started. Otherwise, you may be putting yourself in harm’s way without knowing.

There’s no need to worry, as the best glacier tour services, like Kenai Backcountry Adventures, provide you with much more than a simple, sanitized tour. All routes have been rated and assessed for their fun, challenge, gorgeous views, length, and safety. This way, you can focus on enjoying the hike more than anything else.

A proven hiking company will be able to instruct you as to walking on dry and wet glaciers, teaching you how to identify hazards and proceed with caution.

Appropriate Equipment

As the landscape and footfall conditions of your glacier hike will be considerably different to the forest hikes you may be used to, additional equipment is necessary.

After all, the frozen surroundings of the glacier are a constantly shifting environment and must be respected.

Necessary equipment includes:

• A robust helmet – this will protect your head against falls or trips should you encounter them.

• An ice ax – this permits you to cut footholds, dig into the ice for further stability, and brush aside snow.

• Ropes – connecting you to your fellow hikers, climbers and supports.

• Crampons – these attach to your footwear, digging into the ice, providing much more of a stable fitting.

• A harness – necessary for the safe attaching of ropes.

• Ice screws – permits you to designate and hold an anchor point in the ice if necessary.

• Appropriate footwear – waterproof, robust and thick hiking boots are helpful. You may be able to purchase these on-site.

An Essential Tour Guide

Making your way through the iced glacier wilderness as a beginner can be tough. Negotiating with the environment and orienting at the same time is a challenge, and so until you’re qualified via thorough experience, bringing a tour guide along as part of your Alaska adventures is key.

Our seasoned tour guides will help you retain safety standards, and will yield advice should you need it. They will also be able to radio for help if necessary, ensuring you’re as safe as possible from start to finish.

Finally – a great attitude is required. Few are able to experience the beauty of glacier hikes, and so making the most of this opportunity is key! Don’t be afraid to have fun, as you’ll no doubt remember this experience for decades to come.