Similar to the rating system on whitewater rivers, our "Challenge Levels" will give you some idea of the difficulty of our trips and the conditions that you might encounter.

These levels are a rough guideline only, please read the trip details carefully and ask questions to get a better idea of the challenges you may face.

Our small group size, team selection process, and flexibility in trip planning, enable us to tailor each trip to meet the capabilities of the group.

Our trips do not require previous experience or excellent physical fitness but you should be living an active lifestyle and be reasonably fit. For some of our trips, mental toughness is as important as physical fitness.

All of our trips include at least some camping. Most trips include camping in remote areas without bathroom facilities.

Remember, most people can probably handle MUCH more than they would ever think possible. If you're up for the challenge, this will be a trip that you'll never forget.

Level 1 -- Lots of time riding in a van and just looking at things. We do not do these kind of trips.

Level 2 -- Up to 4 hours per day hiking in moderate terrain on established trails or relaxed-paced sea-kayaking. Most nights spent in lodges, cabins or a B&B. Up to one night out at a time spent in a comfortable established base camp. Minimum facilities would be an outhouse. Meals are in restaurants or prepared by your guides. Examples: Northern Exposure, some custom trips.

Just about anyone who is healthy and reasonably active can enjoy a Level 2 trip.

Level 3 -- 5 - 6 hours per day hiking on established trails or sea-kayaking. Up to 2 consecutive nights tent-camping in established campgrounds (with outhouse facilities). Other nights in a cabin, lodge, roadhouse or B&B. Meals are in restaurants or prepared by your guides.

Examples: Exposed Tours and some custom trips.

Participants on Level 3 trips should already be enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle with regular exercise that includes walking, running, biking or hiking. You should be prepared to deal with Alaska weather for short periods of time but your days will usually end with warm, dry clothes and camp.

Level 4 -- 6 - 7 hours per day hiking on or off developed trails with up to 35 pound backpacks. Up to 3 consecutive nights tent-camping in established campgrounds or primitive camp sites. Established toilet facilities often not available. Other nights in a cabin, lodge, roadhouse or B&B.

Challenging weather conditions for possible extended periods. Meals are in restaurants, prepared by guides or by the group.

Examples: Extreme Week, some aspects of Exposed Tours (sea kayaking), some custom trips.

Level 4 trips require a fairly high level of fitness. You should, at a minimum, be able to walk or run 5 miles without taking a break and be prepared to endure a fair amount of adverse weather without whining. At a minimum, you should expect wet feet. At times you may be completely wet and possibly cold.

Level 5 -- Long days of hiking on rough, unmaintained or non-existent trails in remote areas with 50 - 60 pound packs. 10 hours or more paddling, hiking or outdoor activities per day. 4 - 14 consecutive days in the backcountry tent camping in primitive areas with no established toilet facilities. Challenging weather conditions for possible extended periods. The group may take on all camp chores.

Examples: Wilderness Week, Alpine Challenge and other expeditions, some Extreme Weeks.

A Level 5 trip demands excellent physical and psychological condition. Just going to the gym 3 days per week probably won't cut it.
Depending on your base level of fitness, you should be exercising 5 - 6 days per week, with at least one long run, hike or bike on one of those days. By "long" we mean at least several hours. Anything that gets your legs moving and your heart pumping is good. Add "psychological" challenges once in a while; the extra half mile sprint at the end of a long run, a long hill climb, etc.

Visiting Alaska - Anything could happen.

ALL of the above has happened recently!

If you can't maintain a positive attitude and deal with changing conditions, challenging weather, or Mother Nature just taking charge, please do not sign up for one of our trips.

We have the equipment and expertise to minimize the inherent risks of travel in the backcountry but no one can guarantee your comfort or even your safety.

We often travel beyond where you can pull out your cell phone and call 911. Communication and/or rescue may be impossible. Your Blackberry will be useless.

If you're not up for experiencing the real Alaska and possible difficulties and discomfort that comes along with it, take a Cruise . Check out the cruise options, if they appeal to you more than our trips, please take the cruise with the thousands of others that visit Alaska that way. We'll all be much happier.