Flight Seeing

Will change your view of the world. The feeling of freedom that comes with wings is unimagined. Guests will take to the skies, land on and explore glaciers, mountaintops, sand bars and ocean beaches.

Rafting

Takes explorers into the low valleys on glacier-fed, braided river channels. The muddy water is fast and extremely cold as it grinds its way to the ocean. We paddle on Class I, II, III rivers, although there are much wilder rides available. We have large rafts, 4-person catamaran, and personal watercraft such as kayaks.

Fishing

The numerous streams, lakes and rivers will tempt any fisherman. Catch three species of salmon (reds, kings, and silvers), trout, grayling, and steelhead. Fish waters untouched by a lure or fly; or fish tried and true places where catches are common.

Wildlife Viewing

Each season has meaning for the animals; spring produces the babies, summer is full of eating and strengthening, fall bring the salmon up the river, and berries ripen, final food for the bears who are heading to hibernation.

Snow slows down our world. The wolves are more readily seen and heard and the hardiest time starts for most animals. It can be brutally cold, with lots of snow and ice, but with it comes profound peace and quiet until the spring renews the country.

Dog Mushing

Year round with 30 sled dogs whose passion is running and pulling. Their greatest joy is taking you on a run either up on a glacier or on a four-wheeler at the lodge. Visit the kennel and see real working dogs ready to please and ready to run.

Photographic

Opportunities abound. We have hosted National Geographic professionals on their assignments as well as recreational shutterbugs filling their scrapbooks. The potential for superb photos wakes you each morning.

Hiking, Trekking, and Camping Adventures

Take you into the very essence of this country. The lush green valleys and tundra-topped mountains provide unlimited potential for day trips, overnights, or week-long hikes. There are no trails in this park, we have established our own ways through this vast wildness.

Ocean Beaches

Have an overwhelming lure. We skim over glaciers, and land on the beaches of the Gulf of Alaska for 350 miles of private beachcombing. Witness glaciers calve into the ocean. Comb the sands for the flotsam of the world for this is the top of the Pacific Ocean.

Skiing

Takes on new meaning at Ultima Thule. Powder that has never seen a ski and mountains that have never seen a plane beckon to both alpine and cross-country skiers.

Helicopters are not allowed in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, so we use high performance ski-equipped Piper Super Cubs to access this spectacular ski terrain.

We have flown skiers in Super Cubs to places above 14,000 feet. It is not uncommon to descend runs of u to 5,000 feet in vertical drop. Conditions vary year round. March, April, and May are the best.

Our powder guides are well trained and safety is our prime concern. Appropriate for solid skiers with mountaineering experience. Snow boarders and telemarkers are welcome!

Wrangell-St. Elias is a skiers playground. Nowhere on earth will you find scenery finer. There are many unclimbed peaks and more that have yet to be skied or boarded.

We cannot guarantee a certain number of vertical feet per week, but we can promise you will ski in places that no one has skied before!

Skiing Adventure Prices Include

Meals, accommodations, all flying to and from skiing, transportation from Anchorage and flights to and from Ultima Thule Lodge.

Climbing

Has no equal in these mountains. There are classic routes, unclimbed routes and world- renowned routes. We have ascended numerous previously unclimbed peaks as well as the standards. We can guide a serious expedition for the experienced climber or a day trip for the beginner.

Glacier Adventures

Include the high country. The high country remains snow covered year round. The Bagley Ice Field, fifteen minutes from the home of Ultima Thule Lodge, is the largest polar ice field on the earth. According to the description of Wrangell/St. Elias in the official brochure of the National Park Service, “If you follow any of the many braided rivers and streams to their source, you will find either a receding glacier, an advancing glacier, or a tidewater glacier.”

Other Adventures

Announce themselves daily. We fly out looking for adventures and always find them. Be ready for adventures to match your desires, from soft to extreme, it's your call.

History

Has recorded many strange tales. From the huge copper mine at Kennicott to the broken down hovels of the gold seekers, the history left behind is fascinating.

Itineraries

Do not exist at Ultima Thule. The day is decided at breakfast according to weather and the wishes of each guest. It is your DREAM VACATION. Some adventures, however, are contingent upon weather.

Air Charters

With eight Aircraft and a lifetime of experience in the area. We will take you anywhere you want to go in this magnificent wilderness.
We have spent a lifetime in Alaska adventuring and have discovered the most exciting places in our state. With Ultima Thule you will truly experience the Best of Alaska.

Iditarod

Travel with us on this “Last Great Race” from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. You will stop first in downtown Anchorage to meet and greet mushers and their dogs. You will cheer them on as they set off on their amazing 1,000 mile odyssey.

Our airplanes will be loaded and waiting for our Iditarod adventurers. Everything needed for the ten days to Nome will be in the planes with you. We are experts in cold weather travel and have been following this race for 15 years.

We have seen the temperature dip below -40 degrees F, but our Arctic Oven Tents with wood stoves can withstand the coldest days on the trail in comfort. Heavy-duty sleeping bags, wonderful food and other amenities are ready and waiting for you on this one-of-a-kind adventure.

