The Ascending Path's Blog

New AP Website

2012-01-07T13:47:00.001-09:00

...to go along with our new Spencer Glacier tours.
You like??

Glacier Hikes Galore!

2011-06-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Ascending Path Glacier Hikes have been a hit so far this year. The beautiful sights are endless and you never know what you will see up there!

Summer ice climbing has arrived!

2011-05-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

Here is photo proof that we are officially open for summer ice climbing! These shots of awesome climbing and beautiful weather were just taken last week. Give us a call if you want to try your hand at ice climbing or want to book one of our glacier hikes, rainforest hikes, or Anchorage hikes.

Anchorage Half-Day Hike on Flattop

2011-05-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

We opened up our summer season with a wonderful hike up the south side of Flatttop mountain on Sunday, May 15th. The hike up was beautiful and virtually free from snow. After taking a quick snack break on the windy peak we glissaded our way down the gully in record time!

Boy Scout Ice Climbing Trip

2011-04-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

A great day out Ice Climbing with the Boy Scouts made it into the Anchorage Daily News.

Video of a wet Avalanche while Ice climbing

2011-03-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

3rd Annual Alaska Ice Climbing Festival March 4,5,6 Portage & Anchorage, Alaska

2011-03-02T18:07:00.000-09:00

Mushrooms Abound!

2010-09-07T15:06:00.008-08:00

A little bit of sun, a little bit of rain... A little more rain and mushrooms spring up everywhere.

Lucky participants in the Girdwood Fungus Festival experienced a mushroom bonanza this year.

Check out the latest sprout on the Winner Creek Trail:

Crow Pass Hike

2010-09-02T16:14:00.005-08:00

We hiked the Crow Pass Trail with Daniel & Heidi in early August. It was a classic Alaska day - cool and misty - with testy winds on the pass. Wonderful!

Thanks, Daniel and Heidi, for the photos and fine companionship.

On the route up the pass.

The way down.

Raven Glacier

Daniel & Heidi at the alpine tarn.

Bears in Girdwood!

2010-08-06T16:11:00.006-08:00

Bear sightings have increased this past week. A sow and cubs have been frequenting the berry patches, and (unfortunately) this small yearling seems to be struggling a bit, resorting to scavenging.

Our guide Lisa Portune caught this big blackie in action just outside her house. Bear-proof trash cans do work!

Rain, Alaska, Rain

2010-07-30T14:31:00.010-08:00

It has been a wet, wet summer. Even by the soggy standards set by hardy Girdwoodians. Luck for us, we have hiked and climbed with the most intrepid and adventurous souls!
And this.... the interplay of changing light, mist and fog, green and snow makes for an ephemeral photographic experience.

Check it out!

Guide Lisa Portune & the Jones Family, on the ridge above the North Face

A peek over the North Face, into the mist.

Take Wings: Native Cross cultural immersion: ROCK CLIMBING

2010-07-27T11:59:00.002-08:00

"I just wanted to thank you and your team for such a great experience for our Take Wing students. Everyone at Ascending Paths was so energetic and positive, and it was great to hear the encouragement that you all gave to get our students to reach just a little bit higher. And the metaphor stuck! One of the girls, who barely would say a word in the beginning or our camp, decided that she would read her mission statement at the commencement - a big step! When she got to the podium, she froze, and went to sit back down. Our staff gave her the "reach a little higher" hand signal, and she took a deep breath, got back in front of the crowd, and knocked them out with what she had to say. I'm sure that many young lives were touched the same way.

So, I hope you and your team have a great summer, and I hope we can work together again in the future!"

Some of the' Take Wings' group on a Rainforest Hike

Photos from the 'Take Wings' Rock Climb:

Winner Creek Gorge

2010-06-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

Early Season Glacier Hke

2010-05-18T12:27:00.003-08:00

We love getting these!!!

"Hi There,
The hike with Ryan the other day was great! Ryan definitely loves what he's doing, and he was constantly concerned about our safety -- good to have in a guide. We all had a good time but wished we could have stayed a little longer on the glacier and maybe do some climbing."

"Thanks for the experience,"

Ray.

April Ice Climb Mat Glacier.mp4

2010-04-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

Wilderness First Aid and WFR Refresher

2010-04-20T09:52:00.004-08:00

Wilderness First Aid and WFR Refresher

April 23-25

Fox Run Lodge, Glenn Highway, Palmer AK

$300

Wilderness First Responder

June 1-9

Fox Run Lodge, Glenn Highway, Palmer AK

$650

Tent sites and lodging available for a minimal additional fee. Certification is offered through SOLO. Visit our website at www.naoiak.org to register now!

Ice Climbing in Alaska in the Winter can be FUN!!!

2010-03-19T20:23:00.004-08:00

Hey Matt,

We just wanted to thank you for the great time we had yesterday. Of all of our adventures in Alaska, including: snow-machining, skiing, hiking, and sport shooting, our ice climbing trip with you was by far our favorite activity. When we began, the climbing was difficult, however, by the end of the day we both had reached the top of our climb multiple times. Not only was the climbing challenging, but it was beautiful and greatly rewarding. Your expertise, guidance, and lessons made the climbing much easier, as well as more comfortable and enjoyable then we could have ever imagined. We look forward to climbing with you again in the future.

