FAQS

Kenai Tri Adventure: A Five-Day Alaskan Expedition

Q: On day 4 when on the water, will the VITAL group be kayaking as a team on the water?

A: Day 4 is an active recovery day. We have chartered a boat for just VITAL members. We will be fishing and kayaking for pleasure and exploring the Kenai Fjords National Park. The charter service will have certified kayaking guides on board guiding us around the water to show us the points of interest and provide safety protocols. 

Q: While kayaking, what should we wear? Wetsuits?

A: When kayaking in Alaska, it is best to layer your clothing. Wetsuits are not required. Synthetic fabrics or wool are highly recommended, as they retain warmth when damp and are also breathable. A warm jacket is recommended. If you are traveling with rain gear, bring it along, as well as a cap and sunglasses. We also have spare rain jackets if needed, but we recommend, if doing a full-day trip, bringing your own plus using ours if it’s raining. Just in case. Waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots work best for footwear. An extra pair of socks always comes in handy for full-day trips, or to have on hand for afterwards. Dry bags are available for storing an extra layer, your camera, and binoculars while you are kayaking, just let your guide know you need one. We rent dry suits, and other gear to rentals and overnight clients.

(Source: https://www.millerslandingak.com/faq/)

Q: What can I expect from a VITAL guided Kayak experience?

A: The Charter company provides friendly, informative, and trained kayak guides and all necessary sea kayak equipment, safety gear, cooking gear, dry bags, utensils, shelters and much more to make our trip safe and enjoyable. We not only promise you a great experience but also act as stewards towards the environment we work in in hopes to protect it for the next person. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided.

Q: Is the hiking going to be on trails or is it off trail at all?

A: All three hikes are established trails. The hike at Alyeska is a maintained mountain resort trail. The Lost Lake trail is more rugged and will have some varied surface and growth to navigate, but will well marked. We will have a guide with us at Lost Lake Trail as well as staff on each hike who are very familiar with all of the trails we take. 

Q: How challenging is the hiking portion of the Kenai Tri?

A: This is a level 2 VITAL Adventure.  All Kenai Tri hikes are moderate in difficulty and elevation. The challenge comes from the time on feet // endurance required for the long hike, and the three consecutive days of hiking (25-30 miles in total). Day 2 will be the most challenging with a 14 mile hike that will test each athlete's stamina. The elevation range of all three hikes will be between 2000 - 3100 feet elevation change. The key is training consistently and hitting the distance in the long hikes included in the training. 

Who is this for?

This retreat is rated Level II. This means it's suitable for you if:

1.

You’re OK with hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks, roots and some muddy sections.

2.

You’re comfortable hiking three days in a row. Our shortest hike (including breaks) is two and half hours, and our longest is ten hours (including time for snacks and meals, lots of water breaks, photo ops)

3.

You're OK with some exposure to narrow trails and inclement weather (don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list).

VITAL Adventure Levels:

Q: Will VITAL provide us with an Essential Gear list so I know what kind of shoes and pack to purchase or bring?

Q: Are we staying in the same hotel the entire trip?

Q: What is the VITAL Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy?

LEVEL I: Active Outdoor Hikes & Exercise Activities

  • Time on Trail: 1-4 hours
    Terrain: Moderate vertical gains, well-marked and cleared trails

    Description:
     Level I hikes are perfect for active individuals with a general fitness routine. These hikes feature well-maintained trails with moderate inclines, offering a manageable challenge for those comfortable with steady, consistent activity. Participants can expect 1-4 hours on the trail, with elevation changes that do not require advanced technical skills. These hikes are an ideal entry point for those seeking a mix of physical challenge and scenic enjoyment.

LEVEL II: Endurance and Strength Focused Hikes and Events

  • Time on Trail: 4-10 hours
    Terrain: Moderate to challenging vertical gains, varied trail conditions

  • Description:
     Level II hikes are for hikers and runners aiming to increase stamina and strength. These hikes require a solid fitness base and focus on building endurance for longer distances and strength to handle climbs and varied terrain. Participants will encounter trails with moderate to challenging elevation, requiring both physical endurance and mental resilience. Hikers should be comfortable hiking for 4-10 hours and ready to tackle climbs, descents, and variable conditions. These hikes range from 8 to 18 miles and offer a rewarding challenge for those ready to push their limits.

LEVEL III: Ultra Endurance Hikes

  • Time on Trail: 8+ hours
    Terrain: Challenging vertical gains, rugged and technical trails

  • Description:
    Level III hikes are designed for experienced adventurers with a high fitness level. These hikes push endurance to the limit, featuring rugged trails with significant climbs and descents. Participants should be prepared for steep terrain, rocky paths, and potentially extreme weather conditions. These hikes typically cover distances of 15-25 miles, with elevation changes of 6,000 feet or more, requiring stamina, strength, and confidence to navigate technical terrain. These hikes are for those ready to take on a physically demanding challenge.

Yes, VITAL will provide an extensive recommended gear list for this trip. This is a trip where the weather could be sunny and 70 or rainy, windy, and 49 degrees. Trail shoes, Rain shell jackets, capilene and/or wool base layers are on the list. 

We will be staying in two different locations. The first night we will be staying at one of Alaska premier resorts, Alyeska Resort. This is for Day 1 shakeout hike, use of the renowned Nordic Spa, and our team kickoff dinner. Resort stays: 300 deluxe hotel rooms!

  • Nordic spa + salt water pools

  • 60 passenger aerial scenic tram

  • easy access to open space, nature trails + walking paths

  • Seven glacier restaurant + Kaldi Brothers coffee

Nights 2-4 we will move to a new and hip retreat that VITAL has secured called Salted Roots. This is a unique property with varying rooms and charming amenities nestled in the woods and on the beach of Resurrection Bay.  Unique stays: Aframes, cabins + a bus!

  • Yoga studio

  • Beach

  • Firepit

KENAI PAYMENT BREAKDOWN:

  • Total Fee per Person: $5,300

  • Deposit: $1,000 to secure your spot

Payment Due Dates:

  • March 1, 2025: $2,150

  • May 1, 2025: Final payment of $2,150

CANCELLATION POLICY FEE SCHEDULE:

  • 96+ days before the trip:

    • $200 cancellation fee (from now until May 22, 2025)

  • 61-95 days before the trip:

    • 30% of the trip price is non-refundable ($1,590)

    • (from May 23, 2025, to June 26, 2025)

  • 31-60 days before the trip:

    • 60% of the trip price is non-refundable ($3,180)

    • (from June 27, 2025, to July 26, 2025)

  • 0-30 days before the trip:

    • No refund

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances. For any questions, please contact us at Contact@vitalventures.live

Why Vital?

Commitment

Commitment to your health and training

Self Discovery

Self discovery and the world around us (discover what you can do, discover who you are and discover the lands and nature around us)

Connection

Connection to the community

More Questions?