Mount Saint Elias

Mount Saint Elias is a major glaciated mountain on the border of Alaska (United States) and Yukon (Canada), rising to about 5,489 meters (18,009 feet). It is one of North America’s highest and most heavily glaciated peaks.

The mountain is notable for its dramatic relief - it rises steeply from coastal lowlands - and for long, technical climbs that involve extensive glacier travel and objective hazards. It is chiefly of interest to experienced alpinists and scientific parties studying glaciology and mountain geology.

The summit was first reached during the Duke of the Abruzzi’s 1897 expedition, which carried out important reconnaissance and high‑altitude work in the area. Since then it has remained a remote, technically demanding objective with few ascents relative to more accessible high peaks.

Geographically it sits on the Alaska‑Yukon boundary near the Gulf of Alaska, with approaches commonly launched from coastal towns and air access points in the region.

• Ranking: With an elevation of about 5,489 meters (18,009 feet) it is the second‑highest peak in both the United States and Canada.
• Climbing conditions: Weather and crevassed glaciers make approaches highly technical and logistically complex, restricting visits to experienced mountaineers and organised expeditions.

• If you're aiming to see Mount Saint Elias from the air or sea, book flightseeing or glacier-landing flights and small-boat trips well in advance-operators in Yakutat, Juneau and specialized Alaska outfitters frequently sell out in summer.
• Allow flexibility in your itinerary for weather-related cancellations-Mount Saint Elias is notorious for sudden weather changes, and many visitors combine plane/boat sightseeing with nearby towns rather than relying on a fixed single-day excursion.
• If you plan mountaineering on Saint Elias, only go with an experienced glacier‑travel expedition-this is a highly technical, remote peak on the Alaska-Yukon border and not appropriate for unguided attempts.