Skolai to Nizina
Trip Description:
A demanding journey over passes, across glaciers and through the heart of the Wrangells. Start with a bush plane drop-off in the alpine at Skoali and head for the wilds of the Fredrika Valley. A steady ascent up the glacier and the steep rocky slopes above bring you to Frederika Pass, the trip’s highest elevation. We call the slopes below the Super Alpine, and with ample camping, unique geology and sweeping views of the central Wrangells, it’s built for a layover day. Descend to the valley below and cross the Rohn and Regal Glaciers at their confluence. Hiking across two valley-filling glaciers beneath towering peaks is somehow humbling and empowering all at once. Exit the ice and hike down valley to the iceberg filled Nizina Glacier Lake and a plane ride back to civilization.
Difficulty: Advanced 
Duration: 5-7 days
Trip Options:
Want to make it a packraft traverse? Link this route with the Nizina River CL II+. Fly in a mid-trip re-supply to Nizina (whitewater gear, food and fuel) to eliminate extra weight on the backpacking and boating sections. For a challenging fast and light option, inquire for more information.
Not an experienced paddler? Get packrafts flown in for a few days of lake paddling, day hiking and basecamping at the Nizina.
Highlights:
- Two bush plane flights deep into the Wrangells
- Climbing over a high pass in the big mountains
- Views and camping in the Super Alpine
- Backpacking across enormous valley glaciers
- Potential for caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat and bear sightings
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings.
Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 6+ hours a day.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.
When: Late June-September
Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.
Trip Includes
- Pre-trip planning.
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
- Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
- Customizable itinerary.
- Airfare into the backcountry.
- Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
- SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
- Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
- Cooking gear and fuel.
- Backpacking pack (if needed)
- Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
- Technical gear and equipment.
- Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
- Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.
Trip Does Not Include
- Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
- Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
- Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
- Alcohol in the backcountry.
- Pre & Post trip lodging.
- Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Trip Prices
Skolai to Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,690 per person
2:1 / $2,880 per person
3:1 / $2,440 per person
4:1 / $2,320 per person
5:1 / $2,025 per person
6+:2 / $2,100 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,570 per person
2:1 / $3,380 per person
3:1 / $2,855 per person
4:1 / $2,680 per person
5:1 / $2,355 per person
6+:2 / $2,430 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,450 per person
2:1 / $3,880 per person
3:1 / $3,270 per person
4:1 / $3,040 per person
5:1 / $2,685 per person
6+:2 / $2,760 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,330 per person
2:1 / $4,380 per person
3:1 / $3,685 per person
4:1 / $3,400 per person
5:1 / $3,015 per person
6+:2 / $3,090 per person
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge
Trip Prices
Skolai to Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)
Client:Guide Ratio & Price
Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $4,690 per person
2:1 / $2,880 per person
3:1 / $2,440 per person
4:1 / $2,320 per person
5:1 / $2,025 per person
6+:2 / $2,100 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,570 per person
2:1 / $3,380 per person
3:1 / $2,855 per person
4:1 / $2,680 per person
5:1 / $2,355 per person
6+:2 / $2,430 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,450 per person
2:1 / $3,880 per person
3:1 / $3,270 per person
4:1 / $3,040 per person
5:1 / $2,685 per person
6+:2 / $2,760 per person
Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,330 per person
2:1 / $4,380 per person
3:1 / $3,685 per person
4:1 / $3,400 per person
5:1 / $3,015 per person
6+:2 / $3,090 per person
Trip Description:
A demanding journey over passes, across glaciers and through the heart of the Wrangells. Start with a bush plane drop-off in the alpine at Skoali and head for the wilds of the Fredrika Valley. A steady ascent up the glacier and the steep rocky slopes above bring you to Frederika Pass, the trip’s highest elevation. We call the slopes below the Super Alpine, and with ample camping, unique geology and sweeping views of the central Wrangells, it’s built for a layover day. Descend to the valley below and cross the Rohn and Regal Glaciers at their confluence. Hiking across two valley-filling glaciers beneath towering peaks is somehow humbling and empowering all at once. Exit the ice and hike down valley to the iceberg filled Nizina Glacier Lake and a plane ride back to civilization.
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 5-7 days
Trip Options:
Want to make it a packraft traverse? Link this route with the Nizina River CL II+. Fly in a mid-trip re-supply to Nizina (whitewater gear, food and fuel) to eliminate extra weight on the backpacking and boating sections. For a challenging fast and light option, inquire for more information.
Not an experienced paddler? Get packrafts flown in for a few days of lake paddling, day hiking and basecamping at the Nizina.
Highlights:
- Two bush plane flights deep into the Wrangells
- Climbing over a high pass in the big mountains
- Views and camping in the Super Alpine
- Backpacking across enormous valley glaciers
- Potential for caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goat and bear sightings
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges: Rocky/unstable ground, elevation gain and loss in short distances, steep vegetated hillsides, side-hilling, creek crossings.
Who: Intermediate to experienced backpackers. This trip has the potential to be challenging for any level. If you are new to backpacking we’ll discuss your experience to see if it’s the right trip for you. You will need to be able to carry a pack that ranges from 35 – 50 lbs for up to 6+ hours a day.*Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.
When: Late June-September
Where: We will meet you at your lodging or at the footbridge ½ hour before your flight time and provide transportation to the airstrip.
Trip Includes
-
- Pre-trip planning.
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
- Small ratios: 1 guide for groups up to 5 people. 2 guides for groups of 6+ (additional porters may be requested for any group size at an additional cost)
- Customizable itinerary.
- Airfare into the backcountry.
- Medical equipment, training and protocols to Wilderness First Responder Standards.
- SAT phone & Delorme InReach.
- Healthy, nutritious food customized to your tastes.
- Cooking gear and fuel.
- Backpacking pack (if needed)
- Sleeping bag/pad combo (if needed)
- Technical gear and equipment.
- Personal tent(s) and group cook tent.
- Leave No Trace and Bear Safety education/ ethics.
Trip Does Not Include
- Guide Gratuity (recommended 10-20% of tour cost)
- Day packs (for basecamping day hikes)
- Personal clothing & gear. For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit our Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
- Alcohol in the backcountry.
- Pre & Post trip lodging.
- Transportation to and from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Skolai to Nizina
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge, or use arrows to scroll.