Thanks again Matt,

Vince and Cate (Manhattan, KS)

Alaska Ice Climbing Fest Video-2010

2010-03-12T08:16:00.004-09:00

Alaska Ice Climbing Fest Video-2010

More Ak Ice Fest 2010

2010-03-07T22:12:00.000-09:00

Getting air above the crux over hang dry tool curtain
Ah ha, proof that this guy was out of bounds...the rules were that they had to work the rock section with only ice tools in the ice band to the right of the orange paint.
Pulling Down Hard
Hitting the mixed comp route, all 6'8" of Roger Sparks hailing from the amazing athletes of the 210th PJ section, who are basically the Air National Guards Special Forces Unit. Three PJ's competed & all flashed the comp in great style! I think even two of them won 2nd & 3rd place, too....
This guy had great technique & form!!!

Ak Ice Fest 2010

2010-03-07T22:04:00.000-09:00

Ice Climbing with Joe Butler

2010-03-02T15:07:00.001-09:00

We would like to thank you for the fantastic ice climbing experience that we had last week. Joe Butler was a true professional and he quickly gained our trust. His knowledge and experience was greatly appreciated.

Thanks for a great time, we will be back

George and Abigail O'Connor

I love getting these emails

2010-02-12T11:46:00.004-09:00

Bills Crampons
Clients crossing the frozen river
Ice Climbing hardware, ice screws, carabiners, slings
Getting Rowdy on the mixed line on the left of Ripple!

"Matt & Bill,

Thanks so very much for an outstanding Alaskan adventure! BJ and I had an amazing time! We are hooked! Bill was a great guide and a lot of fun! He did a great job at putting up with us! ahhaha!

We have some great photos and some wonderful memories!"

Thanks again, Allison Post

Ice Climbing Kids Corner Caribou Creek

2010-02-10T20:46:00.000-09:00

Just wanted to say thanks again for helping us set this up (ice climbing). We ha a fantastic time and Bill was a great guide. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far. The other being the two moose who licked our rental car clean outside our window this morning!

Mary

Sent from my iPhone

2010 Alaska Ice Climbing Festival

2010-02-04T23:37:00.002-09:00

This weekend!

2010-01-13T21:32:00.001-09:00

Snowshow Hike 01/02/2010

2010-01-02T16:49:00.006-09:00

I snowshoed with a really nice couple and their 13y/o daughter today from New Mexico. We went to the Glen Alps area and hiked the Williwaw drainage. We saw many tracks of: snowshoe hare, ptarmigan, fox and the best LYNX tracks!!!! I have never seen Lynx tracks in the snow and they were unmistakable (larger than fox and dog but just smaller than black bear and super furry!!!) The tracks led right to a year-round creek that I tend to snowshoe around for that very purpose; to look for animals and their tracks. We didn't get to see the fury elusive Alaskan wildcat but I just pictured it in my mind stalking its way through the snow to a very cold drink of fresh spring water in the winter darkness of Alaska.

Heather

5 fingers & Eklutna

2009-12-29T12:51:00.002-09:00

Had a warm wet day climbing the Index Finger on Sunday- then perfect hero ice on Ripple and Boonsfarm yesterday. A tree fell down boons!! ~Matt

Mat Glacier Hike 05/09 Sheelah Anderson; Louisville, Kentucky

2009-12-21T16:45:00.001-09:00

Dear Matt and Heather

We toured the Matanuska Glacier with Heather in May. It is my unique Alaska experience. Even though I haven't written I think of you all the time and our wonderful experience of touring the glacier. EVERYBODY has to hear about it, the cramp-ons (and especially trying to find some to fit my husband), ice worms, how big the glacier is, how dirty it was, etc, etc. And people are getting presents of the glacier water Heather gathered for me.

I got to hike a rock glacier in Canada and we saw several glaciers when we did our "cruise", but there is nothing comparable to us being able to spend several wonderful hours on our "personal" glacier hike with Heather and all her knowledge, sharing and patience (especially with the 500 photos!)

It made it to the Christmas card (Heather made sure we had some photo choices), but since it was also our 40th anniversary it had to share the space. I'll be sending you one.

Thank you for helping me achieve one of the top items on my "bucket list" It really is one of the most special experiences of my life. We'll expect more of the same if (when) we make it to Alaska again.

Sheelah Anderson Louisville Kentucky

The Ice is thin, but in shape!

2009-12-15T19:42:00.002-09:00

Had a great day out climbing on Ripple with 2 folks from the mid-west on Sunday. They stayed warmer than me!!

V-thread strength test data

2009-12-04T11:23:00.002-09:00

For those of you who want to know exactly how strong those anchors are... check out this paper.

Weatherproof Film Shoot Mat Glacier

2009-10-26T12:40:00.001-08:00

Byron Glacier Hike w/ Diners Drive Ins and Dives Crew

2009-09-30T21:40:00.001-08:00

2009-09-30T15:48:00.001-08:00

Byron Glacier Hike w/ Diners Drive Ins and Dives Crew

2009-09-30T12:43:00.001-08:00

We had a great day out with the film crew for the Food Networks "Diners Drive Ins & Dives" for a private glacier hike on the Byron Glacier. Ryan and I enjoyed spending the day with these interesting guys. They were came out with us as part a teambuilding pre-shooting excursion. They were heading up to Fairbanks and North Pole to shoot an episode for their Christmas special. We showed them two ice caves and all the great crevasse and moulin features that were opened up at the end of September.

