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Frequently Asked Questions
| How do I get
to McCarthy? |
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This is one of the top questions we get asked. One of the reasons that folks like to come out to this corner of Alaska is that it's remote, even by Alaska standards. But that means it takes a bit more planning for transportation.
You can
get
to McCarthy by motor vehicle or air. Access
into McCarthy from where the road ends at the Kennicott river
is via a footbridge - you must park near the bridge. Transportation
will
be
provided
from
the
footbridge
in
to
town. Click for more information on getting
to McCarthy.
| What's
Included |
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All
group camping gear (tents, stoves, fuel, food, etc) |
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Professional
guide service |
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Storage
of extra gear and travel items while in the wilderness |
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Ground
transportation in McCarthy/Kennicott |
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| What's
not included |
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Airfare
to Alaska |
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Transport between Anchorage and McCarthy |
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Lodging
in Anchorage |
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Lodging
in McCarthy |
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Personal
gear (sleeping bags, packs, rain gear, clothing etc.) |
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Trip
insurance (just
in case a trip gets canceled due to weather) |
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Alcoholic
beverages |
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Gratuities |
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| What gear do I need to bring? |
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Trek Alaska provides all group gear including tents, stoves, fuel and fuel cannisters, cooking gear, dining tarp, all food for the trip, first aid kit, VHF radio and all other equipment that will be shared by the entire group. This gear will be devided among participants for carrying.
Each participant will need to provide all of their own personal gear such as pack, sleeping pad and bag, boots, clothing, eating utensils, etc.
See our gear checklist for a complete listing of what you will need to bring.
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| What
services do the guides provide? |
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Your
guide will
meet you upon arrival and manage all the logistics of your wilderness
trip until your departure. While in the McCarthy/Kennicott area
they can arrange for local transportation, Kennicott tours or other
details. They will meet with the group the night before departure into the backcountry and go over everyone's gear and distribute food and other group gear.
In
the backcountry your guide will manage all organizational aspects
of day to day life in the mountains. He will take charge of route
finding and navigation and be responsive to the client's needs and
interests. The guide will take care of meal preparation and other
camp chores although group participation is always appreciated.
Beyond these basic functions, your guide will do all he can to make
your trip as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. He also will take
advantage of opportunities to teach new skills. One of our goals
is to provide you with skill and experience that you can apply to
future adventures.
Clients will be responsible for setting up their tents and packing
up their gear.
Custom
trips can be arranged for any group size. Any of our regular group
trips can be done as a custom trip or we can plan somethhing especially
for your group. Trips can be organized for any group size but prices
will be greatere the smaller the group.
| Reservations/Deposits |
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Reserve your adventure
early to guarantee your desired dates. A deposit of 50% per person
is required to reserve a trip with Trek Alaska.
We accept personal or cashiers checks and wire transfers.
Remaining balances must be paid 60 days prior to the start of the
adventure. Reservations made within 60 days prior to a starting
date require payment in full.
| What's your cancellation policy? |
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Cancellations
made more than 90 days prior to the trip starting date will be refunded in full
minus a $75/per person administration fee. Cancellations made within 90-45 days
of the trip starting date will be refunded 50% of the balance. Within 45 days of the trip start date, it will likely be impossible for us to fill that spot in our schedule. Therefore no refunds will be given for cancellations made within 45 days of the trip
starting date.
If
a trip is cancelled by Trek Alaska for any reason, a full refund will be made.
| What happens in the event
of bad weather |
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Weather
in Alaska is difficult to predict, especially in the mountain wilderness of this rugged area. It is possible
that we could find ourselves grounded in McCarthy due to weather conditions
that make flying impossible. In such circumstances we would consider
the options of waiting out the weather or selecting a different itinerary if possible.
No refunds can be made if a trip is canceled, modified or delayed
due to weather conditions. When planning your return home after your
adventure, you might want to plan an extra day as a cushion in case
our return to McCarthy is delayed due to weather. It would be unusual
for a trip to be cancelled due to weather, and it's never happened yet, but you might want to consider
trip insurance.
| What about gratuities for guides? |
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Many
people are unsure of what is customary regarding gratuities for guiding
services. Our rates for trips do not include a gratuity for your guide. Any gratuities are at the clients discretion and
amounts are typically within the 10-15% range. Our guides work very
hard to make sure your adventure is a success. They
strive
to
make
your
wilderness
experience
a more
comfortable
and
enjoyable one. Guides aren't making Wall Street wages so always appreciate any gratuity offered.
The
best year-round method of contact is via email. info@trekalaska.com
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Winter (October-May)
Trek Alaska
6436 Carlos Ct.
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
907-350-3710
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Summer (June-September)
Trek Alaska
Box MXY
McCarthy, Alaska 99588
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