What Alaska Alpine Adventures does

Alaska Alpine Adventures is a privately held, founder-owned adventure tour operator founded in 1998 by Dan Oberlatz and headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. The company designs and delivers fully-guided, all-inclusive small-group wilderness expeditions (capped at 8 guests, typically 4:1 client-to-guide ratio) across all eight of Alaska's National Parks — Lake Clark, Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Katmai, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kobuk Valley, Aniakchak — and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Core product lines include backpacking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and multisport tours ranging from 4-day Quick Getaways to 12-day signature expeditions, with add-on services covering Private Adventures, Alaska Trip Consulting, and Gear Rental.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer model with bookings processed through its website, phone (direct and toll-free), email, and a travel agent referral program. Per-person trip pricing spans approximately $3,995 to $9,695, with a $1,000 deposit required and interest-free payment plans offered. Annual operating capacity is approximately 300 guests across ~55 trips, with all-inclusive pricing bundling expert guides, meals, equipment, ground transportation, and bush flights — the latter delivered through a network of more than 10 Alaska air taxi partners (Wright Air Service, Lake & Pen Air, K2 Aviation, Golden Eagle Outfitters, Brooks Range Aviation, Lake Clark Air, Katmai Air, Rust's Flying Service, Wrangell Mountain Air, and Alaska West Air) that constitute a critical operational moat.

The company is bootstrapped, with Dan Oberlatz serving as owner and Nick Allen as General Manager. It has been recognized by National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, Men's Journal, TripAdvisor (Top Rated), and Google Reviews (5-star), and reports a 98% traveler recommendation rate across 6,000+ lifetime guests. Strategic positioning emphasizes sustainability (1% for the Planet member, Adventure Green Alaska certified, ATTA member, Leave No Trace practitioner) and active conservation advocacy, notably opposition to the Pebble Mine. The underlying technology footprint is minimal — limited to a website, booking system, social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), and Google reCAPTCHA — with the core value proposition resting on human guide expertise, route knowledge, and access logistics rather than software.

Name

Alaska Alpine Adventures

Legal name

Alaska Alpine Adventures

Website

https://alaskaalpineadventures.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Alaska Alpine Adventures is a founder-owned, Anchorage-based adventure tour operator founded in 1998 that runs fully-guided, small-group (max 8) wilderness expeditions across all 8 Alaska national parks, offering backpacking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and multisport trips priced $3,995–$9,695 per person for individual leisure travelers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Tour Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520), Tour Operators (56152), Travel Agencies (561510)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides (THAAADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Polar & Remote-Destination Expedition Tour Operators (THAKADAM), Eco-Adventure Multi-Day Expeditions (Trekking, Hut-to-Hut, Pack Trips) (THAAAEAJ), Adventure & Expedition Travel Agencies (THAKAFAB), Wildlife & Nature Interpretation Guides (Birding, Photography, Naturalist) (THAAALAE)

Keywords

• Guided adventure tours
• Backpacking expeditions
• Wilderness hiking trips
• National park tours
• Small group adventures

Headquarters

HQ city

Anchorage

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Adventure Tour Bookings: Alaska Alpine Adventures generates revenue through selling all-inclusive guided adventure tours across Alaska's national parks. Tours include backpacking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and multisport expeditions. Pricing is per-person and varies by trip duration, location, and complexity. A $1,000 deposit is required to secure bookings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Alaska Alpine Adventures sells fully-guided, all-inclusive small-group adventure expeditions into Alaska's remote national parks and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Its catalog covers backpacking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, multisport, family, and short quick-getaway itineraries, with each trip including professional guides, meals, gear, bush flights, and ground transportation. Pricing is per person and ranges from roughly $3,995 for a 4-day trip to $9,695 for a 12-day expedition, secured with a $1,000 deposit.

