Elite Traveler Spring 2022

INTO THE DEPTHS ALASKA, USA

Sheldon Chalet’s location is enough of a draw— only accessible by helicopter, it is perched on a totally isolated glacial nunatak in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Mount Denali’s magni fi cent Ruth Glacier. Surrounded by ice fi elds and glaciers, and with astonishing views of the mountain, it would be perfectly reasonable to spend your time here in awe of the mesmerizing landscape. But there is plenty to do —skiing, sledding, rappelling, glacier trekking and helitouring. This year sees a new o ff ering: ice crevasse and cavern exploration. Descend into the depths of the Don Sheldon Amphitheater to fi nd a frozen river that slowly fl ows around the chalet’s nunatak, exposing large glacial openings. Explore the glittering caverns, some reaching around 100 ft into the glacier (expert guides are with you all the way, and extensively assess the area) and marvel at the magical layers of ice and snow that are hundreds of years old. These caverns alter and sometimes disappear, so you might be gazing upon a cavern that will never be seen again. Pending fi nal scheduling, guests may participate with a team of scientists attempting to map the Don Sheldon Amphitheater and Great Gorge ice depth, as well as the glacial fl oor, using state-of-the-art technology unavailable to previous generations of explorers. This experience is available in fall, winter and spring —which is also the best time to see the Aurora Borealis as it illuminates the night sky and dances across the snowy peaks. From $47,000 per couple for 3-night minimum. Contact Marne Sheldon, owner, visit@sheldonchalet.com, +1 907 733 2414, sheldonchalet.com

Photos Dora Redman, Michael Pham