Do you have what it takes?
In the Grit Challenge on Gunsight Mountain, participants push their physical and mental limits while navigating rugged terrain, building survival skills, and mastering wilderness challenges, all while developing resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a deep connection to the wild landscape.
Course Details
This course is for students entering 10th grade through 12th grade in the fall.
Students must have completed a MOI course or demonstrate relevant experience for approval.
4 Days
July 4 - 12: FULL
August 1 - 9: FULL
$950
What you’ll learn
Students spend this course preparing for and backpacking through some of the most challenging and beautiful country in the world. While it is not the easiest way to see Alaska, it really is the BEST! On the ground exploration is the only way to get personal with the Last Great Wilderness.
Meal Planning and Packing
Navigating and Hiking in the Backountry
Outdoor cooking with fire and camp stoves
Selecting and Using Equipment
What to expect:
This course takes place at our campus overlooking the Matanuska Glacier and in the nearby backcountry of the Talkeetna Mountains. We begin with training at our Base Camp, emphasizing essential backpacking skills such as gear selection, packing techniques, navigation, and camp setup. Participants will also spend time learning backcountry safety and leave-no-trace principles, with discussions and planning sessions held around the campfire.
Make Friends
Students will be spending the week with a group of people who share a passion for adventure. Bonding over shared experiences and challenges creates friendships that will last a lifetime.
Be Challenged
Backpacking is a physically and mentally challenging activity that makes for long days: Students hike long distances, carrying a heavy backpack, and sleep on the ground.
Learn
We learn and practice skills that are applicable to all of your life, such as navigation (finding your way in the world), camping (taking care of yourself and your possessions in challenging environments), and cooking (planning and preparing meals for yourself and others).
Courses for Summer 2025 Available NOW!
Scholarships Available
We want our courses to be accessible to everyone.
Generous donations from our community make this program possible. Thanks to our partners, we are able to offer discounts for a limited number of students. They can’t last forever, so take advantage of them while supplies last! Sponsors and scholarship amounts will change each month. Booking earlier will save you more.
This month’s sponsor is MICA Guides. Book online and use the code MICAGUIDES to save 50% on your tuition.