Product overview

Alaska Alpine Adventures is an adventure tour operator offering fully-guided wilderness expeditions exclusively within Alaska's national parks and wildlife refuges. The portfolio centers on small-group (capped at 8 guests) guided adventure trips spanning backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and rafting activities across eight national parks (Lake Clark, Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Katmai, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kobuk Valley, Aniakchak) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Core products include Backpacking Trips, Hiking Trips, Kayaking Trips, Rafting Trips, Multisport Tours, Family Adventures, and Quick Getaways. Add-on services encompass Private Adventures (custom itineraries for exclusive groups), Alaska Trip Consulting, and Gear Rental. All trips include professional guide service, meals, transportation, and equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Backpacking Trips

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of travelers recommend Alaska Alpine Adventures
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

47 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Therm-a-RestminorOthersGear partnership providing sleeping pads and camping equipment for expedition trips.
• Cascade DesignsminorOthersParent company of Therm-a-Rest and other outdoor gear brands providing equipment for expeditions.
• 1% for the PlanetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental partnership where Alaska Alpine Adventures donates 1% of net revenue to conservation and humanitarian organizations. Dan Oberlatz is a leader in the rural tourism industry promoting responsible travel.
• Leave No TracecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong practitioners of Leave No Trace principles in all wilderness operations. Guides trained in low-impact outdoor ethics.
• Wright Air ServicecoreOthersBettles-based air taxi providing access to Gates of the Arctic NP and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Known for efficiency and operational expertise.
• Lake & Pen AircoreOthersFamily-owned air taxi based in Port Alsworth serving Lake Clark, Kenai Peninsula, and Bristol Bay regions with 30+ years of experience.
• K2 AviationcoreOthersNPS-approved concessionaire based in Talkeetna focusing on flightseeing and Denali National Park support services. Family-owned since 1963.
• Golden Eagle OutfitterscoreOthersKotzebue-based air taxi serving Kobuk Valley NP, Cape Krusenstern, and Bering Land Bridge. Provides access to northwest Arctic parks.
• Brooks Range AviationcoreOthersBettles-based air service providing complete outfitting and air transportation to Gates of the Arctic NP. Known for excellent customer service and fair business practices.
• SOARminorOthersInflatable canoe manufacturer providing versatile adventure crafts for expeditions.
• Outdoor ResearchminorOthersOutdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer providing gear for expeditions.
• Mountain Safety Research (MSR)minorOthersTent and shelter manufacturer providing spacious, reliable camping equipment.
• Black Diamond EquipmentminorOthersEquipment manufacturer for rock climbers, alpinists, and backcountry skiers.
• Pike's Waterfront LodgeminorOthersFairbanks-based lodging partner with comfortable rooms, steam room, sauna, and riverside deck.
• Copper Whale InnminorOthersAnchorage lodging partner offering comfort and natural wonders for visitors.
• Denali Grizzly Bear ResortminorOthersDenali hotel with 92 rooms overlooking the Nenana River, many newly built in 2015.
• Devils Mountain LodgeminorOthersWrangell-St. Elias National Park lodge owned by the Elis family with 50 years of homesteading roots.
• Harborview InnminorOthersSeward hotel in the heart of downtown with relaxed setting and up-to-date amenities.
• Hotel Captain CookminorOthersDowntown Anchorage luxury hotel with 547 rooms and suites overlooking Cook Inlet or Chugach Mountains. Preferred Hotels & Resorts member.
• Kennicott Glacier LodgeminorOthersOnly lodge in historic Kennicott, Alaska with views of Kennicott Glacier, Mount Blackburn, and Chugach Mountains.
• Susitna Place Bed & BreakfastminorOthers4,000 sq ft B&B in quiet downtown Anchorage location overlooking Cook Inlet.
• The Farm LodgeminorOthersLake Clark National Park lodge in Port Alsworth with modern waterfront accommodations.
• The Lakefront AnchorageminorOthersLake Spenard waterfront hotel next to floatplane activity with direct airport access.
• Valdez Harbor InnminorOthersValdez waterfront hotel with wide range of onsite amenities and services.
• Adventure Green AlaskacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnly Alaska certification program for tourism businesses meeting rigorous sustainability standards for economic, environmental, and social responsibility.
• Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal association serving 900+ members in 80 countries promoting sustainable development of adventure tourism.
• Alaska Travel Industry AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide tourism association providing marketing resources, education, and advocacy. Dan Oberlatz serves as Vice Chair and incoming Chair.
• Sustainable Travel InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization harnessing travel and tourism as a force for good in communities and environments.
