When is the best time to visit Alaska for weather, bugs?
Where is the best place?
First of all, the tales of huge swarms of mosquitoes carrying away young
caribou are somewhat exaggerated. Sure we’ve got mosquitoes, lots
of ‘em at times. They’re often at their most annoying in early
summer around our area (early June). There are a lot around Denali Park
in mid-Summer. Farther north in the Arctic they are legendary some times
of year.
But we also have gnats, flies, blacksocks, whitesocks,
no see-ums etc. etc. At any time of summer, any place in south central
Alaska you could have all of the above or none at all. It depends on some
mysterious combination of their hatch cycle, wind, temperature, humidity,
day of the week, phase of the moon…who knows? And predicting it
is about as accurate as predicting the weather. We don’t spend a
lot of time worrying about either. We know a few tricks to help cope comfortably.
It’s all part of the experience!
The summer operating season for us, and many other businesses,
is late May through early September.
Weather
A similar answer as the bug situation. Here’s the
breakdown:
Late March/early April is “Spring”. Still some great skiing,
prime time for mountaineering. Lots of snow in the mountains.
Late April/Early May is “Breakup”. Our peak mud season as
all that snow starts to melt. A good time to go farther north, farther
south, or higher in the mountains.
Late May is a great time for sea kayaking as there seems to be more wildlife,
and less people.
June – August is “Summer”. Which means we could have
80 degrees and sunny or we could be hiking in a foot of new snow in the
mountains. Virtually endless days. Prime time in Alaska, for us and the
thousands of visitors. We sometimes stretch into the first week in September.
After Labor Day we’re fully into “Fall”. The leaves
are changing and rapidly dropping. The tourist crowds are gone. We do
a few trips in early September but the weather could be a lot cooler and/or
rainier. We did a custom Extreme Week in early September and hiked out
in 3 feet of new snow. Quite the adventure.
To be quite honest, other than the marine forecast regarding
winds, tides, and waves; we pay very little attention to weather forecasts.
We prepare for everything, and if you bring what’s on the gear list
you’ll be prepared as well.
|
|
Do I need insurance?
Travel insurance is recommended. If your flight is delayed and you miss
the start of your Exposure trip, or miss the entire trip for whatever
reason, travel insurance may reimburse you. (We will not be able to!)
If you live in the U.S., you know how expensive health care can be. If
you’re visiting from outside the U.S. it could come as a shocking
surprise in the middle of your vacation. If you are ill or injured on
one of our trips we will do everything we can to help, but any and all
expenses for care or evacuation are entirely your responsibility. Check
out your options: Travel
Insurance.
Are there any other costs???
If you show up with the required gear you really should not need to spend
any money on one of our scheduled trips except for gratuities for your
hard-working guides. if you would like to buy something to eat or drink
at every stop we make, that may be on your own (but we supply plenty of
food). We often buy the first round (what’s pizza without beer?)…much
beyond that is on you.
All scheduled activities are included.
Custom trips may have some exclusions that will be clearly spelled out
as your trip is planned.
What about tipping? Your Exposure Guides and other guides
that you may have on the trip are always appreciative of gratuities, this
is a service industry after all. 5 - 10% is a good rule of thumb.
Click HERE for more details on costs, payment, and
what is and is not included.
I would be traveling alone, will I always be the “odd one
out”? Will this be a problem?
Not at all. We probably have as many single guests as we do couples or
friends. As we put the team together we think about things like tent sharing,
double and single kayaks, load carrying etc. Sometimes we’ll get
a friend to come along to balance things. One way or another it always
works out. If you specifically request a room or tent to yourself (assuming
that it’s logistically possible), there may be an additional charge.
If you’re willing to be flexible, there will be no extra charges…and
you still might have a tent all to yourself!
Will I see wildlife?
Wildlife is just that…wild. Our trips are primarily in the wilderness…we
don’t look for bears in dumpsters. Although we are experienced in
looking for animals in the bush we can make no promises. (well, we usually
guarantee an eagle or two). A lot of it depends on the group, how quiet
and alert they are when we are out. Of course, sometimes we make a lot
of noise so that we DON’T see a bear unexpectedly.
The best opportunities to see wildlife are from the bus in Denali National
Park, on a special fly-in bear viewing trip, and from the day cruise in
Kenai Fjords National Park. See Wildlife Viewing
for more info.
Are your trips "safe"?
Some dictionaries define “safe” as being without
risk. Few things worth doing are completely without risk. We do our best
to manage the inherent risks associated with the activities in our trips
but cannot completely remove the risks without destroying the nature of
the activity. For example, falling is an inherent risks of hiking and
climbing and we can completely remove that risk only by NOT
going hiking or climbing.
You must understand and accept the risks associated with an
adventurous trip in Alaska.
We travel to extremely remote, stunningly beautiful areas
where there are often no communications and help in an emergency may be
delayed by hours or days.
While our trips are not without risk, we pride ourselves on an excellent
record of managing these risks such that people can enjoy themselves on
our trips and return home healthy and happy.
|
|
It seems
like the Exposed Series Tours and Extreme Week do a lot of the same activities.
What’s the difference?
Although many of the same activities are included, the Exposed Tours take
them at a slightly less physically challenging level. Hiking is more often
on established trails or easier terrain for example.
One other big difference…The Exposed Tours more often stay in an
inn or established campgrounds that may even have toilets and showers.
But don’t be mistaken, these tours are ACTIVE vacations. While we
occasionally have to do some miles in the van, we do a lot more than just
jump out to “see” something and take a photo.
Over the years, our Extreme Week has become a little tougher, and our
guests seem to enjoy the challenge. The Exposed Series is for those who
may not want to push themselves quite so hard.
What about food? Can you accommodate special diets?
This questions gets it's own answer page.
|
