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.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy »

Start Planning Your Trip Now

Trip Prices

Skolai to Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,100 per person
2:1 / $3,115 per person
3:1 / $2,655 per person
4:1 / $2,515 per person
5:1 / $2,190 per person
6+:2 / $2,275 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,070 per person
2:1 / $3,665 per person
3:1 / $3,115 per person
4:1 / $2,915 per person
5:1 / $2,555 per person
6+:2 / $2,640 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,040 per person
2:1 / $4,215 per person
3:1 / $3,575 per person
4:1 / $3,315 per person
5:1 / $2,920 per person
6+:2 / $3,005 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,010 per person
2:1 / $4,765 per person
3:1 / $4,035 per person
4:1 / $3,715 per person
5:1 / $3,285 per person
6+:2 / $3,370 per person

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Start Planning Your Trip Now

Trip Prices

Skolai to Nizina (Backcountry Airfare From McCarthy Included)

Client:Guide Ratio & Price

Pricing per Number of Clients – 4 Day Trip
1:1 / $5,100 per person
2:1 / $3,115 per person
3:1 / $2,655 per person
4:1 / $2,515 per person
5:1 / $2,190 per person
6+:2 / $2,275 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 5 Day Trip
1:1 / $6,070 per person
2:1 / $3,665 per person
3:1 / $3,115 per person
4:1 / $2,915 per person
5:1 / $2,555 per person
6+:2 / $2,640 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 6 Day Trip
1:1 / $7,040 per person
2:1 / $4,215 per person
3:1 / $3,575 per person
4:1 / $3,315 per person
5:1 / $2,920 per person
6+:2 / $3,005 per person

Pricing per Number of Clients – 7 Day Trip
1:1 / $8,010 per person
2:1 / $4,765 per person
3:1 / $4,035 per person
4:1 / $3,715 per person
5:1 / $3,285 per person
6+:2 / $3,370 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.