The National Park Service (NPS) has completed the selection process for the concession contracts authorizing guided mountaineering expeditions within the portion of Denali National Park and Preserve formerly known as Mt. McKinley National Park.
Contracts for the years 2017-2026 will be awarded to the following operators: Alaska Mountaineering School LLC, Alpine Ascents International Inc., IMG Denali LLC, Mountain Trip Alaska LLC, and Rainier Mountaineering Inc. The National Outdoor Leadership School was awarded a contract for its historic usage.
Visitor services to be provided under the terms of the new contracts are essentially the same as under past contracts, but include increased opportunity for commercial climbing during the shoulder seasons, through the implementation of the 2012 Climbing Allocation Environmental Assessment, and an expansion of the geographic area of authorization for climbing activities to include the entire Alaska Range within the boundaries of the park.
The selection process was very competitive; more proposals were received than contracts available to award. As required by law under the Alaska National Lands Interest Conservation Act (ANILCA), preference was given to qualified local residents.
In the upcoming months contracts will be sent to the operators for signatures and once signed, NPS officials will sign and award the contracts.
Tags: concessions
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
