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Backpackers are treated to stunning views of the Yukon's alpine lakes.
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A playground for mountaineering, alpine climbing and ski mountaineering
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Haines is an epicenter for heli-skiing in Alaska
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The Chilkat Inlet offers great paddling opportunties through pristine waters
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Brown bear and cubs along the Alaska shoreline are just some of the wildlife you might see.
Skagway Travel Information
Skagway, Alaska: Skagway, Alaska is a small town located at the top of the Taiya Inlet. The town of Skagway is a National Historic Park and was made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush, where stampeders used trail systems starting in Skagway to access the gold found in the Yukon. Surrounded on three sides by steep mountains, our rock climbing adventures take us high up to beautiful views of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness.
Arrival Information: We ask that you arrive in Skagway the evening before your course starts; it’s often easiest to stay in Skagway the day your course ends, as well. Please contact us if you are unable to schedule your travel to arrive the evening before and we can discuss alternative options.
We will pick you up from the airport or ferry terminal on your arrival date and drop you off for your departure, if needed. Please notify the IWLS office of your expected arrival or flight information as soon as possible and let us know of any delays or changes.
Pre-Trip Order of Events:
Day 0: Pre-trip meeting at 6:00 PM (unless otherwise noted) at the IWLS office in Skagway. We can provide a ride to the office from your place of lodging or transport. Bring your all the gear you plan on bring on the trip; we will go over equipment, itinerary, questions, etc.
Day 1: This is the start date listed on the website. Meet at 9:00 AM, or as directed. You will be in the field from this morning until the evening of the last day of your course.
Travel Arrangements: Please forward along your travel itinerary as soon as possible, so we can make the appropriate pick-up/drop-off arrangements.
Plan your arrival into Haines before 6:00 PM on Day 0, the night before your course start date, at the very latest.
Airline Travel: To fly into Skagway, you must typically first fly into Juneau, Alaska. Most travel options are easiest from there, especially if you're coming internationally or from the Lower 48.
Alaska Airlines: The easiest way to get to Skagway is from Juneau, the state capital. Alaska Airlines has daily scheduled flights from Seattle to Juneau; flight time is about 1.5 hours.
Seaplane: From Juneau, a 45-minute local commuter flight will bring you to Skagway. Alaska Seaplanes has the most options, and has several runs a day from Juneau to Skagway in the summer.
Flightseeing: We can also arrange for a scenic chartered flight from Fly Drake if you would like to see more of the Lynn Canal or beyond on your way to Skagway with legendary ski plane pilot, Drake Olson.
Baggage: Typically, you are allowed two 50 lb bags at no extra charge. For bags weighing 50-70 lb, there is usually an additional charge per bag. It is often cheaper to have two bags over 50 lb than a third bag.
If you travel through other countries for a stopover, you may be charged excess baggage fees for anything over 44 lb (20 kilos) on each flight. If possible, pack your backpack and gear inside a large duffel bag to keep them from being damaged.
Airline Tickets: Make certain that your ticket matches the full name on your driver’s license or passport.
Alaska Marine Highway: The Alaska Marine Highway System operates daily ferries from Juneau, Haines, Skagway, and other ports around Alaska. There are even routes from Bellingham, WA., with car transportation available.
Sailings are frequent, but less frequent than flights. However, ferries are less likely to cancel due to weather. They are a great way to see the coast of Southeast Alaska, with heated decks, cafeterias, and and enclosed viewing decks. There are even staterooms available for overnight sailings.
Ferry service from Juneau to Skagway takes 5-6 hours, and may stop in Haines first.
Alaska Fjordlines: Another option during the summer is the sleek Alaska Fjordlines system. They operate between Haines, Skagway, and Juneau. It takes just over 4 hours to sail from Juneau to Skagway, with a stop in Haines.
From Seattle: Driving to Skagway from Seattle is an exciting and beautiful adventure. It takes you through the remote and rugged mountains of British Columbia via the Cassiar Highway. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive. There is lodging available along the drive, but might be few and far between. Make sure your vehicles maintenance is up to date and that your tires are sound. From Seattle, it is about 1600 miles to Skagway. We recommend 3-5 days to make the drive.
Driving Directions from Seattle
From Anchorage: To drive from Anchorage, it is about 800 miles to Skagway. Plan for 2-3 days of driving. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive.
Driving Directions from Anchorage
From Fairbanks: To drive from Fairbanks, it is about 700 miles to Skagway. Plan for 2-3 days of driving. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive.
Driving Directions from Fairbanks
Winter/Spring Driving Conditions: Snow and ice conditions on the Haines Highway, the Cassiar Highway, and the ALCAN Highway can persist from October through early May. The roads can be impassible for days at a time, and temperatures can be below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Driving during this time period requires winter driving considerations. Some combination of snow chains, studded tires, and four wheel drive is necessary. Make sure you bring with a camping stove, winter sleeping bag, food, water, and warm clothing if you plan to travel during this time. A satellite communications device is also recommended in the winter. In general, it is not recommended to drive before April. Feel free to contact us for more info if you want to drive in the spring or winter.
Skagway Lodging:
Juneau Lodging Options: