The Lowe River area is more commonly referred to as Valdez because of its close location to the city.  A high concentration of quality, multi-pitch routes with short approaches exist off of the Lowe River which drains through the Keystone Canyon.  Consequently, the Valdez area is known as a world class destination for ice climbing. 

The main Valdez Ice Climbing guidebook by the late Dr. Embick and company has been out of print for some time.  Fortunately, an online guide with excerpts from the guidebook is now available.  Another great resource for the area is the website dedicated to the current ice conditions in Valdez.

Early spring brings the annual Valdez Ice Climbing Festival filled with numerous activities including bar-b-ques, climbing competitions, and slide shows.  Don't miss this awesome event.  For more information on this year's festival go to the Valdez Festival website.

Click here to view recent posts on the conditions in this area.