Rock Climbing with Ch 2 News

2009-09-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

Guest Comment from 8/24 Rabbit Lake Hikers

2009-09-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

Dear Heather,

Pat Cable and I both agreed that your tour (hike) of the Chugach Mountain Front Range from Anchorage was the highlight of all our Alaskan hikes. Your knowledge of the terrain was immense and I will never forget you excellent direction at a critical time during our trek down the trail. Having lived in the city all my life, I was clueless about what to do, and you treated the whole situation with professionalism and style. WHAT A RELIEF!

Well, our best to you and our thanks to you for a wonderful day. Pat and I will feel very confident referring you, and your husband (ice hiking), and your company, to any of our friends visiting Anchorage.

You're the best tour guide ever!

A friend in Newport Beach, CA,
Rick Ruiz

Bull Moose a plenty on Anchorage Day Hike

2009-09-12T13:05:00.001-08:00

Wonderful day out with Marsh & John from Texas that were on an Anniversary trip to Alaska. they booked several trips with us: Anchorage Day Hike, Glacier Hike & Rainforest Hike. On our anchorage day hike we stalked and found 5 moose and a huge Bull moose we were able to get fairly close to for pictures. What a great day to see so many moose. It was pre-rut so we had been consistantly seeing mooses at Glen Alps area on every Day Hike. The fall colors were technicolor, the alpine blueberries ripe and tasty and still farily warm temps with some flowers still visible. I was finding wild geraniums still in some of the areas around the muskeg which blew me away since they are some of the first flowers to bloom of the season! I gasped and my clients I don't think were nearly as excited as I was....I guess sometimes I am a geek and get super enthusiastic for flowers, moose, birds and animals. I never get bored of nature.---Heather

Portage Pass Private Day Hike

2009-09-04T12:53:00.001-08:00

Amazing 70 degree day on a day hike to Portage Pass from Whittier. Had amazing heat that we could hike in shorts and a tank top!!! No bugs, tons of Salmonberries, spectacular views of the Portage Glacier and Prince William Sound, ripe alpine blueberries for eating and pristine kettle ponds and tarn lakes in the alpine pass. I was hoping to see a wolverine but no such luck! Just saw a docked cruise ship in the Whittier harbor, birds, other hikers etc.

8/24 Rabbit Lakes Anchorage Day Hike

2009-08-24T19:19:00.002-08:00

On my full day Anchorage Day Hike to Rabbit Lakes we saw 17 Dall Sheep in the cirque and we walked up onto a family of 8 or so ptarmagin in changing plummage. they were amazing in color. the Alpine Bear Berries were glowing red and the lichen around Rabbit Lakes was vibrant orange! Great day out to a new guiding location. I'll get my photos up soon! Heather

Ermine on the Byron Glacier

2009-08-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

I love Ermine and once we get the video up of this cute little guy so will you.

Tons of wildlife on 10 am Anchorage Day Hike

2009-08-16T19:13:00.003-08:00

My clients and I saw 7 Moose of which there were huge Bulls with large racks, 1 Dall Sheep with a coiler for horns, and an arctic ground squirrel with the hugest goiter from packing his jowls with berries for his winter food cache!!! We hiked up to the saddle of little O'Malley Peak and had a great time! It was a bit of a hike for one of the teenagers. But she was really impressed with her accomplishment after the fact--I knew she could do it with coaxing and a comfortable pace!!! We had a great hike-Heather

2009-08-16T17:00:00.001-08:00

Great Guest Comment from Ice Climber

2009-08-16T14:37:00.003-08:00

Hi Matt,

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for such a wonderful day of ice climbing! Ryan was a fantastic guide, high energy despite all the rain and my freak out when I first got on the ice. He was patient and kind, but more over very motivational. He didn't allow me to give up on myself, which made him a great guide for me. Thank you for a truely great introduction to ice climbing and I consider myself a new recruit to this amazing sport. All the best to you and your staff!

Annie Passarello

ICE ICE BABY

2009-08-16T14:02:00.006-08:00

A Beginner Ice climber with upper ice fins in the background. Do you think she planned to wear the same color as the glacier? Color coordinated!!! At least she will not be in People magazine for a fashion faux paus here. She just makes the ice look bluer (if that is a word?). Coiling the wet climbing rope with the upper Byron Seracs in the background! Awesome blue.
Ryan Davis Soloing to setp up the ice anchors on the Byron. Another day in the office for Ryan. He has single handedly ran the most ice trips on the Byron for us. He rocks!!!
A Better image of the ice fins and the waterfalls that spill from the glacier and hills surrounding the Byron! Very picturesque.
Can you ICE CAVE BABY? This has Vanilla Ice's tune all over over it....ICE ICE BABY.....

2009-08-14T12:41:00.001-08:00

The Changing Byron Glacier: Inside the Ice

2009-08-13T16:41:00.002-08:00

Ryan Davis took these pictures yesterday, August 12th. The Byron glacier is definitely changing appearance quickly!

