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Weather windows – no problem!
Getting to and from the mountain is simple when the weather is good. However, the weather in the mountains is constantly changing. K2 Aviation has the largest number of ski planes which means that we are able to quickly getting climbers into the mountains before their climb and back to Talkeetna following their climb during short weather windows.
Changing Flight Operations Forever -K2 Aviation
At K2, we have pioneered the use of larger more efficient airplanes in the Alaska Range. The K2 Aviation team introduced the De Havilland Beaver to mountain operations. Then in 2002, K2 Aviation was approved by National Park Service to operate the first turbine De Havilland Otters. Our fleet has now grown to include three Otters which can transport 7 climbers with gear per plane.
Climbing Services:
We offer a variety of services to help make it easy for climbing expeditions.
- Largest ski plane fleet – three De Havilland Turbine Otters that can transport 7 climbers and gear, two De Havilland Beavers that can transport 4 climbers and gear, two Cessna 185s that can transport 3 and gear.
- K2 Aviation will be your home base and we have a comfortable hangar dedicated to climbers for sorting gearing and waiting for weather.
- Support for making Hostel and shuttle arrangements.
- Storage for personal gear
- Snowshoe and sled rentals (many sleds rigged but bring your own)
- Group discounts
- Staff dedicated to making your expedition successful.
- We have an excellent safety record and 46 years of experience in the air taxi business.
Climbing Season:
The typical climbing season for the high mountains in the Alaska Range is mid-April through mid-July. If you intend to climb Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker you must register with National Park Service 60 days in advance. NPS fee is $200 + $10 park entrance fee. Please contact the National Park Service at P.O. Box 588, Talkeetna, Alaska 99676 for a registration form. The NPS phone in Talkeetna is (907) 733-2231, or visit the NPS mountaineering web site.
Climbing Routes:
The West Buttress, West Rib, Cassin Ridge, South Face, Mt. Hunter and Mt. Foraker routes are all accessible from Base Camp. Additional popular routes supported by K2 Aviation include:
- Ruth Amphitheater: Sheldon Cabin, South Buttress, Mt. Dan Beard, Barrille, Moose's Tooth, Mt. Dickey.
- Ruth Gorge: Moose's Tooth, Mts. Dickey, Johnson, Barille, and Wake.
- Pika Glacier: Little Switzerland, rock and alpine climbing opportunities.
- Kantishna Airstrip: Kahiltna traverse via the Muldrow Glacier.
While these are some of the most common routes, K2 can provide custom air taxi service to many remote climbing and trekking locations.
Things you need to know:
Register for your climb:
Mountaineers attempting a climb of Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker must register with the Talkeetna Ranger Station at least 60 days prior to their start date.
You can find registration forms online at www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/registrationinfo.htm
Talkeetna Ranger Station Orientation:
All registered climbers are required to check in and out at the Talkeetna Ranger Station.
Important: If you are registered to climb Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker, your expedition will need to make an appointment with that Talkeetna Ranger Station. Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.
Talkeetna Ranger Station Contact:
E-mail: dena_talkeetna_office@nps.gov
Web Site: National Park Service - Denali Mountaineering
Talkeetna Ranger Station
PO Box 588
Talkeetna AK 99676
Phone: (907)733-2231
FAX: (907)733-1465 |
