Category: ice guide

Snow River

Located on the Kenai Peninsula approximately 12 miles north of Seward, this wide drainage offers exciting approaches and challenging ice. Snow machines are recommended due to the length of the drainage. However, skiing is doable but watch out for the open water. The majority of known routes exist about 5 miles back up the South Fork of the Snow River.

One more thing, rumor has it there are still plenty of first ascents to be had. Enjoy!

alert icon ALERT: Be aware that certain areas in the Snow River basin are off limits to motorized use. Be sure to check trails and access rights before venturing into the area.

Skilak Fang

Rating: WI5
Length: 120+ meters

Mixed start on thin ice and rock to 3 pillars of free hanging ice. Pillars are varying in thickness and width. If you stay to the middle the pillars will touch down on each other so you can avoid the free-hangers off to the sides of the climb. The last one is the longest and a little overhanging at the end so save your pump. You can continue up the ramp above the pillars for one last little steep section in the rock to make it a climb over 600 feet.

FA: Tyler Johnson and John Ellinwood, 2008

Anchor/descent: Rap off of v-threads or alders.

Skilak Glacier Lake

The known climbs in this area actually exist on the Skilak Glacier Lake and the glacier proper. The waterfall ice climbs in the area range from grade 2 to grade 5+ with enough variety to keep anyone busy for awhile. Numerous waterfalls exist on the walls around the lake with the potential for numerous variations. If that is not enough, head to the glacier ice if you get bored. The real challenge is getting out to the ice.

Climbs are best accessed by snowmachine or ski from the Skilak Lake Boat Launch. Travel up towards the head of the lake and the glacier. Be sure to watch for open water around the Kenai River inlet into the lake on the approach. The glacial river at the head of the lake is very braided and open most of the year so be cautious of open water in this area too. For lodging, there is the Doroshin public use cabin towards the northeast end of the lake that is available with the Kenai Naitonal Wildlife Refuge. A stay at the cabin makes for a short ride by snow machine up to the climbs.