• Visit AnchorageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial source for Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska travel information.
• Lake Clark AircoreOthersNative Alaskan-owned air taxi covering entire state including Lake Clark and Katmai NPs. Glen Alsworth, Sr. has 30,000+ flight hours.
• Katmai AircoreOthersMulti-generational family aviation company flying Bristol Bay region for 50+ years, operating famous Brooks Lodge.
• Rust's Flying ServicecoreOthersFamily-owned since 1963 with unsurpassed safety record, summer floatplane and winter ski operations from Lake Hood in Anchorage.
• Wrangell Mountain AircoreOthersLeading provider of flight services in Wrangell-St. Elias NP since 1992. Kelly & Natalie Bay have 30+ years of Alaska wilderness flying experience.
• Alaska West AirminorOthersNorth Kenai family air service specializing in backcountry skiing and glacier landing in Chugach and Aleutian Mountains.
• Alaska Sausage & SeafoodminorOthersAlaska-based supplier of smoked salmon and gourmet sausages with reindeer meat.
• North Bay Trading Co.minorOthersFamily business established in 1987 delivering high quality food to commercial and retail customers.
• National Wildlife FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization working to safeguard America's wildlife and wild places.
• Protect Our WintersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization mobilizing outdoor recreation community against climate change.
• Renewable Resources CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition preserving Alaska's fishing, hunting resources and the lands and waters they need.
• Trout UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking with anglers and communities to stop Pebble Mine and protect Bristol Bay. Alaska Alpine Adventures actively opposes Pebble Mine development.
• Big Swig ToursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnchorage-based tour partner offering storytelling experiences.
• St. Elias Alpine GuidesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWrangell-St. Elias region guiding partner for alpine adventures.
• HillebergminorOthersFamily-owned tent manufacturer with 40 years of experience in lightweight, all-season tents.
• Mountain HardwearminorOthersCalifornia-based outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer.
• Backcountry AccessminorOthersBackcountry safety gear and avalanche rescue equipment manufacturer.
• DPS SkisminorOthersPremium ski manufacturer founded in 2005 by professional skier and ski engineer.
• Northern IllustrationminorOthersLocal graphic design and illustration services by Justin Ritter.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• St. Elias Alpine Guides: Wrangell-St. Elias region guiding partner of Alaska Alpine Adventures offering alpine and glacier experiences. Local Alaska wilderness guide competitor with overlapping service area.
• Wildland Trekking: Operates guided backpacking, hiking, and basecamp trips in US national parks including Alaska. Closely comparable small-group guided wilderness model with similar target customer.
• Mountain Travel Sobek: Pioneer of guided adventure travel offering hiking, trekking, and multisport expeditions worldwide. Comparable legacy brand, multi-day expedition structure, and remote-destination focus, though global rather than Alaska-specific.
• Austin Adventures: Family-owned small-group guided adventure tour operator offering hiking, rafting, and multisport trips in national parks. Comparable small-operator, family-feel business model and all-inclusive pricing strategy.
• Natural Habitat Adventures: Specializes in small-group guided wildlife and wilderness trips, including Alaska polar bear and Denali itineraries. Closest direct peer in premium small-group guided nature travel with similar conservation partnerships and award recognition.
• Alpine Ascents International: Premium guiding company specializing in mountaineering and wilderness expeditions including Alaska (Denali, Revelations). Comparable high-touch guided wilderness offering at premium price points with strong guide credentials.

Broad incumbents

• Backroads: Premium active-adventure tour operator offering guided biking, hiking, and multisport trips worldwide. Comparable premium small-group model and all-inclusive pricing, though broader geographic footprint and broader activity mix.
• G Adventures: Global small-group adventure tour operator offering trips across 100+ countries including Alaska. Comparable small-group guided adventure model though broader scope and more budget-tier positioning.
• Exodus Adventure Travels: Established UK-based adventure tour operator with worldwide guided hiking, trekking, and wildlife trips. Comparable multi-day guided adventure product structure and small-group format.
• REI Adventures: REI's adventure travel arm runs multi-day guided trips across global destinations including Alaska. Comparable in offering fully-guided small-group wilderness trips, but operates as part of REI's broader retail/co-op ecosystem rather than specializing in Alaska.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Alaskagurus/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/AlaskaAlpineAdventures
• Instagraminstagram.com/alaskagurus
• Xx.com/alaskagurus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alaska-alpine-adventures-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alaska Alpine Adventures