The glacier and sculpted rock.

The small black hole in the picture above is the ice cave shown below!

The Carnivorous Sundew, Chicken of the Woods, and other recently spotted flora

2009-08-13T13:57:00.023-08:00

These are some flowers, plants, and berries, and 'shrooms I have photographed around Girdwood and the Winner Creek Trail in the last week. . . .

I found this carnivorous Sundew, covered in rain dew, in Moose Meadows.

Black Currents aka Gooseberries

Dwarf Dogwood, aka Bunchberries

Star Gentian

Devils Club

Moss Berries, aka Crowberries

"Chicken of the Woods", a gloriously colored shelf mushroom

Alyeska Glacier Hike 9am 8/13

2009-08-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Ryan & Beth's trip on the Alyeska glacier. The Moulin is getting deeper ~50 ft deep! Who knew this little glacier was so deep with crevasses.....We run our Glacier Hikes in crampons & helmets these days. And, if you sign up for a private half day trip we can explore more of the glacier and lower you into the crevasses! Matt just guided 2 private clients for a half day on the Alyeska Glacier who were from LAPD and had a blast getting lowered into the crevasses. There's always fun to be had :)

Chalice Cup Lichen!!! One of my favorite lichen found in Girdwood :)

Anchorage 1/2 Day hike 6pm 8/11/09

2009-08-11T18:58:00.001-08:00

Tundra Rose or Shrubby Cinquefoil.

There is always a silver lining in life :)

Fireweed in its fall colors.

White puffy clouds on the south-eastern flank of O'Malley peak.

Moose on Willawaw Trail 8/11/09

2009-08-11T18:48:00.002-08:00

The momma moose is checking us out. Wondering if we are a threat or if her and her calf can continue nibbling on the grass. Who is looking at who here? Peek-a-boo.

Not a very good picture of water fowl and ducks.

Power line pass and Ptarmagin Peak lit up in the amazing light.

Anchorage 1/2 Day Hike 8/11/09 6pm

2009-08-11T18:23:00.002-08:00

The Sunlight is absolutly amazing this time of year. I found myself toting my large SLR and lenses around on a few trips this time of year for the first time. My clients were kind enough to let me photograph them. I was discreet but couldn't help myself wanting to capture the light. I am not a photographer but thought of my time in Alaska since 1991; I don't have many pictures of the summers as I am always working them. Thus, I needed to capture the beauty that I surround myself when sharing alaska to summer clients to help jog my memory in the dark depths of winter :) Heather Szundy We watched this moose calf and cow for about 45 minutes....funny thing is my clients had not seen moose on their trip to Denali and Seward. i had them for their last hours in Alaska and not even 15 minustes from the car we spotted 2 about 20 feet from the trail. I am the moose whisperer :) not really but I just know where to find them. I love moose even after seeing hundreds over the years. The sight of them still makes me get excited like a school child!

Lisa & Hanna entertaining me for a photo.

The Wedge & Powerline pass, Glen Alps.

Ptarmagin Peak, Glen Alps.

Moulin on Alyeska Glacier

2009-08-07T14:41:00.004-08:00

Cool Moulin on Alyeska Glacier... a moulin is a water formed hole in the ice.

Crevasses on the Alyeska Glacier

2009-08-07T13:59:00.006-08:00

I guided a fun glacier hike this morning with some colorful folks... we found this cool deep crevasse which recently opened up.

~Matt

Yellow Monkey Flower & Fungi in Girdwood Rainforest

2009-08-07T11:58:00.004-08:00

Gill shot of the Aminita. All these photos were taken on my iphone under the overcast skies and rainforest canopy. Sorry for the poor quality :(
http://www.mykoweb.com/gallery.html

Small, fat stemmed, Purple Mushroom that we found in the Rainforest in Girdwood. It was under ferns and devils club growing out of sphagnum moss. The habitat is temperate coastal Rainforest: dominate plant species: Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, High Bush Blueberry, Alder, devils club and Salmonberry bushes. I cannot seem to identify it. Any help would be much appreciated :)
Aminita Mushrooms are coming out in Girdwood. Beautiful but poisonous.
Beth & I found this beautiful Yellow Monkey Flower and Forget-me-nots while blueberry picking in Girdwood the other day. Monkey Flowers are edible and were used medicinally. See website link. ---Heather Szundy
http://montana.plant-life.org/species/mimu_gutta.htm

Flat Top Half Day Hike

2009-08-06T19:40:00.008-08:00

Bright and sunny 6pm Hike at Glen Alps trail head to Flat Top. My two clients, mother and son, were from Mexico City. The mom had never hiked before but she was very physically fit. With encouragement, she made it to the upper saddle just below the last 600 ft to the summit of Flat top. Her son and I ran/hiked up to the summit and back down while taking photos of the awesome sunset. It was an accomplishment for the mom that she was marveling about the entire car ride back to downtown, Anchorage. I knew that the mom could do more than she thought. So, it was very gratifying to me to know that she pushed her limit just a little higher. Her sense of accomplishment was overwhelming to her. I love my job!!! I have a feeling she will become a hiker as she loved the bonita vistas!!! They have headed up to Denali and Fairbanks but they might come out on a Glacier Hike or Ice Climbing on their way back through Anchorage :) Yahooo, it is great bonding with clients and having an extraordinary time in the Alaskan mountains. For some, Flat Top is not wilderness but for others it can be the most wilderness they have experienced. They get a taste and then they get hooked :) ----Heather Szundy

Video of Summer Ice Climbing in AK

2009-08-01T10:16:00.010-08:00

Tram Rock, more local flora

2009-07-31T14:43:00.014-08:00

Goldenrod

Alaska Cotton

Baneberry - beautiful, but POISONOUS!!

