Our Philosophy:
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to inspire and cultivate personal and environmental responsibility, introspection and integral thinking by providing superior climbing guiding services in Alaska and worldwide. |
Integral Philosophy, Ecotourism and Business
(Matt got a BA in Philosophy, so this section can be a bit thick!!)
Our guides are sincerely enthusiastic and motivated to share Alaska’s wilderness with you.
This business follows an Integral approach. "Integral" means comprehensive, inclusive, balanced, not leaving anything out. Another good definition is: Mind, Body and Spirit in Self, Culture and Nature. We strive to guide and operate our business honoring and integrating "All Quadrants and All Levels" (AQAL) of human states and stages. ...But we are down to earth too...
There is currently an "integral revolution" occurring around the world, as all the old and partial approaches are being questioned, and new and more integral responses are being explored. For more information on Integral Philosophy try perusing the edgy site: Integral Naked
For an explanation on how this can be expressed in Business, check out: Fred Kofman's Foreword to:
The Spirit of Conscious Business By Ken Wilber.
We have also been inspired by companies like Patagonia, who believe that they can follow their passion and make a positive difference in this world. Influential philosophers include: Ken Wilber, Kierkegaard, The Dali Lama, Kirin Mishra, Dan Millman and Rodger Walsh. Just to name a few… If any of this interests you, find us on Facebook.
Ecotourism Guidelines:
We seek environmentally sustainable economic growth while minimizing visitor impacts on
wildlands, wildlife, Native cultures, and local communities by offering literature, briefings, leading by
example, taking corrective action or other appropriate means.Travel modes and facilities used maintain a low impact on the natural environment; tour use is
sustainable over time without significantly altering the resource or negatively affecting the
experience.We provide direct benefits to the local economy and local inhabitants thereby providing an
incentive for local support and preservation of wild areas and wildlife habitat.We seek appropriate means to minimize their effects on the environment in all phases of their
operations including office practices.We ensure that managers, staff and contract employees know and participate in all aspects of
company policy to prevent impacts on the environment, Native cultures, and local communities.There is an educational emphasis and purposeful desire for travelers to learn about the natural
and cultural history of the places they visit.There is a formula for the business and guests to contribute to local non-profit efforts for
environmental protection.The travel is in the spirit of appreciation, participation, and sensitivity. At some point, a
tour group becomes too large to be considered "ecotourism."
Cancellation Policy:
14 day advanced cancellation notice is necessary for refund. Anything less than 14 days will receive no refund. There are no refunds once a trip has commenced. If the trip is on weather delay we can reschedule for a later time or date. Trips cancelled due to weather/safety, at the discretion of the guide before departure, will receive full refund if clients have not utilized transportation. All no-show clients will forfeit any reimbursement. When in doubt, try to reschedule.
Note: Our Expeditions cancellation policy is different and is found in our:
Travel Insurance:
The Ascending Path strongly recommends that you consider purchasing trip insurance in the event of weather, illness or any other emergency, which delays or prevents you from reaching your destination during your trip. Take this time to review our Cancellation Policy to determine where additional coverage might be applicable to your situation.
We recommend clients to purchase trip insurance at: Insure My Trip
Directions to our Summmer Yurt
To get to Girdwood,drive south on the New Seward Highway from Anchorage. Turn L onto Alyeska Highway (at Tesoro Gas Station) and follow to T-intersection. Make a L onto Arlberg Rd. Arlberg Rd dead-ends at the Alyeska Prince Hotel. Park your car and come around to our yurt at the base of the Alyeska Tram. Address: 1000 Arlberg Rd Girdwood, AK 99587
View Larger Map
Girdwood, Alaska
