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Isanotski from the south
(photo by John Bauman) <click to enlarge>
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Isanotski Peaks
8025 ft (2446 m)
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Location: |
Unimak Island in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska |
Lat / Long: | 54.8° N, 163.7° W |
Volcanic Type: | Dissected stratovolcano |
Volcanic Status: | Dormant / extinct |
First Ascent: | |
First Ski Descent: | |
Skiable Vertical: | over 7500 ft (2300 m) |
Administration: | Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge |
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The Isanotski Peaks are the spectacularly eroded remnants of a large stratovolcano on Unimak Island.
Isanotski is the second highest mountain in the Aleutians, trailing only its western neighbor Shishaldin.
The upper portions of the cone form a number of very steep spires and pinnacles separated by deep couloirs,
all typically encased in a thick layer of rime ice. Isanotski is by far the most difficult mountaineering
challenge in the Aleutians, and a ski descent from anywhere near the summit would certainly fall in the
extreme category. The best way to reach Unimak Island is to fly into the native village of False Pass,
about 15 miles (25 km) east of Isanotski, from Anchorage via Cold Bay on Pen Air. The neighboring summit of
Roundtop would also provide a fine (much easier) ski mountaineering objective from False Pass on the way to
Isanotski and Shishaldin.
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Some useful links:
Global Volcanism Program: Isanotski
Alaska Volcano Observatory
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Isanotski Corporation (Alaska native corporation in False Pass)
Pen Air (Peninsula Airways)
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Topographic map of Shishaldin and Isanotski (1:250,000 scale)
from USGS Unimak and False Pass
<click to enlarge>
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More photos and info about routes, access, etc. may be added in the future ... |
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