Kerisa nears the top of tram rock

Matt explains technique

Matt and Kerisa watch as Shamarcus climbs

07/28 3 Day Private Ice Climbing & Camping trip Byron Glacier

2009-07-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there it's Ruth and Allan Conway here. Thanks again to Ryan for the fantastic trip that he gave us ice climbing as part of our honeymoon! I wondered if it would be possible to reach Ryan to ask for copies of the photographs that he took of us during the trip? he mentioned that we could perhaps e-mail them to us but we forgot to exchange e-mail addresses.
If it is possible to get this request to Ryan that would be fantastic!
Kind regards
Ruth Conway

Rainforest Hike to Hand Tram

2009-07-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

First salmon berries of the season! And Brown Bear on the bike path. . .

2009-07-16T14:32:00.007-08:00

Salmon Berries! Deep red, orange, and yellow - found in a very secret location . . . . . Why are they named Salmon Berries? You will have to join us on a Rain Forest Hike to find out!

This young brown bear was foraging in the greenery along a remnant snowslide next to the bike path/highway out of Girdwood.

Valerian, a popular nighttime sleep aid, is growing like crazy on many of the alpine slopes around Girdwood. This flower sports a pretty companion. (pic from Crow Pass)

Fireweed is in full bloom now. . . . (pic from Resurrection River)

. . . . and so is the beautiful (but very poisonous) Monks Hood. (pic from Bird Ridge)

Ryan Davis and two happy ice climbing clients on the Byron Glacier in Portage Valley. (pic by Ryan Davis)

Gluten Free Family Glacier Hike

2009-07-15T22:08:00.003-08:00

So, I have been dealing with Gluten allergies for a few years and I was booking clients from Florida who were also Gluten free. They requested me as their guide since we talked on the phone for about and hour about all the places in Anchorage and in Alaska they could eat and buy groceries. We had a stellar day and the family really enjoyed the glacier hike. The 12 y/o girl said it was "the coolest thing she had ever done with her family!" It made my day :) --Heather Szundy

I Didn't know moose could read signs?

2009-07-11T22:04:00.001-08:00

This Juvenile Moose was terrain trapped near the tram terminal. He started coming my way as if he/she was going to come into the yurt. I thought this photo op was funny :)

Guest Comment from Ben Benson

2009-07-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Aubrey, Matt & Heather,
Thanks you so much for helping me get up to stay at Crow Pass! I would not have been able to stay up there without your professional help. I was very happy with how well everything went and I will definitely recommend you to any friends of mine that are going to Alaska. Feel free to have any of your guides contact me if they need a place to stay in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Thanks again-Ben Benson

Cute Moose in Girdwood

2009-07-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Forth of July in Girdwood

2009-07-04T17:46:00.002-08:00

click on the link above to see a video

07/02 Wolverine Peak Day Hike Anchorage

2009-07-02T17:04:00.001-08:00

Dear sirs,

I am writing to you to say that I was very satisfied with your services.

The full-day hike on July 2nd, with the tour guide Beth, was really pleasant.
We went all the way up to Wolverine Peak and it was a real learning experience. Besides mentioning interesting information about the vegetation and animals of the region, she also tought us how to recognize animals footprints and type of plants/trees.

I hope to go back to Alaska next summer and enjoy some more of this beautiful state.
Next time, I would like to do Ice Climbing, Rock Climbing and Glacier Hiking!

Have a nice summer!

Ana Licia Sudo
São Paulo, Brazil

Midnight Sun Glacier Hiking

2009-06-29T12:50:00.006-08:00

June 27th, 7:30pm. Ryan and I sat in the yurt listening to the pounding rain on the yurt canvas and watching sheets of water come down the plastic windows and tried to remain optimistic about our upcoming 8pm glacier hike. Half hour later, though, just before the Van Duren party arrived for the trip, the rain stopped and the clouds started moving out. The rest of the evening in the midnight sun was sun-streaked and gorgeous.

Ryan points out the various types of glaciers surrounding the Girdwood valley to Matt and Mark Van Duren.

Approaching the Alyeska glacier.

Carefully treading toward the open blue ice at the top of the glacier.

Looking down into a moulin and crack in the glacier.

The Van Duren party and guide Ryan Davis.

Coming off the glacier at 11:30pm, the sunset on Turnagain arm is breathtaking.

Rafting 6-mile with Nova

2009-06-25T15:01:00.004-08:00

The employees of the Ascending Path were offered a raft trip down 6-mile Creek with Nova, a rafting guide service based out of Hope, Alaska. Five of our crew took Nova up on their offer, and we had a really exciting run down the class 5 rapids on a spectacular sunny day.
Along the way we got to see a fresh eagle-slain king salmon, an owl, and tons of white water!

