Due to the backcountry and challenging nature of this trip, returning students must be invited to join Alaska Expedition, and preference is given to those who have successfully completed Adventure Treks trips in previous years. All new students or those who haven’t completed the aforementioned trips must have previous backcountry experience (e.g., multi-day backpacking trips) and attend an interview with an Adventure Treks director to ensure a mutually good fit.
Included in tuition:
- All meals
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
- Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
- Airfare to and from Anchorage, AK (ANC)
- Trip insurance (more info here)
- Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)
Camping
About half of our nights are spent at “frontcountry” campsites, where we’ll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.
The other half will be spent “backcountry” camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Multi-day activities like backpacking and sea kayaking take place in the backcountry.
Challenge/fitness level
Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not “rate” its trips based on challenge. However, as noted above, the Alaska Expedition is one of our most challenging trips. Because we’ll be highly engaged in backcountry activities throughout trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.
