Laughingman Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Debating about going up to Fairbanks alaska for school ( yes fairbanks of all places) and am wondering if they have a ice climbing scene. Tried to do several internet searches but to no avail. If anybody has any information it would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Frieh Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 http://www.alaskaiceclimbing.com/interior.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Gano Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 -40 there now. Dress warm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughingman Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 It only -29 degree fahrenheit at the moment. The trick is finding anyone who wants to go ice climbing in that kind of weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Frieh Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 It only -29 degree fahrenheit at the moment. The trick is finding anyone who wants to go ice climbing in that kind of weather. A number of very talented ice/alpine climbers call Fairbanks home and all of them know climbing ice in -29 is stupid which is probably why they all drive to Nabesna or Valdez on the weekends to climb there. Living in AK is no different than living in the Pacific NW; you gotta be willing to drive a little to get the best possible conditions. That said if you are you will likely score when you get there. Check out the AK ice climbing website to see what AK has around the state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughingman Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 It only -29 degree fahrenheit at the moment. The trick is finding anyone who wants to go ice climbing in that kind of weather. A number of very talented ice/alpine climbers call Fairbanks home and all of them know climbing ice in -29 is stupid which is probably why they all drive to Nabesna or Valdez on the weekends to climb there. Living in AK is no different than living in the Pacific NW; you gotta be willing to drive a little to get the best possible conditions. That said if you are you will likely score when you get there. Check out the AK ice climbing website to see what AK has around the state. Thanks for the advice man. I am fully aware that below -20 ice climbing is indeed stupid. Apparently some dude sets up a man made "ice tower" every other year or so. pretty cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Frieh Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 If you end up landing in AK let me know and I can connect you with some of the locals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughingman Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 (edited) Thanks man I am kind of new to water ice (Mostly do moderate alpine stuff). So I figured if I go up in Alaska I might as well become more familiar with "real" ice climbing. Edited November 22, 2011 by Laughingman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZimZam Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 The Matanuska glacier outside of Palmer is a decent spot to play around in, and is accessible all year. Several mtneering schools/college class are held there even in July and August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Gano Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Living in AK is no different than living in the Pacific NW; you gotta be willing to drive a little to get the best possible conditions. That said if you are you will likely score when you get there. Check out the AK ice climbing website to see what AK has around the state. In southcentral there are maritime areas and more continental areas within a hour or so of Anchorage. You can select the location base on temperatures in town. 5+ months of reliable water ice is a little different than in the Pac Northwest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughingman Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 Anyone else want to chime in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake_Gano Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I've heard there is decent cragging within an hour or so of Fairbanks in the summer months. I come up there to do the equinox marathon in September... beautiful time of year. It's cold, but go for it! You'll either love it, or you won't, but you won't know until you give it try. A lot of people love Fbx for the community and the awesome summers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughingman Posted November 22, 2011 Author Share Posted November 22, 2011 I've heard there is decent cragging within an hour or so of Fairbanks in the summer months. Thank you for your input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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