Matt, Heather, Herbie (our guide), Aubrey, Jeff, Heather

Taking the rapids!

Herbie decides to take this rapid backward - wheeee!!

Glacier Training on Alyeska Glacier: NEW crevasses!

2009-06-25T14:13:00.007-08:00

Matt shows Lisa the importance of angles

Lisa, Beth, Matt: setting up the EARNEST anchor

3:1 anchor

Aubrey gets to hang out in the crevasse and wait for a rescue

looking down into the crevasse

beautiful scenery inside the crevasse

Lisa pulls

extraction successful

Alyeska glacier, June 24, 2009. We practiced on the lower lookers-left side of the open glacier.

walking off the glacier, looking down at Turnagain arm

AP in Nat. Geographic

2009-06-23T08:43:00.003-08:00

Just published: a Short blurb in National Geographic Adventure about our ice climbing trips on the Byron Glacier.

Midnight Sun Glacier Hike on Solstice

2009-06-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

Midnight Sun Marathoners on a Midnight Sun Glacier Hike on Summer Solstice!!!!

1" of new snow on Solstice!

2009-06-22T11:55:00.003-08:00

Wow..... last night's midnight sun glacier hike included a snowstorm!

my 4 midnight sun marathon runners did great as we climbed through the wind and rain to enjoy magical snow falling up high in the glacier bowl.

Also- a new moulin has opened and is probably 50' deep!

Black Bear on Byron, New Flowers Arriving on Trails!

2009-06-19T15:21:00.005-08:00

Black bear on Byron Glacier, spotted June 17

Ryan with black bear in the background - upper left corner

Ice Climbing on Byron Glacier

Goats!

Hiking off of Alyeska Glacier - looking down at Turnagain Arm

One-flowered Cinquefoil , Potentilla Uniflora (Max's ridgeline)

Cut-Leaf Anemone, Anemone multifida (Crow Pass)

Moss Campion, Silene Acaulis (Mt Alyeska)

(glacier and animal pics by Ryan, flowers by Aubrey)

'09 Season Underway!!

2009-06-14T12:16:00.006-08:00

It is (kind of) raining today! And the fact that this is notable is a clue to the amazing weather we've seen here in Girdwood this spring: lots of blue-bird days, and lots of sun! Which made for several great days of guides training on the Byron Glacier, Winner Creek Trail, and Alyeska Glacier.

Here are some shots of guides training on the Byron:

Portage, June 2, and it is a gorgeous day!

Ryan points out a family of goats which, as we watch, actually glissade down a steep snow bank off the mountain and onto the glacier below us.

Karen Hilton

New to the team this season: Lisa Portune, Aubrey Smith, and Karen Hilton

Ryan shows how its done

Aubrey gets her first shot at ice climbing

Matt: our fearless leader

practicing crevasse rescue: Karen, Beth, Bobby

Beth checks out the blues

2009-05-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hello!
Just wanted to drop you a note to say we had an awesome Rainforest Hike with our guide, Beth!
Her knowledge and expertise was evident from the beginning of our journey and her kind and gentle
personality made the time with her so pleasant. Her patience with the slowest one in our group of four
was truly appreciated! We were lucky to see some spectacular views, see and hear some beautiful birds,
and learn so much about the flora of the forest. We will all never forget our wonderful experience hiking in
Alaska!! Thank you so much!!
The Eberhardts
Tom, Lisa, T.J. and Andrew

Mat Glacier May Glacier Hikes from Anchorage

2009-05-26T22:33:00.001-08:00

Putting up the Yurt!

2009-05-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the Yurt has been up for over a month now, but the pictures were just too good not to post, albeit long after the fact. All photographs by our very own expert guide, Karen Hilton.

Matt at the top

Heather and the door

With the top canvas on, Ryan and Matt talk the next step over

Ryan

Mat Glacier May Glacier Hikes from Anchorage

2009-05-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

Backcountry Skiing Manitoba, Turnagain Pass

2009-04-19T22:49:00.001-08:00

Alyeska Skiing at Telepalooza

2009-04-04T21:49:00.000-08:00

Elmendorf Military Ice Climbing Day

2009-03-21T21:37:00.002-08:00

Great day out ice climbing with a group from Elmendorf. Some had just gotten back from Iraq and others were getting ready to deploy. This was a teambuilding and life readjustment type trip. Ascending Path was super excited to teach climbing to these active military. They were super strong as a result of what they called "muscle failure" training; which was where they would work out lifting weights and run until they could not move any more. Then they would repeat the next day for 5 days or 6 days straight!!! Fun folks and we hope to continue working with this program. Climbing is a great mind and body sport and it reduces a ton of stress!

Fitness Magazine Published AP twice!

