New AP Website

...to go along with our new Spencer Glacier tours.
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Glacier Hikes Galore!

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!

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

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

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

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

Mushrooms Abound!

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

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!

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

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

"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

Early Season Glacier Hke

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

Wilderness First Aid and WFR Refresher

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!!!

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

Alaska Ice Climbing Fest Video-2010

More Ak Ice Fest 2010

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