Each night you will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared on the trail, then bed down in comfort. The next morning you will wake up to a warm breakfast while airplanes are readied to start the day’s adventures.
Along the trail you will see human and canine feats of endurance that defy description. You will land at innumerable places along the way and see the mushers up close as they combat the journey through a haze of sleeplessness.

You will visit checkpoints where the mushers and dogs are required to undergo scrutiny of their own safety. You can speak to veterinarians and longtime Iditarod workers to hear great stories of present day and past Iditarod races. We know most of the mushers in the race and can fill you in on lots of details. We have handled dogs for Iditarod Champions and have our own kennel dog teams, as well.
The race generally takes 10 days. It begins the first week of March in Anchorage. We will provide flying, lodging and food for 10 days of travel on the trail to Nome.

You must provide your own travel option to and from Alaska. Additionally, you must provide your own lodging and food in Anchorage and Nome and commercial jet travel back to Anchorage from Nome.

We will provide an equipment list of additional items you need to bring to make your trip most enjoyable and to maximize your comfort on the trail.

Our rate is $6,000 per person for the ten days on the trail. If for some reason you wish to stay out longer than ten days, the charge is $600 per day.

Air Taxi Information

Our location has the best weather of any area in the park. We can access the mountains most of the time. Coming in from our side avoids endless waiting and delays. We live here year round and are avid skiers and climbers with innumerable first ascents in the area.

We understand the mountains, can give you precise information from a climbing point of view, and provide services such as transportation, fuel, and support services while waiting to go to your mountain. We are extremely concerned about safety and will contact you via radio (required) and keep track of you the best that we can while you are out.

Ultima Thule Air Service is located at our home 100 miles up the Chitina River from Chitina, Alaska Airport. We access all mountains in the Wrangell St./Elias National Park with our bush airplanes. We have a standardized price per mountain or area. If you do not see your destination listed, please contact us for rates. All rates are round trip from Chitina. Remember our airplanes must fly a round trip for each of your trips.

Prices are per person and may vary according to the route or support required for your climb.

Our Current Airtaxi Rates

This information is not available at this time.

We have extensive experience in these mountains because they are our passion. We will go to places other than those that are known. This is the finest and rawest mountain kingdom imaginable and we invite you to experience it with the experts at Ultima Thule Outfitters.

We will meet at the Chitina airport. We do provide transportation via van from Anchorage for $100 r/t if booked in advance. You may leave your car at the airport at your own risk if you choose to drive yourself.

You will probably spend at least one night on our property in the park. We have a limited number of bunks available you can set up your tents in the area provided. We have potable water at the lodge and we have your fuel at the lodge. Meals at the lodge are provided at initial cost.

PAYMENT INFORMATION: Full payment is due at time of booking. Sorry, no exceptions. We accept cash, check, travelers check and wire transfers. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.
REMEMBER: We are EXTREMELY remote. Everything comes from 350 miles away so be organized, ask questions ahead of time and there will be fewer surprises.

Accommodations

Deluxe private guest cabins with multiple rooms. All with bathrooms and use of a wood- fired sauna. Each warmly furnished cabin has a unique craftsman finish and Alaskan flavor.

Each evening you will return to your deluxe private guest cabin to relax before a great dinner with friends, reliving and telling the tales of a day of adventure that few people in the world will ever experience.

Guest Services

Explore this 24 million acre International World Heritage Area on your terms with the experienced staff of Ultima Thule. All vacationers are welcome here. We cater to everyone.

Dining

Meals are prepared in our professionally equipped kitchen and served family style in our dining hall. We eat a variety of healthful foods; vegetables, fruits, freshly baked breads and pastries daily. We emphasize Alaskan fish and wild game. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs.

Drinks

Our water is very good and is potable in all buildings. We serve basic beer and wine. If you enjoy special drinks, feel free to bring them with you.

Clothing

After receipt of your deposit we will send you a complete clothing list. We advise you to follow it closely. Pack soft luggage, it transports more easily on the planes.

Gear

Some activities require special gear, we do have a variety of outdoor gear on hand; however, some items must be rented or purchased in Anchorage by the guest before departing for the lodge. Complete details about your special clothing needs can be discussed upon your confirmation of reservations.

Season

We welcome guests year round.

Insurance

We do carry insurance that requires each guest to sign an Acknowledgment of Risks form before they can participate in any of our Alaskan Adventures.

Group Size

We limit our guests to ten people at any given time during the season. We believe in PERSONALIZED service.

Getting There

Ground transportation from Anchorage to Chitina, our ground/air/hub, takes an average of about 5 hours. Our ground/air/hub and the 50-minute flight to the lodge are included in the price.

Guests may arrange to fly commercially to Valdez via Era Airlines and then charter to and from there at their expense. We can help you with arrangements. A combination of transportation may be used.

Guides

Our powder guides for skiers are well trained and safety is our prime concern.