2009-03-14T21:19:00.001-08:00

Two publications in Fitness Magazine this winter. One on beauty skin care products that I use while Ice Climbing and the other a 3 page article with a full page photo of Rachel the travel writer The Ascending Path took out Ice Climbing and on a yoga Rock Climbing trip. Great PR as we couldn't pay for a full page logo photo in Fitness and article!! Yahooo
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/skin-care/advice/8-steps-to-flawless-winter-skin/?page=2

Snowshoeing Day Trip from Anchorage

2009-03-14T20:24:00.001-08:00

Nice ladies traveling from Wisconsin up for the Iditarod. We Snowshoed up in the Willawaw Lake drainage for a few miles roundtrip. We found sights of recent moose in the area with fresh chew marks on the bark of Alder trees & moose scat. Saw lots of snowshoe hare tracks and even a little fast one that passed through the brush in front of us. The sastrugi was very large in the creek drainage. We even found areas of wind scoured snow that had inches of moose fur in a region where I know they like to den down in the winter. I was wishing I knew some anglers who tied flies for fishing so I could tell them about the moose fur find. Despite the cold we had awesome hoar frost on the trees that made them look as if they were coated with powdered sugar crystals. The sun came out and I feverishly tried to take in every ray as we hiked back to the car. My guests were laughing at me as I was taking tons of photos of them in DIRECT sunlight. They realized that I and many others in Alaska were just receiving some of the first direct and warming sun rays for the first time in months (unless you traveled to southern latitudes, of course). I was ecstatic :) :) Another great day out-----Heather Szundy

First Annual Ice Climbing Festival in Anchorage area

2009-03-07T20:49:00.001-09:00

First Annual Ice Climbing Festival in the Anchorage area. Jayme Dixon, The Ascending Path, AMH, Alaska Ice Climbing, MCA, 210th PJ's, Alaska Rock Gym, AAC, Access Fund and many others worked continuously for half a year trying to get together the first large scale Ice Festival and Competition in Hunter Creek. The 3 day event provided beginner to advanced climbers the opportunity to learn skills in many clinics. This was a momentous occasion as it brought together a lot of talent and different groups of climbers in Alaska. People flew in from Juneau, Kodiak, Fairbanks and many were present from Southcentral Alaska. AMH, The Ascending Path, Petzl & BD provided demo gear. While instructors ranged from some of Alaska's best: Harry Hunt, Joe Stock, Ralph Tingey, Ascending Path Guides, 210th PJ's etc. It was a lot of work as most figured out by the end of the weekend. I would say the attendance was around 200 or so climbers, outdoorsy folks, and family for the 3 day event. All in all it was a great weekend with a killer mixed comp route complete with moss and choss, Chris Lindsey DJing, kegs from Moose's Tooth, a slide show, wrap up dinner at Organic Oasis with live auction and direct sunlight!!! Waaahoooo :) Can't wait for next year's event! I will not be off the sofa next year for the comp though, Harry!!! ------Heather Szundy

How many people can fit inside an Ice Climb?

2009-03-02T22:42:00.000-09:00

THANK YOU!

2008-09-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great season everyone- You guys rock!!
Matt & Heather

Crow Pass Day Hike

2008-09-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Though it was rainy most of the outing, we had a large group of 24 of hearty Alaskan visitors from Japan. They were awesome hikers and thoroughly prepared in full rain gear! We had a great time with the Japanese guides interpreting what the Ascending Path Naturalists were pointing out and discussing. We were fully impressed at how fit and well trained for hiking our guests were (we even had a few hikers in their 70's)! Everyone enjoyed the day. We look forward to more Crow Pass outings but perhaps in the sun next time :)

Click here for Beths' Hand Knitted Goodies!!!

2008-08-23T15:23:00.003-08:00

A Day Out of the Office!

2008-08-16T23:40:00.006-08:00

Ok, office person becomes guide for a day. And I am sure at this point in time everyone is tired of hearing me talk about my first Glacier Hike as a guide....but i LOVED it. Maybe it was the super beautiful day or the super fun clients or just the awesome guides on the trip....but it was certainly one of my summer highlights - Ok, i haven't been getting out very much. Enjoy the photos!

My first clients!

Cathy and me! Should have gotten a shot of all of us...Heather, Ryan, Cathy and me.

One of the rope teams heading up the bowl.

A little slide show for your viewing pleasure!

Guest Comments

2008-08-08T16:43:00.003-08:00

Hey fellow bloggers! Hope everyone is having an awesome summer! I just wanted to post some great comments we've been getting about everyone written by our clients in the guest comment book!

"Most enjoyable walk; Bobbie is very knowledgeable. Thanks!"

" Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Rofous Humming Bird, Townsends Warbler, Spruce Grouse- A great day for birds! Thanks Beth!"

" Our first outdoor climb, fabulous! Taught the basics and more! Thanks for the scars dudes!"

"Matt and Sherrie were the absolutely most awesome guide! Purely excellence! Thanks"

"Heather was an awesome guide.. she kept me climbing!"

"We came, we climbed, and we conquered! We had a blast. Thanks Pete and Dave!"

"My Body hurts all over but the ice climbing was worth it! I would do it again in a heartbeat!"

" We all thought Dave was great! He even told us we had small butts! I feel so proud at 68.5, with Dave's encouragement I hiked on a glacier!"

"This was the best part of our Alaska trip- Ascending Path is a great company from our experience with Alex to Ryan the SUPER GUIDE!"

