Hi,

This summer while hiking Sweden, my girl and me thought we want to do a Cross Alaska. Northern point to most southern point.
This is NOT going to be on a motorbike/car/truck, but most likely hiking/langlaufing or SnowKiting - or something similar.

So, as two Dutchies we have never been there, and it is quite an expedition. Therefore we need experience with crossing huge distances, surviving the weather, plan what to eat/drink and how much fuel is needed.

This whole plan came from the fact that I always wanted to go to Alaska, do something really epic. A few years ago I saw the trailer for this movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfvJIUI8veA


I ordered a map from Alaska, did some very basic research. And of course, this is NOT going to happen this year, but in 2025 or so, because we need to learn to Snowkite and much more.

So, long shot, but any push in the right is something nice right now!

Thanks!

Alex

Mmmm. So we're talking Barrow to someplace south of Ketchikan.

Let me stick my neck out a bit and say that this is not a one-year project. Unlike the people in the linked video, you'll have multiple major mountain ranges to traverse (interspersed with mere minor mountain ranges), long sections of muskeg (unless you're following roads or rail lines, of which there are only a few, this would mean densely-treed bogs), plus large bodies of salt water and major rivers to cross. In summer the weather might be reasonably warm (except at altitude), but much of the way travel is really only possible during the winter freeze, during which it is ridiculously cold (duh) and dark. Stringing together a single complete trip without relying heavily on mechanical transport, deep-pocketed sponsors, and an extensive support system would be beyond improbable.

You're looking for something "really epic." You could pick a segment--say, the St. Elias mountains--and make a major expedition out of it, sell film rights to the National Geographic, and live out your days making motivational speeches to major corporations. You could string together successive trips during the appropriate seasons spread over a number of years and earn a measure of fame for yourselves (and bragging rights for your sponsors). You could even drive the overwhelming bulk of the mileage, use state ferries for much of the remainder, fill in gaps with the occasional bush plane, and call it a pretty damn good summer vacation.

Actually, that last bit might serve you well in your preparations. Why not go there next summer, have a look around, see what you're up against? If it still looks like a go, stop back during mid-winter. You'll want to consider as well the length of time you can actually spend in the US with your visa or visa waiver.

[/cynicism]

Having spent time in Alaska in winter/summer and lived in Europe here are my thoughts :

The sheer size and lack of infrastructure, population, services etc of the Last Frontier is beyond comprehension for most; it is over four times the size of Sweden and nearly have the size of the current EU.
It has less than one million population.

When I worked there (late 1990’s) I was told there were more small planes than cars/trucks in Alaska because there are so few roads in the state.
And private planes still regularly go missing never to be found again despite exhaustive searches – it is vast remoteness.

In summer its cool to cold.
In winter its cold to extremely cold and dark most of the day.

Hiking the muskeg is similar to slogging through deep snow – one is completely exhausted within a couple of hours.
The bugs, even with personal protection i.e. deet, bug net etc, can drive you over the edge within one night.
Though bug season can be relatively short.

Scheduling the time of year is obviously critical.

I have no experience with snow kites but it seems like a viable means of transportation in early and late winter to traverse the vast distances with relative ease.
As Mark mentioned river crossings will be challenging unless frozen or you have air transport.

IMHO attempting a bush-whacking hike through Alaska’s backcountry is a non-starter.

If you can piece together a series of existing resource roads, established trails and cut lines with regular air support for supplies you might have a decent chance.

From a Western perspective with enough time and money i.e. technology anything is possible and from an Eastern perspective with the right mind set anything is possible.

Perhaps a combination of both will provide you the means to have a successful crossing.

Check out Karsten’s film on his 1500km trip across the Arctic to get a feel for the conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsJ3w7hUfLs


HTH and good luck.

Riel

Ummmh.... this region and means of travel seems to be a tad easier doable:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX2L4bEfMSg


Cycling in Siberia at -30° Unfortunately only in German.

__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

Hi,

Sorry, took me a while. Was in Germany for a trailrun training week and mom fell ill so was busy with her for a week. However, thanks for replying and thinking along!

@markharf;
Yes, Barrow would be the starting point. End point not really pinpointed yet.
The mountain ranges are indeed a problem, and probably quite difficult to get over/around. Same goes for the water/rivers.
Muskeg is a New term for me, but yes, that stuff will def slow you down in ways I can't imagine right now. No way to get through that easily....

I like your thought of making segments and use that as a way to get exposure and get things in motion. And see how it goes. Experiencing a few weeks will most likely teach me more than a lot of research!

"call it a pretty damn good summer vacation" --> this is s true and made me smile.

I might go there next year, just for 3 or 4 weeks and do a basic recon. See how it feels. To get things going.

@ Riel;
Yes, I was in Sweden and the size/remoteness there was already mindboggling! If Alaska is even "worse" it will be something... well.. What's larger than mindboggling?


For now, I've booked a Kiting week here in Netherlands. Learn how to kite. After that, a snow kiting trip is next. Perhaps after having done that, I'm done with the cold and snow and plan a week at the Bahama's

Keep you posted!

Blommetje

Glad to hear you're taking a measured approach. Regardless of what your trip ends up being, it's certain that 5 years of preparation and exploration will be worthwhile--and hopefully great fun.