Grewingk Glacier

What to expect

Grewingk is remote and has no facilities or shelter. We will be responsible for self-rescue if anything goes wrong.

Grewingk Glacier Lake typically features a mix of smooth and rough ice due to snow, rain, and wind. It is unlikely to have perfect ice. But it always has amazing scenery.

Nordic skates are a nice option for smoothing out the rough parts, but figure and hockey skates can work as well. I typically bring both and decide at the lake's edge.

Instruction

We will talk through ice travel, safety, and rescue strategies. We'll also explore the ice looking for cool ice features and to discuss ice formation, strength, and warning signs.

Itinerary

You are responsible for travel to and from Homer and any lodging needs. There are daily flights from Anchorage on Ravn Airlines, but with limited seats (can also be booked through Alaska Airlines). Homer is a ~6 hour drive from Anchorage.

9:30 AM: We'll take a ~40 minute water taxi across Kachemak Bay. The ride can be bumpy and cold, but we will be in a sealed cabin.

The trail to the lake is 1.5 miles long with a few steep climbs. You can expect slow progress post-holing through deep snow with an ice crust.

3:30 PM: We'll meet the water taxi for the return trip to Homer. You can expect to be back at the car around 4:30.

Equipment

I will provide safety equipment. You are responsible for your own skating equipment, winter clothing, food, and water. You should skate with a spare set of clothing in a dry bag in a day pack. Skates can be rented in Anchorage: nordic skates at AMH and figure/hockey(?) skates at Play it Again Sports.

Hazards

Grewingk will almost certainly be cold and may be windy. During the skating season, the mountains get sunlight, but the lake does not.

The main hazards are thin ice, cracks in the ice that can catch a skate, and calving glacier/toppling ice bergs. We will avoid sections with ice thinner than 3 inches (8 cm). We will also avoid the ice exposed to potential calving from the glacier.

The most likely thing to go wrong is an impact injury from falling on the ice: wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, or head. Pads and other protective equipment are recommended.

Grewingk is remote and we will be responsible for self-rescue if anything goes wrong. The cost of this tour is reflection of our exposure to environmental hazards and the skillset required to manage someone breaking through the ice.

Cost

The expected cost is $495/person inclusive of the water taxi. That number can change depending on the number of participants. I'll know and share the final cost after gauging interest.

Reserve your spot

Shoot me an email to reserve your spot. As proof that you have read through this page, provide these details in your email:

• Nordic vs. figure/hockey skate
• Experience level both in terms of skating and spending a day outside in a remote and cold setting
• Age

Plans can change quickly and nothing is guaranteed! This is the life of chasing ice!