Intro to Rock and Ice Climbing

Ever wanted to learn how to rock and ice climb? Here at UAF we offer just such a class. The class has 4 outings to experence climbing on real rock and ice. Along with that the class meets on a weekly bias to climb on the on-campus ice and rock walls, where we practice climbing techniques and anchor building. Offered in the second quarter of the spring semester, this class trasitions seamlessly from climbing on frozen waterfalls to warm rock crags, due to the short Fairbanks springs.

Panorama With the Mountaineering Class

It started out as a very snowy morning as everyone groggily got all their gear ready for the climb up Panorama peak. We loaded up the vehicles and started our drive down the Parks Highway only stopping at the Miner's Market to get delicious breakfast sandwiches. After satisfactorily stuffing ourselves we continued on our way and marveled at how much the weather had cleared up during out drive. When we arrived at the peak we gathered up our gear again and hiked our way over to the base. We strapped on our crampons pulled out our mountain axes and started our assent. It was fantastically warm, with a nice view of the surrounding area. After much huffing and puffing the summit was achieved. To everyone's dismay the summit was shrouded in clouds. We then carefully picked out way back down steep slopes. After everyone gathered back at the vehicles wet with sweat and smiling from the accomplishment, we took off back to the University with a quick bathroom break at Miner's Market and concluded the trip on a successful and happy note.

White Mountains Ski

Last Sunday we gathered up our back country skis and made our way out to the beautiful White Mountains trail system. We were expecting a brisk -15 degrees and overcast skies but were pleasantly surprised to find that it was fantastically sunny and about 0 degrees. Skiing out onto the summit trail we crested the ridge and stopped for lunch taking pictures of the far off mountains. There was much laughter as we got started again and several of us fell in the snow. Connecting into the the ski loop we skied through the pines knocking off snow as we went. Then connecting into the Wickersham trail for a pleasant easy finish to the relaxing and sunny day. As an extra bonus we stopped at the Hill Top Truck Stop for some DELICIOUS pie!

Ice Wall Open Climb Days

March 10-11

Attention UAF community! The Ice Wall is open! The Ice Wall hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. No experience no problem; we will have instructors present to show you the ropes. All equipment will be provided free of charge. This is free of charge only to current UAF students. With any further questions please contact Sam Braband at 474-6306 or sjbraband@alaska.edu.

Ice Wall Open House

On Friday, February 24th the ice wall opened for the first time to the public. As an event for the Winter Carnival Outdoor Adventures hosted an ice wall open house. This event was free to the public and included complete outfitting of all crucial ice climbing gear. There was a great showing of people of all skill levels, and aside from the diversity of skill levels, laughter and smiles where throughout.

Stanpede Trail Ski

Made famous from John Krakauer's book and later Sean Penn's movie the story of Christopher McCandless and his adventures have been awe inspiring to all. The Outdoor Adventures hosted a trip in February to ski the first part of the now famous trail that leads out to the bus that signifies the end all

of his journey. The day of the trip could not be any better. Perfect high

20's degree weather and with the sun bright and amazing

visibility. The view of the Alaska Range was picture perfect as too the smiles on everyone's face as the back country ski, to some a new experience and others as enjoyable as ever. To all who took part, thanks for a great day and hope to see you soon on other Outdoor Adventure trips.