"Erika is a black bear magnet!"

and my favorite....
"You should open a sled portion for the climb down"

Keep up the great work guys.. and i'll get to rounding up the sleds!
Cathy

Byron ice

2008-07-20T16:21:00.002-08:00

Beautiful Day on the Byron

2008-07-12T09:46:00.001-08:00

Conditions are great getting up to the Byron Glacier this year.....instead of crossing a huge talus slope, you cross a huge avalanche debris slope, I'd rather walk on snow than talus any day!

Clients Hiking Up

Misty Mountains and Portage Lake

Approaching the Toe of the Icefall

As I was looking through the pics, I realized I didn't take one picture once we got to the base where we set up ropes....I was pretty busy belaying! We rotated six clients between the two ropes, and I think everyone climbed at least 3 times, if not four. Lots of smiles all around : )

Glacier Bowl by Air

2008-07-07T20:35:00.005-08:00

Hey there... while scouting for a film production the other day, I got some shots of the bowl from the heli...
~Matt

Guides Training

2008-06-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! But had some photos from our training a few weeks past and thought even though its been awhile it would be worthy to post them.

Guides training I have to say feels like it was months ago....Alaska summers go fast and it constantly feels like a race to get it all in!

Into the woods we go! I finally made it back to tram rock for an afternoon of climbing and thought the routes were super worthy!

I will say it certainly was a pleasure spending time with you all.....hope our paths will cross again! If your ever in Anchor-town swing by the office and say hello!

2008-06-24T16:48:00.005-08:00

Okay, I know after this I'll have posted twice, but after yesterday I feel I should share. After almost 4 years in Alaska, over a dozen bear encounters and many "bear talks," I finally had a scary encounter.

The bear I encountered yesterday while hiking with two clients was not very happy with our presence and wanted us out of there. This ocurred just before the bridge at the gorge on Winner Creek, and though I actually followed procedure, the bear still "charged." Fortunately I didn't have to spray the bear, as he/she darted to the right over a morrain several feet before reaching us.

In hindsight, I'm glad that I didn't spray because I was definitely NOT thinking about things like wind direction at the last moment there.

Honestly, I was surprised at how my body reacted. My mouth went dry and I wasn't frightened until afterwards. I just went into focus/numb mode.

The reason I think the bear followed us is that the male client didn't listen to my initial instructions. He really wanted some good pictures of the bear so I think he may have even taken a few steps toward the bear despite my instructions to move behind me (I had the spray). I had given them instructions about bears at the trailhead and then ironically, we revisited the subject about 10 minutes before our encounter.

When the bear first approached, we all raised our arms over our head and yelled "HEY BEAR! GET OUT OF HERE BEAR!" but he kept coming anyway. We then backed slowly away, still making ourselves appear large and yelling, until we were over the bridge, and until the bear started running towards us, across the bridge, and until, fortunately, he/she ran off to the right.

Be bear aware! Any other recent encounters?

The Flora this Week

2008-06-20T20:31:00.007-08:00

High Bush Cranberry

Dwarf Dogwood

Twisted Stalk/Watermelon Berry

Starflower

Devil's Club Ragbag Lichen

Pink Pyrola
Horesetails

Elderberry

Fireweed

Avens

Goat's Beard

Hello dear friends....

Phil and I went out the other night and snapped some shots of current plants on the Winner Creek Trail. Here are a few in case you are interested. In another week or two I'll try to take some updated photos.

Erika

Thanks for those who helped us along our Path

2008-06-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog world. We are psyched to let you all know that in 6 years of running The Ascending Path in Alaska we have the best crew of employees yet! Our little company, that Matt started in 1995 as a Climbing bum trying to get his way paid to go climbing, has grown to have 17 employees!!! They are mostly part-timers and seasonal guides working during our busy summer season, but WOW 17 awesome, highly qualified, personable and outstanding individuals. Even though Matt & I have scrimped and worked our asses off for 6 years growing the business, it is finally at a place where we are confident we have the right crew. A place where for the first time in 6 years, Matt & I will be able to relax and not worry too too much about how the business is going to make enough to feed us and now 17 others. We feel so very grateful to be in a place where we can smile knowing that the tireless nights and stress will be defrayed by employees who truly care and are passionate about sharing nature and climbing. We love what we do. We are glad our employees do so also. As my business partner and husband says, "The Way is the Goal!" Even though the way, our way has been bumpy and at times very scary not knowing what having a business would be like, we like the roads we have traveled. Thanks to all of you who have helped us grow and support us on our path. And yes, we too are sorry that we cannot plan in advance in the summer and have fun outings with friends very frequently because work consumes us. But maybe, that will be the days of the past....as we look very positively forward to our 6th summer running a eco-tourism business.

2008-05-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Just wanted to thank you for the great experience! Ryan was the consumate professional. Starting with leading us to Timbuktoo (that's Matanuska to you) right out of the rain and into some solid ice and eventual sunshine!! He taught us safely and well. We all got our fill, even the guys!! We old people were a little sore the next day but none the worse for wear! We would recommend your company highly!
Thanks again!! The Miller Family

Flat Top Glissade with client from Washington

2008-04-28T17:14:00.002-08:00

April Hike up Flat Top

2008-04-25T17:21:00.001-08:00